Wallabies legend appointed to top position on Rugby Australia’s board replacing his former teammate
Former Wallabies lock Nathan Sharpe.
Rugby Australia (RA) have announced the appointment of legendary Wallabies second-row and former captain Nathan Sharpe as the governing body’s new president.
Sharpe, who represented the Queensland Reds and the Western Force at Super Rugby level, takes over the presidency from former Brumbies and Wallabies speedster Joe Roff, who concluded his two-year stint at RA’s annual general meeting on Wednesday.
Non-executive board directors also appointed
Meanwhile, RA also confirmed that Kathleen Bozanic and Louise Higgins have been named as non-executive board directors.
Bozanic and Higgins replace Pip Marlow, who stepped down from her position at the end of 2024.
The appointment of Sharpe to the presidency position is a popular one as he enjoyed a distinguished career for the Reds and Force at Super Rugby level as well as the Wallabies in the international arena.
The 47-year-old started his club career with the Reds and made 70 appearances for the Brisbane-based outfit between 1998 and 2005 before he made the move to the Western Force in Perth.
Sharpe was appointed as the Force’s first captain when they made their Super Rugby debut in 2006 and went on to represent them in 92 matches until his retirement in 2012.
He also won 116 Test caps for the Wallabies between 2002 and 2012 and was named as the John Eales Medalist – Australia’s Player of the Year award – in 2007 and 2012.
RA chairperson Dan Herbert expressed his delight with the new appointments.
“On behalf of everyone at Rugby Australia, I would like to welcome Nathan, Kath and Lou to the board following today’s Annual General Meeting,” he said in a statement.
‘Received the overwhelming support of Australian rugby’s stakeholders’
“All three were put forward after a thorough nominations process and have received the overwhelming support of Australian rugby’s stakeholders.
“I look forward to their positive contributions to the RA Board as Australian Rugby enters a generational runway of major events and opportunities.
“I would also like to express my sincere thanks to Joe Roff and Pip Marlow, who have concluded their terms as RA’s president and non-executive board director respectively.
“Both have helped position the game for future success and I am grateful for their contributions.”