Home / SportRugby Australia's new boss was ruled out by chairmanNZ Herald23 Dec, 2020 07:45 PMQuick ReadSubscribe to listenAccess to Herald Premium articles require a Premium subscription. Subscribe now to listen.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? Sign in hereListening to articles is free for open-access content—explore other articles or learn more about text-to-speech.SaveShareShare this articleCopy LinkEmailFacebookTwitter/XLinkedInRedditCan Andy Marinos save the Wallabies? Photo/PhotosportCan Andy Marinos save the Wallabies? Photo/PhotosportAdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.He is the man who Rugby Australia said had no chance of getting the job.But 48-year-old Andy Marinos – the head of SANZAAR for the past five years - will lead the batltlng Aussie rugby union, it has been announced. The Zimbabwean-born Marinos, who played test rugby for Wales, takes over from interim boss Rob Clarke in February. Back in September, RA chairman Hamish McLennan emphatically ruled Marinos out."He's obviously a really well known rugby identity and highly respected here and around the world but he's not on our shortlist," McLennan said then.AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME."No one has interviewed Andy and I haven't spoken to him about the CEO search."Marinos said he was "incredibly humbled" to get the job held by Kiwi Raelene Castle until she resigned under pressure in April."I believe that Rugby Australia is uniquely placed for success both domestically and on the global stage," he said.AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME."We need to hit the ground running…as we look to reignite the game from the bottom up."Sydney-based Marinos had a very brief league career with the Bulldogs, and played rugby for Natal, Western Province and the Stormers before heading to Wales.SaveShareShare this articleCopy LinkEmailFacebookTwitter/XLinkedInRedditLatest from SportSport'The pantomime villain': Aussie media reacts to SBW v Gallen fightSport'Keeping my future open': Warriors star confirms Saudi interestBoxingWhat was the additional flag on SBW's boxing strip? SponsoredSolar bat monitors uncover secrets of Auckland’s night skyAdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.