Rugby Australia (RA) announced on Wednesday that Andy Marinos has been appointed as its new Chief Executive Officer following unanimous endorsement from the RA Board.
Marinos joins Rugby Australia following five years as the CEO of Sanzaar, and through this role, a statement said ‘Marinos has an established relationship with each of the Australian Super Rugby teams’.
Rugby Australia Chairman Hamish McLennan said that Marinos was the standout candidate with a strong global network, significant high performance, commercial and broadcast experience from around the world, as well as proven connections within the Australian game.
‘Andy is an extremely impressive and experienced rugby administrator who covered every key criterion that the board wanted to see in our new Chief Executive Officer. He’s called Australia home for the last five years and he has an outstanding understanding of the rugby landscape in this country.
‘He has a wealth of experience in managing broadcasters and commercial partners and also boasts impeccable relationships with the Six Nations Unions which, together with his Sanzaar connections, strengthens Rugby Australia’s Bid to host the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
‘Through his recent roles in Wales, with South African Rugby and with Sanzaar, Andy is uniquely placed to hit the ground running in 2021 with a new broadcast landscape and new competition structures.
‘This is an exciting time for rugby with a new broadcast partnership with Nine Entertainment Co., as well as the opportunity we have in the community level of the game.
‘Andy has an exciting vision for Rugby in Australia, and he knows what needs to be done to continue the code’s success into 2021 and beyond.
“I congratulate Andy on his appointment and look forward to working with him on continuing to grow Rugby in Australia. I would also like to acknowledge and thank Rob Clarke for his service in 2020. Rob stepped into the role on short notice and has done an incredible job in re-structuring rugby to be set up for future success,’ McLennan added.
