McLean confirmed he was sent the letter about 3pm and replied about 4.20pm, inviting the group in to view the financials and ask questions. Shaw, who captained the Wallabies 15 times and stepped down as RA president last year, said he was "gobsmacked" by the letter, signed by Test luminaries including George Gregan, Phil Kearns, Nick Farr-Jones, Michael Lynagh, George Smith, Simon Poidevin and Stephen Moore. Loading Replay Replay video Play video Play video "I'm gobsmacked. Why put it in the public domain when you have a chairman, who was a captain, just like you, who's done every job in rugby known to man - from player, captain, coach, administrator and president - and worked his butt off to work through the pandemic fallout in a short time frame," Shaw said. "I'm surprised they didn't take the option to pick up the phone and set up a meeting behind closed doors. When Paul McLean steps down as interim chairman, which is happening soon, there will have been a 50 per cent turnover on the board, they've got new blood, including world-class businesspeople, and the front door is always open.

"It's my understanding that the board has met 20-odd times since the virus outbreak hit, so everyone there has been putting in considerable time and effort to get the game through. Paul McLean would have been ready to brief them." Shaw was not approached by the group to sign the letter, nor was one-Test captain Tim Horan, or any Wallabies captains who are still playing professionally. This is believed to include Will Genia, Michael Hooper and David Pocock. David Wilson told the Herald he supported the group's intentions but chose not to sign for personal reasons. Mark Ella, Andrew Slack, James Horwill, Genia and Pocock did not respond to the Herald when contacted for comment. Loane, who captained Australia on six occasions, was also not approached, and told the Herald McLean had his full support. Loading "I think all four codes in Australia are at risk long-term, but Paul McLean is one of the most calm and coolest characters I've come across and a long-term friend, I give him my full support during this difficult time," Loane said.