O'Neill to stay with ARU

AUSTRALIAN Rugby Union chief executive John O’Neill has cited “unfinished business” as his reason for agreeing to new terms with the national body.

O’Neill has re-signed with the ARU for a further two years and will remain with them until the end of 2013.

“There was an element of unfinished business to consider in making my decision,” he said.

“We have mapped out the pathway, the strategic vision is there, we are making progress and I would like to continue delivering on our plans to reinvigorate Australian rugby.”

O’Neill joined the ARU in 1995 after eight years in charge of the State Bank of New South Wales.

During his first tenure as the ARU boss, he presided over one of the most successful periods for Australian rugby.

The Wallabies won the World Cup in 1999, five successive Bledisloe Cup series between 1998 and 2002 and two Tri Nations titles in 2000 and 2001.

He left rugby in early 2004 and joined Football Federation Australia before returning to the ARU on a five-year contract in 2007.

“There have been a number of challenges to confront since I returned in mid 2007,” said O’Neill.

“However, I’m convinced we’re on the right track, and I'm confident about the future on and off the field over the next period of time when continuity, leadership and stability will be enormously important.”

ARU chairman Peter McGrath said the board was delighted O’Neill had agreed to new terms.

“John is a great sports administrator, with a proven track record, it’s as simple as that in terms of asking him to stay beyond his existing agreement which ran through to the middle of next year,” he said

“He’s the best man for the job as ARU looks to take advantage of some wonderful opportunities, including the British and Irish Lions tour here in two years time.”