Raelene Castle

Castle confirmed as new Sport NZ boss

The government agency confirmed on Wednesday that Castle would replace Peter Miskimmin next month, the latter having resigned after 11 years in the position.

The 49-year-old would be Sport NZ's third CEO and the first woman to hold what was New Zealand's top sports administration job.

Along with having been CEO at Netball New Zealand and Rugby Australia, Castle had also held the top job with the Bulldogs in rugby league's NRL.

NZ's Raelene Castle steps down from chief executive position at Rugby Australia

Castle, who took a 50 percent pay cut and laid off 75 percent of Rugby Australia (RA) staff, saying the body faced losses of up to $120 million if no more rugby was played this year, was under pressure to resign.

Eleven former Wallabies players, including Nick Farr-Jones, George Gregan and Michael Lynagh, had also signed a letter earlier this week demanding a leadership change at the RA.

"I love rugby on every level and I will always love the code and the people I have had the honour of working with since I took this role," Castle said.

Former Wallabies captains demand Rugby Australia leadership change

The letter, signed by the likes of Nick Farr-Jones, George Gregan and Michael Lynagh, alleges mismanagement at RA, which is struggling to keep rugby afloat during the global sporting shutdown.

"In recent times, the Australian game has lost its way," the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper quoted from the letter.

"It is a defeat inflicted not by Covid-19, or an on-field foe, but rather by poor administration and leadership over a number of years.

Good progress made in Rugby Australia pays talks with players

Castle, Rugby AU directors Phil Waugh and Daniel Herbert, RUPA chairman Campbell Fisher and CEO Justin Harrison and representatives from Australia's national teams and four Super Rugby teams were on a two-hour video conference on Tuesday.

In a statement Castle said she felt "good progress" was made in the hookup.

RUPA is set to go back to its members to communicate the results of the meeting, something that appears to be the key in working towards a deal.

Australian Rugby to raise money for bushfire relief

In a statement, Rugby Australia CEO Raelene Castle announced that for each try scored by the team at the Sydney 7s this year, $500 would be donated.

There is expected to be a number of other fundraising efforts announced in the coming weeks, with Rugby Australia working with Super Rugby franchises to coordinate these efforts.

Rugby Australia chief apologises for poorly behaved Wallabies

     RA chief Raelene Castle felt compelled to write a letter of apology over the behaviour of the Wallabies squad at the World Cup, according to media reports.

Tournament organisers were said to have been unhappy with a number of the Australian contingent in Japan, including former coach Michael Cheika, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.

The paper quotes an unnamed source, who reportedly saw Castle’s letter, in which she bids to made amends for Cheika’s criticism of World Rugby and referees, and presenting a general “us against them” attitude during the tournament.

Raelene Castle Extends Contract

Castle joined the Bulldogs in July 2013 and under her leadership the Club has enjoyed record levels of membership and sponsorship, ensured the Bulldogs have had the best attendances of any NRL team in Sydney, opened the most innovative sporting retail experience in Australia and implemented the most comprehensive community programme in the Club’s history. 

Chairman Ray Dib says securing her ongoing involvement is an important development for the Bulldogs.