Rugby Australia call news conference as Castle set to be new boss

Local media reported that Castle, who left the Canterbury Bulldogs at the end of the National Rugby League season, had pipped former Wallaby captain Phil Kearns for the role.

Rugby Australia called a news conference for 1 p.m. local time (0200 GMT) to make the announcement of their new chief executive to replace Bill Pulver, who said in August that he was stepping down as soon as his replacement was found.

The governing body has been beset by off-field controversy this year over its decision to axe either the Western Force or Melbourne Rebels from Super Rugby. Protracted legal battles with both teams followed before the Force were eventually cut. (Reporting by Greg Stutchbury in Wellington; Editing by Christian Radnedge)