Rugby review to include whether too much was spent on rotten World Cup

afr.com:

Rugby Australia will investigate whether it spent too much money on the World Cup amid concerns that hundreds of thousands of dollars were used for executive accommodation and sponsorship events.

Rugby Australia chief executive Phil Waugh said a framework was in place if stakeholders and member unions wanted accountability for the team’s woeful World Cup performance, including a staggering 40-6 defeat to Wales.

Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh says he takes responsibility for the turmoil rugby finds itself in. James Brickwood

The former Wallaby conceded there was “no hiding” from responsibility for the state of the game, but said his focus was on resetting in time for the 2027 World Cup and strengthening RA’s financial position.

“I apologise … we feel the pain, we feel that responsibility and we now need to move forward in the same direction,” he said.

“I wouldn’t put all the responsibility on the players. The environment we’ve created for them has not enabled them to perform at their peak.”

Australian rugby descended into turmoil asthe Wallabies failed to reach the knockout stage and coach Eddie Jones was reported to be flirting with a return to Japan. Jones resigned from his position this week, less than 10 months into a five-year contract.

Much of the fallout has focused on the RA board and chairman Hamish McLennan for appointing Jones. It coincided with the abandonment of plans to inject $250 million in private equity in favour of a new $60 million loan. RA was in financial difficulty before the World Cup and the Wallabies’ performance could drain how much money comes in from sponsors and broadcast partners.

Critics have questioned the large sums of money spent on events, accommodation and Jones’ assistants during the