Rugby Australia assumed ownership of the ACT Brumbies on Tuesday, as the governing body's push for greater control of the domestic game gained momentum. Faced with a precarious financial position and a decline in their international standing, Rugby Australia has been looking to take control of the country's four Super Rugby teams.
Centralisation would allow Rugby Australia to pool stretched resources with the aim of improving performance -- a model similar to New Zealand and Ireland.
The Brumbies have followed NSW Waratahs in ceding control to Rugby Australia, but the other Super Rugby sides, Queensland Reds and Western Force, have so far resisted.
'Through taking on the ACT Brumbies business, Rugby Australia has committed to managing and supporting the organisation through an exciting period for rugby in Australia,' Brumbies chief executive Phil Thomson said in a statement.
Centralisation would allow Rugby Australia to pool stretched resources with the aim of improving performance -- a model similar to New Zealand and Ireland.
The Brumbies have followed NSW Waratahs in ceding control to Rugby Australia, but the other Super Rugby sides, Queensland Reds and Western Force, have so far resisted.
'Through taking on the ACT Brumbies business, Rugby Australia has committed to managing and supporting the organisation through an exciting period for rugby in Australia,' Brumbies chief executive Phil Thomson said in a statement.
