Phil Waugh was able to follow a clear pathway from being a ballboy and then playing for the Warringah Rats to eventually joining the Wallabies. These days the connection between community and professional rugby aren’t as clear. In today’s episode, we talk with Phil about the importance of grassroots rugby and we ask Phil, a non-executive director for Rugby Australia, for insights on where the organisation is headed. Phil discusses the challenges that Rugby Australia is facing and how it’s leaving stormy waters and shifting its attention from addressing controversy and back onto the game. Reflecting on the tenure of ex-Rugby Australia CEO, Raelene Castle, Phil provides an optimistic view on why the community was so polarized — it shows how much Australians care about the game. After chatting about what Phil is looking for in a new Rugby Australia CEO, we look at the struggles that they will need to overcome. Mirroring the conversations that we’ve had in our previous episodes, Phil agrees that investing in grassroots rugby should be Rugby Australia’s number one priority. Phil then provides his take on why the 2027 World Cup bid is so important for community rugby before explaining why making domestic rugby the best in the world will solve all of Australian rugby’s financial woes. Tune in to hear more of Phil’s insider perspectives on the world of rugby! Key Points From This Episode: How important club and school rugby was to Phil’s childhood.The need to connect community rugby back to professional rugby.Unblurring the lines when having young players represent their community.  Phil’s experience working within Rugby Australia and the challenges they’ve faced.How the polarized reactions to Raelene Castle’s tenure shows how much people care about the game.What rugby is to Phil; “our game is about community.”What Phil is looking for in a new Rugby Australia CEO and why the job is so difficult. Hear how far along Rugby Australia is in appointing a new CEO.Why investing in grassroots rugby is Rugby Australia’s number one priority.      What Rugby Australia’s mission should be regarding the sport. Questions around if investing in the 2027 World Cup bid is a reasonable use of funds. How to keep players happy, remunerated, and playing in Australia.Why increasing the calibre of Australian rugby will bring money back to the sport.How discussions with broadcasters have been progressing.What Phil would do if he were appointed CEO of Rugby Australia.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Phil Waugh LinkedInNarrabeen TigersWarringah RatsThe Shore School 

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