Rugby Australia chairman Cameron Clyne has announced he will not seek re-election after presiding over a tumultuous era for the game.

Clyne, who has been chairman since 2016, said he would end his term on March 30 when the RA board holds its annual general meeting.

Clyne has been under fire from unhappy fans and media throughout his tenure which included the culling of the Western Force, declining Wallabies results and the Israel Folau saga.

But he did his best to talk up his achievements in a statement on Monday.

“Notwithstanding the very painful decision to remove the Western Force from the Super Rugby competition and the mixed results of the Wallabies in recent years, there have been a number of achievements and positive advancements right across the game over the past four years,” Clyne said.

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“Female participation in rugby has tripled, we’ve seen enormous growth in sevens participation on the back of the gold medal success of our women’s team, and against global trends in participation we have achieved growth in traditional XV’s rugby in several states and territories.

“Unfortunately, recently, much of the focus of the media has been directed at myself, which has overshadowed a lot of great work that has been done and continues to be done at the community level through to the national level by our volunteers, administrators, players, coaches, and match officials across the country.

“It is hoped that with my resignation, the attention can return to where it rightfully should be, which is on the field and that this positive work will be highlighted.

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Rugby Australia chairman Cameron Clyne speaks to the media. Source: AAP

“Over the next four months I, along with the rest of the board, remain committed to overseeing the delivery of a new broadcast deal, the appointment of a new Wallabies head coach, and the conclusion of the legal matter involving Israel Folau.

“During this time, the board will work with the member union chairs and the nominations committee to find a suitable replacement for my position on the board and I will aim to make a seamless transition from the role, with a replacement in place at the AGM.

“Personally, it’s been an incredible privilege to have served as chairman and to have been part of such a professional and devoted team on the Rugby Australia board and I look forward to continuing to support the game after my time in the role concludes.”

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Queensland Rugby Union chairman Jeff Miller paid tribute to Clyne in the statement.

“On behalf of the QRU and the member unions I want to extend our sincere appreciation for Cameron’s efforts in leading the Rugby Australia board over the past four years.

“It has not been an easy ride with the game enduring some challenging circumstances during his time as chair, but his commitment to the role and his want for the game to experience success at every level could never be questioned.

“He is a passionate rugby man and always put the interests of the game above anything else.”