NSWRU is the first member union in Australia to formally commit to RA's centralisation plan
Maddocks has guided NSW Rugby Union Limited (NSWRU) as it integrates its commercial operations with Rugby Australia (RA).
This makes NSWRU the first member union in Australia to formally commit to RA’s centralisation plan, RA said in a media release. The integration is in line with plans to consolidate the professional arrangements for rugby throughout the country.
RA will now be responsible for NSWRU’s high-performance operations, assets and liabilities, and commercial operations effective 1 January 2024. RA will align the Waratah’s high-performance operations – which covers the players and coaches as well as commercial operations such as marketing, sponsorship, and membership – with its own.
Nonetheless, NSWRU will retain responsibility for the community game, developing programs to boost rugby participation across NSW. Waratahs employees will remain in their current positions.
The Maddocks team was headed by partners Ron Smooker and Andy McNee. They received support from senior associate Jacqui Picone, associate Oliver Wahlstrom, and lawyer Cooper Smith. Working alongside the firm’s employment law and IP specialists, this core team will guide NSWRU on the Waratahs’ transition to RA.
