David Mortimer - Governance and Grassroots

Today’s guest is David Mortimer AO, an eminent businessman and rugby patron with more accolades than we can fit here. In this episode, we talk to David about his contributions to rugby and his views on the state of Australian rugby. David shares the story of how he was approached to become the chairman for Rugby Australia and how his different views on the position prevented him from accepting the position. He explains the key role that a chairman plays in guiding CEOs before detailing the qualities that the upcoming CEO of Rugby Australia will need. We discuss issues related to Rugby Australia’s financial transparency and what their board composition should look like to ensure their success. Reflecting the realities, David emphasizes the fact that rugby fits into the entertainment industry and that Rugby Australia needs to focus on getting eyeballs on screens. David talks about the need to develop rugby at the school level before we ask him about how his leadership strengthened Sydney University rugby and how he helped set up the International Rugby Academy of Australia. At the end of the episode, David provides his views on Australia’s bid to host the 2027 Rugby World Cup and why this would be a fantastic opportunity for the country. David brings a wealth of knowledge and perspective to the conversation — listen to this episode to get his insights on the state of Australian rugby. 

Key Points From This Episode:  

•    David shares how he nearly became the chairman for Rugby Australia.

•    The important roles that CEOs and chairmen play within an organization. 

•    What qualities the new Rugby Australia CEO needs to be successful. 

•    Qualities a constructive board needs to help steer the CEO.

•    David comments on Rugby Australia’s lack of financial transparency.

•    Hear what David would do if he were in charge of Rugby Australia. 

•    How David is trying to get young people to play rugby again. 

•    David provides an overview of how he views the state of Australian rugby.

•    David’s involvement in founding the International Rugby Academy of Australia

•    Why women’s rugby is so important to Australian rugby. 

•    Learn what David did to strengthen and grow Sydney University rugby. 

•    How hosting the 2027 Rugby World Cup will benefit Australian rugby.

•    David’s final advice for Rugby Australia – remember that it’s an entertainment business.

Links from this Episode

Sydney University Football Club - Sydney University Football Club

International Rugby Academy of Australia - International Rugby Academy of Australia

Australian Schoolboys Rugby Foundation - Australian Schoolboys Rugby Foundation