Former Wallabies Nathan Sharpe named new Rugby Australia President

April 17, 2025

Finance / Sport /

Rugby Australia has announced the appointment of past Wallaby lock second-row and former captain Nathan Sharpe as its 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 star Joe Roff, who concluded his two-year tenure at Rugby Australia’s annual general meeting on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the governing body also confirmed that Kathleen Bozanic and Louise Higgins have been named as non-executive board Directors. They replace Pip Marlow, who stepped down from her position at the end of 2024.

The appointment of Sharpe to the Presidency of the sport is likely to be popular 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 in 2007 and 2012.

Enthusiastic about the new appointments, Rugby Australia Chairperson, Dan Herbert stated “on behalf of everyone at Rugby Australia, I would like to welcome Nathan, Kath and Lou to the board following (the) Annual General Meeting

“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.

Images: Former Wallaby second-row and new Rugby Australia President Nathan Sharpe. Credit: Rugby Australia.

16th April 2025 - Rugby Australia reveals $37 million deficit on 2024 operations

9th April 2025 - Rugby Australia secures new broadcast deal with Nine

5th March 2025 - Ticketmaster appointed official ticketing service provider for Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 and Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029

30th January 2025 - Seven host cities confirmed for 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup

29th January 2025 - 2027 Rugby World Cup set to kick off in Perth

16th November 2024 - Former Wallaby Dr Brett Robinson elected World Rugby Chair

11th October 2024 - Rugby Australia prepares counter-claim to Melbourne Rebels’ $30 million lawsuit

10th October 2024 - Rugby Australia faces $30million lawsuit from Melbourne Rebels

9th July 2024 - Rugby Australia to take operational control of ACT Brumbies

5th July 2024 - Cadbury and Rugby Australia announce partnership extension

6th June 2024 - Rugby Australia announces partnership with global insurer Gallagher

29th April 2024 - Rugby Australia Chairman Dan Herbert advises of need to ‘reset’ as code posts $9.2 million deficit

7th March 2024 - Rugby Australia review finds $2.6 million of unapproved expenses spent on Wallabies’ World Cup campaign

30th January 2024 - Rugby Australia responds to Melbourne Rebels entering voluntary administration

22nd December 2023 - Rugby Australia names Peter Horne as new High Performance Director

20th November 2023 - Rugby Australia board elects former Wallaby as new Chairman

19th November 2023 - Hamish McLennan ousted as Rugby Australia Chair

2nd November 2023 - Rugby Australia announces review of Wallabies performance

22nd August 2023 - Australia’s women rugby players call out Rugby Australia over inequality

10th August 2023 - Wallabies participate in Northern Territory community events ahead of Rugby World Cup campaign

6th June 2023 - Rugby Australia names former Wallaby Phil Waugh as new Chief Executive.

1st May 2023 - Rugby Australia Chief Executive Andy Marinos resigns

30th July 2022 - Former Australian Wallabies strength coach appointed as UBX Head of Strength and Conditioning

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.