Former Wallabies skipper Nathan Sharpe has joined the Queensland Rugby Union’s board as a player-appointed director.

Sharpe, who played 70 times for the Reds and earned 116 caps for Australia, replaces the departed James Horwill, who stepped down from the board late last year when he moved to continue his career in England.

His advice will be vital as the Reds continue to rebuild their squad, and as the QRU also deals with significant structural change, including the recent departure of former chairman Rod McCall and the resignation of chief executive Jim Carmichael, who will leave the organisation at the end of the season.

“Nathan will be an excellent addition to this board given his significant rugby experience. He’s stayed close to the game since he retired from playing and understands all rugby’s issues and opportunities,” QRU chairman Damien Frawley said.

Sharpe is originally from Wagga Wagga in NSW but moved to Queensland as an 11-year-old and joined the Reds as a teenager in 1996.

He retired in 2012, is currently the director of a national recruitment company and has held various commentary roles with Fox Sports and Channel 10.