Australian Rugby Union chief John O’Neill is in a stronger position to address his concerns about southern hemisphere countries’ lost revenue in World Cup seasons after being appointed to the 2015 Rugby World Cup board.
O’Neill and Wales Rugby Union chairman David Pickering will join International Rugby Board chairman Bernard Lapasset of France and South African vice-chairman Oregan Hoskins on the board overseeing the next World Cup in England.
Former England captain Bill Beaumont did not seek reappointment, while Dr Syd Millar, the former IRB chairman, also stood aside, with Pickering and O’Neill elected unopposed in Dublin.
As well as overseeing plans for 2015, the board is responsible for presiding over the delivery of the 2013 World Cup Sevens in Russia, the 2014 Women’s Rugby World Cup in France and working on the 2019 World Cup in Japan.
O’Neill can also push the cause he was so outspoken about during last year’s World Cup in New Zealand.
Then O’Neill demanded the IRB tackle the negative financial consequences for SANZAR nations – Australia, New Zealand and South Africa – when they curtailed SANZAR match schedules to participate in rugby’s global showcase tournament.
O’Neill pointed out that the ARU would lose $A16 million it would otherwise have earned because of its involvement in the 2011 World Cup.
All up, he estimated the three SANZAR nations would be down $38 million due to the abbreviated Tri Nations series and less June inbound Tests.
“If you go from seven Tests in a normal domestic season down to two, (you lose) broadcasters, sponsors and gate revenue, he said. It’s very easily calculated and supported,” O’Neill said at the time.
“It’s not frivolous. It’s a serious matter … we’re 16 years into the professional era and a lot of things have happened.
“But everyone’s got to move with the times and I think it’s timely to have a serious look at the governance and management structures of the IRB.”
The ARU welcomed O’Neill’s new appointment on Friday.
“It is wonderful news for Australian rugby,” said chairman Peter McGrath.
“For us to have a voice on a board as influential as that of Rugby World Cup Ltd proves we have built genuine currency at the IRB in recent times.
“John has been an ARU delegate to the IRB over a long period of time and is highly respected for the views and intellect he brings to the table of the game’s highest decision-making body.”
O’Neill plans to stand down from his ARU post next year.