Rugby Victoria's Annual General Meeting, held on the evening of Wednesday 10 June 2026, marked a significant moment of transition and renewal for the sport's governing body in Victoria — with the election of a new President, the confirmation of Board continuity, and unanimous approval of the organisation's audited 2025 financial statements.
CEO PRESENTS OPERATIONAL UPDATE AT MEMBERS UNION MEETING
Prior to the AGM, Rugby Victoria CEO Aaron Bailey presented an operational update to the Members Union Meeting, highlighting significant achievements and key organisational dependencies since stepping into the role in March 2025.
Mr Bailey spoke to the deliberate work underway to restructure Rugby Victoria into a fit-for-purpose rugby ecosystem — one built on governance structures and operational foundations that are sustainable well beyond any single leadership team.
"Since coming on board, the focus has been on building an organisation that doesn't depend on who's sitting in any particular chair," said Mr Bailey. "We've been doing the hard work — restructuring our operations, resetting our fee models, and putting in place governance frameworks that mean Rugby Victoria is set up to succeed regardless of who takes the reins in the future. The goal is a sustainable, community-driven rugby ecosystem across Victoria, and I'm proud of what the team has built so far."
Major changes implemented during the period included the introduction of a user-pays fee modelling structure, and an executive restructure following the departure of several key roles within the organisation.
Mr Bailey took the opportunity to formally acknowledge the contributions of Brayden Peterson, former High Performance Pathways Manager, and Tabitha Petersen, former Business Manager, thanking both for their dedication and service to Rugby Victoria.
Special recognition was extended to all Rugby Victoria staff, volunteers and community members for their tireless efforts and continued support of the game across Victoria.
JASON ANDREW ELECTED AS RUGBY VICTORIA'S NEW PRESIDENT
Former Vice President Jason Andrew has been elected unopposed as the 15th Post-War President of Rugby Victoria, succeeding outgoing President Liz Radcliffe, who did not re-nominate for the role.
Jason's election represents a historic moment for Victorian rugby: he becomes the first President of Pasifika heritage in the organisation's history, bringing a Samoan-Australian perspective to the leadership of the game in this state.
Jason has served as Vice President of Rugby Victoria, and steps into the presidency with a strong understanding of the organisation's strategic direction and stakeholder relationships. His election was welcomed with broad support across the Victorian rugby community.
"It is a privilege and an honour to serve as President of Rugby Victoria," said Jason Andrew. "Victorian rugby has a proud history and an exciting future, and I am committed to building an inclusive, high-performing organisation that delivers for every player, club and community across our state."
VICE PRESIDENT VACANCY
Jason Andrew's elevation to the presidency creates a vacancy in the role of Vice President. The Rugby Victoria Board will conduct an internal vote to fill the position in the coming weeks, with an announcement to follow in due course.
TRIBUTE TO OUTGOING PRESIDENT LIZ RADCLIFFE
Elizabeth (Liz) Radcliffe stepped down as President at the AGM, having been elected to the role at the 2024 AGM as the first woman elected President in the history of Victorian rugby, succeeding Neil Hay. Liz has served on the Rugby Victoria Board since 2017, including as Vice President from 2020, and was a founding member of Victoria's Women's Rugby Development Association in 1997.
The Board thanked Liz for her significant contribution to Victorian rugby, including navigating the organisation through a challenging period following the Melbourne Rebels' entry into voluntary administration, and for her commitment to inclusive governance and the growth of women's rugby. Liz also made a lasting impact through chairing the junior club competition, strengthening the foundations of the game at grassroots level. Her near decade-long service has helped sustain Rugby Victoria through some of its toughest periods, including the pandemic years and the past two seasons as President.
From starting women’s rugby teams and being an active player in Masters rugby, through to strengthening pathways for girls and women, her impact will not be forgotten. Her leadership has been both practical and values-driven, leaving the game in a stronger and more inclusive position for future generations.
Liz now turns her focus to continuing her work in the renewable energy sector, where she remains deeply committed to sustainable development and regional communities. On behalf of Rugby Victoria, we thank Liz for her outstanding service and wish her every success in this next chapter.
RECOGNITION FOR DEPARTING DIRECTOR MARYJANE CRABTREE AM
Appointed Director Maryjane Crabtree AM did not re-nominate for re-appointment and stepped down from the Board immediately following the AGM, concluding a term of service to Rugby Victoria that commenced in mid-2021.
Maryjane brought exceptional expertise to the Board, drawing on more than three decades of experience across law, management and governance. She served as a judicial officer trained at the invitation of World Rugby, was the designated Players Legal Representative for the Sunwolves and represented the Wallabies, and attended the Rugby World Cup 2022 in her capacity as Wallaroos legal representative. She is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Most recently, Maryjane was recognised in the 2026 Australia Day Honours List, receiving a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to the legal profession, to community health, and to sport — an honour that speaks to the calibre of individual Rugby Victoria has been privileged to have on its Board.
The Board acknowledged Maryjane's dedication and service, and extended its warmest thanks and congratulations on behalf of the Victorian rugby community.
RECOGNITION FOR KEVIN MALONEY
Outgoing President Liz Radcliffe also offered special congratulations to Kevin Maloney of the Victoria Rugby Referees Association (VRRA), who was named in the 2026 King's Birthday Honours for his outstanding contributions to rugby in Victoria — a richly deserved recognition of a long and dedicated career in service of the game.
TOM PINCUS TO JOIN BOARD
Tom Pincus, a former Melbourne Rebels player, has submitted his nomination for an appointed Board seat and is set to join the Rugby Victoria Board in the near future, pending finalisation of the appointments process following the AGM. Tom's experience as a professional rugby player in Victoria will bring an important perspective to the boardroom, and Rugby Victoria looks forward to welcoming him formally in due course.
JANET MOORE ELECTED AS NEW DIRECTOR
Janet Moore, representing Power House Rugby Union, has been elected to the Rugby Victoria Board as a new Director. Janet is an experienced Board member and senior executive, and a 2015 graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Her election strengthens the Board's governance credentials and brings valuable senior leadership experience to the organisation's oversight of the game's future in Victoria.
KEITH KENDALL RE-ELECTED AS FINANCE DIRECTOR
Keith Kendall was re-elected unopposed to the position of Finance Director, providing continuity across Rugby Victoria's financial governance. The Board expressed its appreciation for Keith's ongoing contribution in this critical role.
BOARD CONTINUITY
The remaining seven Directors of the Rugby Victoria Board continue to serve within their current terms, ensuring strong organisational continuity and stability as the new presidential leadership takes effect.
2025 AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS APPROVED
The AGM was presented with Rugby Victoria's audited 2025 financial statements. Members voted unanimously to approve the accounts, reflecting the Board's commitment to transparency and sound financial stewardship of the organisation.
