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

Clyne, who has been chairman since 2016, said he would end his term on 30 March 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 ongoing Israel Folau saga.

The 51-year-old Clyne made 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.

‘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,’ he explained.

‘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.’

Despite his decision to vacate his position, Clyne believes some of his achievements should not be overlooked.

‘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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