Under the courageous leadership of Global Women member Rebecca Russell, the Auckland Rugby League (ARL) is experiencing a transformative shift toward accountability and transparency.
As the first woman to serve as ARL’s Chief Executive, Rebecca has been shifting the dial for the rugby league community – while holding true to the key values of accountability, obligation, impact and influence that underpin the Global Women ethos.
Having extensive experience in leading corporates across Aotearoa New Zealand, Rebecca joined ARL at the end of 2022 to find herself in an environment that lacked structured financial or management systems, reports David Fisher for the NZ Herald.
“We walked into an organisation that had no processes, no procedures, and no standards,” says Rebecca.
Committed to overhauling an issue that was systemically embedded in the organisation, Rebecca contracted PwC to conduct a financial investigation. This inquiry has exposed a 20-year legacy of inadequate management and governance, calling into question up to $7.2 million of spending.
The irregularities uncovered in PwC’s findings reveal conflicts of interest, poor financial management at a board level, and the alleged misappropriation of funds committed by a former employee. In response to the initial findings, the PwC inquiry escalated to review ARL’s decision-making, management, and governance, leading to the suspension of three board directors.
Bringing professional and principled management to ARL’s operations while grappling with all that was uncovered has been a journey leaning into the headwinds for Rebecca. The loss to the community is felt immensely, while the investigation and operational changes have faced resistance from NZ Rugby League and former members of the ARL board.
Rebecca’s commitment to standing strong and pursuing the right outcome with integrity is an example of outstanding leadership. The proactive measures she has taken, supported by ARL Chair Shane Price, represent a significant stride towards rectifying governance at ARL. Rugby league icon Sir Graham Lowe has praised Rebecca and her leadership of the organisation.
“Rebecca has taken on a big responsibility and a big job,” says Lowe. “She’s one of the best leaders in sport I have come across. She’s brought in professional thinking.”
Read full coverage of this story over at NZ Herald.