I am making a strong request of the USA Rugby Congress in advance of their July Meeting in Washington, D.C. My place is in the seat of Chairman, USA Rugby. It is in no disrespect to anyone else in the organization. We all have our place. Please take 20 minutes to view my thoughts.

Tony

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My subject matter notes for this video (unedited):

Vision

2027, HOSTING and compete for a semifinal spot, working back from that… and looking forward over that 10 year time frame we can develop (in conjunction with Strat2020) plans and action cycles to promptly move our union in an aligned direction. This will be a difficult task, and I look forward to working with the CEO and other’s in the leadership to take our union forward. We should have 250,000 players CIPP’d, and have a budget in the Union of $50MM by 2027.

We will be regarded as a world class organization by the global rugby community.

My announcement to challenge for the Chair is bold, but it has to be done. The current Chair should remain on the Board as I am sure at some level there is value to the organization. He has been described as an ‘accidental leader’. I don’t say this to be disparaging, I say this to simply identify – we all have a place. Mine is to Chair this Union. Will’s may be to serve on its Board, but not it’s Chair. This is a leadership issue, not a financial one at this point. I want to make clear to everyone, I am not a divisive character, as I have been described… I am a team builder, and have proven success to substantiate this. I have also made mistakes over the years, personally and professionally and I am proud to have learned significantly from every one of them.

Why qualified and uniquely exceptional

Been CEO of TRI quarter century – same size at USAR (28 employees) Studied this Board/RIM situation for two years, and the sum of all my 56 years of education, business experience, rugby experience, and life experience brings me to the point of assessment that I have to take personal action. Personal relationships all over the world in the rugby and the business of rugby. Many of these contacts have been detailed in some of my articles. I am a salesman, executive, leader, and former international rugby player. I understand the game from having played at age 10 in Australia to representing our country versus the likes of the New Zealand All Blacks as well as England at Twickenham. I understand the financial component to running an organization and also the qualities necessary in any organization to bring a world class culture. I will be able to speak with intelligence and value to anyone in the rugby community at any and all levels on and off the field. If I don’t know something, I will personally know and utilize someone who does. Unique and creative ideas for targeted, focused philanthropic fund raising as well as corporate sponsorship. I may not be the best at performing any individual task, but as Chairman I will ensure a team that operates as a World Class organization with a world class culture. Commitment from having worn the red, white, and blue jersey over 100 times in both 7’s and XV’s to giving our entire rugby community what it needs from the leadership of the governing body.

First 30 days

Announcement to USA Rugby community. Settle the dissension and lack of transparency and understanding. Provide some leadership both domestically and to the global community. Gather at HQ with DP, Mags, Chad Keck, Chang (if present), Lyle, Nathan?, 2-3 key stakeholders from RBEA, Several engaged congress members (Pape, Lewis, etc..). for 3 days. Create a mission, vision, culture document to publish to the American rugby community Will support Strat 2020 but go beyond 2027 host and competitive in quarter final… men and women… what do we need to work back in all the silos/hills to die on to make that happen. Academies, camps, pro, elite, rep, College, HS, AA’s , boys girls men and women. Visit RIM HQ get a 100% understanding of what this operation is, assess accordingly. Immediately engage George Henderson for support from RBEA for operational assistance (i.e. Legal work/inside counsel? Executive Asst for Dan Payne?). Ensure that DP and George know that I as Chair support his efforts at RBEA 100% and there will be 100% transparency with this group. Reach out to leaders at World Rugby and other rugby playing nations for their assessments. Establish contact for future dialogue Provide confidence to these leaders of USA Rugby’s stability, vision, and accountability Reach out to American financial stakeholders, and other personal contacts (including several Fortune 500 Chief Executives I know personally), other global rugby sponsors and personally find out the disconnect between USA Rugby and the rest of the world. Find out what is expected from these financial hitters to create a world class brand, and then create it. Create confidence in the community to rid the “we/they” culture that currently exists and grows by the day. Report back to the Rugby Community at the end of 30 days.

I will perform my duties according to the bylaws of the USA Rugby Union. My primary responsibility is to mentor, counsel and hold the CEO to account. My next responsibilities are to ensure proper implementation of the Strategic Plan of the organization and subsequently ensure proper implementation of the business plan of the organization. My job is not to create a for profit entity absent any strategic plan of the organization. That might be a result of a plan, but certainly not a decision for any CEO or Board to make independent of any authorization.

If you would like to contact your USA Rugby Congress Representative, Click this link.

Here is a list of the USA Rugby Board of Directors. I am sure they would like to hear opinions from the USAR Membership

Other Articles I have written on this subject: