Hamish McLennan has slammed the Rugby Australia members who ousted him as chairman, in the wake of losing Harvey Norman as a sponsor of the sport in the country.
In an article in Australia’s Sydney Morning Herald, McLennan accused the directors of being “arrogant and dopey” for their actions.
“Look at what the boneheads have done,” McLennan was quoted by the media outlet. “They are arrogant and dopey.”
Harvey Norman chair Gerry Harvey confirmed the sponsorship’s end but denied it was linked to McLennan’s removal.
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The loss of this major deal compounds challenges for the RA, already grappling with fallout from McLennan’s dismissal and the Wallabies’ poor Rugby World Cup performance.
Additionally, it leaves the organisation seeking a new financial backer for the upcoming Super Rugby season. Harvey explained the decision as part of their strategy to periodically shift sponsorship focus across different sports.
Meanwhile, the RA is actively engaging with potential new partners to replace the departing sponsors, including Harvey Norman and eToro, another significant partner that recently decided not to renew its deal.
Photo: David Gray/AFP