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‘It’s unfair’: Hamish McLennan doubles down on Eddie Jones appointment
By AAP
Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan doesn’t regret hiring Eddie Jones, despite the Wallabies coach’s short-lived reign over a historically poor World Cup.
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The RA boss has argued why he should remain at the helm after Jones was parachuted in, only to oversee the Wallabies’ first World Cup pool-stage exit and then resign nine months into a five-year deal.
In an interview with Stan Sport, McLennan also revealed the World Cup budget had blown out, and rejected the narrative that the recruitment of Jones had been his “captain’s pick”.
“I think it’s unfair because it was socialised amongst the board and we were all concerned about how the team was performing (under former coach Dave Rennie),” McLennan said of the decision to axe Rennie and install Jones late last year.
“I was in a position where I certainly gave a point of view.
“It is unfair to say it was my call only, but I was certainly an advocate for Eddie, and I think given the circumstances I would probably make the same call again.”
Jones has denied reports that he was interviewed before the World Cup for the Japan coaching vacancy, but told Japanese media this week he would be interested if approached.
The Wallabies’ budget blow-out will be analysed in a season review to be conducted by former Wallabies Andrew Slack and Justin Harrison, and consultant Darlene Harrison.
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McLennan also confirmed former Wallabies Phil Waugh and Daniel Herbert, who form the rugby committee on the RA board, will conduct the search for a new Wallabies coach.
Challenged on why he shouldn’t fall on his sword, McLennan said stakeholders involved in the future finances, broadcast and administration of the code in Australia desired continuity.
“I always knew there would be a moment like this where it would get really ugly,” he said.
“I again apologise for what happened at the World Cup, but hopefully you see someone with a steely resolve who wants to bat on.
“Rugby eats itself every three or four years, and it has lacked a coherent strategy over a long period of time, and I feel like we are just getting to the point where we will break through.”
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This guy is pathetic. “..hopefully you see someone with steely resolve…” Only resolve seen is to hang on to your job despite your appalling performance and two-faced treachery. RA will have trouble attracting people of quality with this clown still in place. Has to go.
The guys at the top never take accountability. Same thing at RFU and IRB. Falling on their swords is not in their DNA!
No sure what’s unfair. He took a risk, it backfired and now should be held accountable. Or is that just something executives say to sound reassuring but it has no real substance. He seems more focused on self preservation and self interest than fixing Australian rugby. By his own admission things are falling apart so if he really cared about Australian Rugby he’d move on to let someone else have a go. As for Eddie, he did the right thing to try and rebuild as the existing setup / team didn’t work. Sound logic, just at the wrong time. Again, a big risk, it backfired and he held himself accountable. Will Mclennen do the same?
Absolutely pathetic
Eddie should just go and lie on a beach somewhere rather than destroy what little is left of his shredded reputation.
Hamish should go back to the world of advertising and long client lunches.
Bil Beaumont should also call it a day, seems to have forgotten what rugby is about, it was a lot more fun when it wasn't just about money.
Gutless
Sledge Hammer “trust me I know what I’m doing” much? Lol.
“socialised amongst the board…”
What a pathetic meaningless phrase from a pathetic individual.
Any board member who stands by this person is devoid of character - something, which some have blamed the Wallabies for lacking.
McLennan is behaving like British Generals at Gallipoli.
If ever a man deserves to fall on his sword, so to speak, this is it.
Took a risk which failed massively.
Would you do the same thing again, Hamish?
Yes he reckons.
Christ.