The decision means the ARU will no longer rely on external agents to source sponsors and on-site hospitality providers.
ARU managing director Gary Flowers says the ARU has built a strong relationship with all its sponsors on the servicing side, so it was a logical extension to broaden that relationship.
“The Australian Rugby Union has grown as a commercial entity to the point where we believe we are able to look after our own best interests”, he said. “We will however engage Sports & Entertainment Limited (SEL) to offer strategic advice.”
Hot on the heels of the ARU’s decision to drop IMG, the Australian Super 12 sides look set to follow suit from 2005 onwards.
