Waratahs head coach stood down
NEWS: Rob Penney has been stood down without pay according to Australian media reports.
The Sydney Morning Herald reported that Penny, who joined the franchise in October, has been stood down but not his assistants Chris Whitaker and Matt Cockbain.
The 55-year-old has gone back to New Zealand to be with family but is still assisting the team from afar in preparation for a potential return to an Australian domestic competition.
“We’ve made the decision to go with our two assistant coaches during this period of time and Rob Penney is on stand down,” NSW Rugby chief executive Paul Doorn told The Sun-Herald.
“That is not to do with performance, it’s just a combination of factors. From our perspective, we are looking at improving … individual skills at a forwards and backs level. It’s not as if he’s gone into isolation, he’s still engaged but on stand down.
“There are a whole host of people we’d love to keep on the books, but it’s just not possible at the moment.”
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Meanwhile, the online newspaper also revealed that Doorn has taken a 30 percent pay cut and is open to a further reduction to help keep the franchise afloat.
“I’m still working full-time, but I’ve said I’m taking a 30 percent pay cut, which the board signed off on,” Doorn said.
“If that needs to be more, then we’ll look at that after what happens behind closed doors over the weekend.
“I’m a bit of a realist – leaders need to lead from the front. I read in the Herald Raelene Castle has taken an extra 15 percent [cut]. My salary is not the same as being the CEO of a national sporting body. We’re looking to be as strategic as we possibly can to understand what needs to be done for the game to get through to the revival.”
Source: Sydney Morning Herald
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