The Australian Rugby Union (ARU) has finalised a review of their corporate structures in an attempt to grow the game in Australia.

The release of the review, which was conducted independently, by former Federal Assistant Treasurer and Sports Minister, Mark Arbib, marks a watershed moment for the code in Australia.

The reccomendations that the review made were:
 
1. Establish an Independent Board of Directors.

2. Promote greater accountability and transparency.

3. Reform the Membership of ARU to better reflect the contribution of the Super Rugby teams and RUPA and rebalance the voting entitlements of Members.

4. Promote greater understanding and coordination of the roles and responsibilities of organisations throughout the Rugby community.

5 Protecting and enhancing the game's future.  

Federal Minister for Sport, Senator Kate Lundy, congratulated the ARU on undertaking the independent review and welcomed the recommendations.

"A modern governance structure is a prerequisite to support a sustainable and prosperous sporting organisation and the Arbib Review will lay the foundation for Rugby to continue to grow in Australia," Senator Lundy said.

"The recommendations in the Review provide an opportunity for ARU to adopt best practice models in their corporate governance structures, which will assist in delivering a strong platform for growth in the years to come," he said.

The review's author, Mark Arbib, said the Review’s recommendations were made to assist Rugby in strengthening its place in the Australian sporting marketplace.

"The success with which Rugby has been able to establish itself as one of Australia's marquee professional sports, in a relatively short space of time and in such a competitive market, is impressive," Arbib said.

"The challenge for Rugby now, if it is to keep pace with its competitors, is to take the next step and adopt best practice governance arrangements for the sport.

"The recommendations in the Review are focussed on promoting greater communication and transparency throughout Rugby as well as establishing frameworks for the best possible decision-making.

"The recommendations are aimed at growing and strengthening the Game - from the grassroots to the elite.  

"With next year’s Lions tour and the inclusion of Rugby Sevens in the Olympics there is clearly a very bright future for Rugby in Australia," he added.

The ARU's Board will spend the coming weeks discussing the Review's recommendations with key stakeholders