John O’Neill has agreed to extend his contract as Chief for the Australian Rugby Union (ARU), saying an ‘unfinished business’ has prompted his decision to stay in the position. O’Neill returned as ARU’s managing director and chief executive in 2007, after serving as the inaugural head of the Football Federation of Australia for three years.

The TVNZ.com said that he was first committed to ARU in 1995 and stayed with the union until after the 2003 World Cup.

In a statement, O’Neill outlined his vision, as he continues his executive role for the union in a statement.

He said, “ We have mapped out the pathway, the strategic vision is there, we are making progress and I would like to continue delivering on our plans to reinvigorate Australian rugby”.

The ARU chief has also admitted in the statement that the union has faced a number of challenges since his comeback in 2007 that should be addressed.

“… I am convinced we’re on the right track, and I’m confident about the future on and off the field over the next period of time when continuity, leadership and stability will be enormously important,” O’Neill was quoted as saying by TVNZ in his statement.

The newly retained ARU chief then enumerated the upcoming tours and matches in the next two years.

“There is a lot to look forward to in coming years, including a return to traditional inbound tours with midweek matches from next year, the Lions visit in 2013, and the continuing emergence of Sevens rugby now that it has reclaimed its place in the Olympic family from 2016”, O’Neill said in a statement, as he highlighted some of the initiatives he has undertaken and will continue to embark on as Union chief.

RELATED STORIES