A number of former Wallabies captains have co-signed a letter calling for change at the head of Rugby Australia, leaving chief executive Raelene Castle's job in further doubt going forward.
Eleven Wallabies greats, including Stephen Moore, George Gregan, Stirling Mortlock and Nathan Sharpe penned the letter on Tuesday, which says "the Australian game has lost its way" as a result of a funk in administration and a lack of leadership.
"In recent times, the Australian game has lost its way. It is a defeat inflicted not by COVID-19, or an on-field foe, but rather by poor administration and leadership over a number of years," the letter says.
"Our rural clubs, junior clubs, subdistricts and community clubs have been let down and we firmly believe transformation is needed across the game in this country. There's no time to waste.
"We speak as one voice when we say Australian rugby needs new vision, leadership and a plan for the future. That plan must involve, as a priority, urgent steps to create a much-needed sustainable, commercial rugby business."
Rugby Australia chairman and fellow former Wallaby captain Paul McLean responded to the letter on Tuesday evening.
"I have been in contact with a member of the group today and have offered to arrange a meeting with the full board as soon as is reasonably practical," he said in a statement.
"These are respected former Wallabies captains and the board would value their input."
One of the signers, Moore, who was the Wallabies captain at the 2015 Rugby World Cup, told ESPN of his concerns for the game's future in an interview a fortnight ago, calling for a "blank canvas" review of Australian rugby and its involvement in Super Rugby.
Castle and others at Rugby Australia have been doggedly avoiding the axe for some time, as the Wallabies and junior rugby continue to struggle, while no broadcast deal for the code has yet been locked down for next season.
Castle gave an update on broadcast negotiations on Tuesday, telling a conference call that she hoped to resume the tender process in the coming weeks now that a pay deal had been secured with the Rugby Union Players Association.