Rugby Australia CEO Andy Marinos to step down in coming weeks

Rugby Australia (RA) is set to undergo a leadership change as CEO, Andy Marinos, has announced his departure from the organisation in the coming weeks to pursue new opportunities. Marinos had joined RA in February 2021, with a mandate to revive and secure the immediate and long-term future of Rugby in Australia, as COVID-19 impacted the global sporting codes. During his tenure, Marinos played a significant role in steering RA through the challenges of the pandemic and turning around the financial fortunes of the organisation.

Under Marinos’ leadership, Rugby Australia went from a loss of AUD 27.1 million in 2020 to a profit of AUD 8.2 million in 2022. Additionally, he oversaw a number of key projects, including the finalisation of the 2027 and 2029 Rugby World Cups, locking in the 2025 British and Irish Lions Tour, planning for a new contracting model for the professional game, implementation of strategy to professionalise Women’s XVs Rugby, and a new four-year Collective Bargaining Agreement for professional men’s and women’s players.

Hamish McLennan, Chairman of RA, said Marinos had made a significant contribution to RA, and his departure is bittersweet. “We asked Andy to draw upon his impressive career experience and extensive global relationships to re-establish Rugby as a leading code in Australia – he has delivered on this and been fundamental in the turnaround of the business. Andy will leave RA having delivered several key projects, including the finalisation of the 2027 and 2029 Rugby World Cups, locking in the 2025 British and Irish Lions Tour, planning for a new contracting model for the professional game, implementation of strategy to professionalise Women’s XVs Rugby, and a new four-year Collective Bargaining Agreement for our professional men’s and women’s players.”

Marinos has expressed his appreciation for his tenure at RA, stating that he is proud of the work he and the team have accomplished in challenging times. He said, “I cannot overstate the commitment and incredible work ethic of the people around me at RA, and the roles they have played in helping drive some critical structural changes for Rugby in this country. The foundations have been established, and the business is now well-prepared to test the market for private equity investment, making it the right time for me to move on.”

Rugby Australia has initiated the recruitment process for a new CEO, while Marinos will remain at RA until mid-June to facilitate a smooth transition for the business.