AusLeisure

The beleaguered ACT Brumbies Super Rugby franchise have appointed Australian Rugby Union Integrity Manager Phil Thomson as their interim Chief Executive.

Former Australian Federal Police detective Thomson (pictured), who was the Brumbies team manager when they won the Super Rugby title in 2001, fills the role Michael Jones who agreed to leave the franchise earlier this month following after an ugly battle following Jones' allegations of wrongdoing by people linked to the club.

Thomson will fill the role for the next three to six months while a search for Jones’ permanent replacement is undertaken.

Putting his ARU integrity unit manager job on hold to help the Brumbies, Thomson insists his appointment is not the start of an ARU takeover of the club.

Members of Canberra's rugby community reportedly fear his arrival signals the start of the ARU taking control and a shift towards a centralised model for Australia's Super Rugby clubs.

However, Thomson explained “that will be a perception from people, but I can guarantee the ARU has no intention of taking over the Brumbies.

"They want the Brumbies to be a sustainable organisation from 2017 and onwards. There's been a big review amongst all the Super Rugby franchises in relation to their financial stability and sustainability.

"Professional sport is tough right across the board and we need to work with the organisations to make sure they're sustainable and standing on their own two feet.”

Meanwhile Joneslegal action against the University of Canberra and other parties in the ACT Supreme Court, alleging they pressured the club's board to stand him down.

2nd May 2016 - MICHAEL JONES AGREES TO LEAVE ACT BRUMBIES

30th March 2016 - COURT PREVENTS BRUMBIES FROM STANDING DOWN CHIEF EXECUTIVE

22nd March 2016 - BRUMBIES CHIEF EXECUTIVE SUSPENDED AS FEDERAL POLICE INVESTIGATE CLUB FINANCES

22nd July 2014 - UNIVERSITY OF CANBERRA’S NEW $16 MILLION SPORTING COMPLEX UNVEILED

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