AusLeisure

Cameron Clyne is to stand down as Chairman of Rugby Australia, conceding the negativity surrounding him and his role has hampered the sport's progress.

The decision comes amid calls for change in the governing body in the wake of Australia's quarter-final exit to England at the World Cup in Japan.

As reported by AAP, Clyne announced today he would not stand for re-election at the completion of his term in March 2020, ending a difficult four years in the role during which Australia's status as a rugby power has declined.

While he believed he had achieved much for Rugby Australia, Clyne admitted the "painful" decision to remove the Western Force from Super Rugby in 2017 and the modest results from the Wallabies had blighted his tenure.

The governing body's management has also had to contend with the fallout of Israel Folau's controversial social media posts and star player's subsequent legal action taken against his former employer.

Clyne's name also hit the news for the wrong reasons in the wake of the Wallabies' quarter-final exit from the Rugby World Cup last month, when departing coach Michael Cheika revealed he had "no relationship" with the Chairman, nor with Chief Executive Raelene Castle.

Clyne said in a statement he would best serve the sport by standing down, advising "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."

Clyne said the growth in women's rugby and sevens was a positive during his tenure, boosted by the women's sevens gold medal at the Rio Olympics.

The former Director, Managing Director and Group Chief Executive of the National Australia Bank Group said he would walk away content with the effort he had poured into the role, adding "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."

With AAP.

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