Under the new agreement, responsibility for NSW Rugby Union’s high performance operations, assets and liabilities, and commercial operations, will shift to Rugby Australia from 1 January 2024. The Waratah’s high performance operations, including responsibility for players and coaches as well as the commercial operations, including marketing, sponsorship and membership, will be aligned with RA’s operations.

The signing of the agreement was announced by NSWRU and RA today.

The NSWRU will continue to be responsible for the community game and programs to encourage greater participation across the State.

The Maddocks team was led by Partners Ron Smooker and Andy McNee with support from Senior Associate Jacqui Picone, Associate Oliver Wahlstrom and Lawyer Cooper Smith. The core team, together with Maddocks employment law and IP specialists, will assist NSWRU with the transition of the Waratahs to RA.

Commenting on the matter, Andy said: “Maddocks has worked with NSW Rugby for a number of years supporting both the professional and community game in the State. We recognise the importance of rugby union both as a business but also as a sport of cultural and social significance. We are very pleased to have been involved in this important next step in its evolution in Australia.”