The NSW Waratahs Board has introduced two new Directors as part of its long-term vision to steer the organisation on an upwards trajectory, both on and off the field.
NSW Waratahs Board Chairman Tony Crawford today welcomed the appointment of Luke Hartman and Linda Griffin to the NSW Waratahs Board of Directors.
“Luke and Linda will add to our breadth and depth of commercial capability around the board table which sets us up very well for what is sure to be an exciting few years ahead for the NSW Waratahs,” Crawford said.
“Their connection with grass roots rugby in NSW is also very welcome given our commitment to growing the game in regional and metropolitan areas across the state.”
The NSW Waratahs Board also thanked Dave Dennis, a former NSW Waratahs captain and Wallabies representative who has stood down from the Board, for his services.
Dennis has left the Board to pursue his coaching career in the United States as Chief Assistant coach with the Major Rugby League side, RFC Los Angeles.
“We wish Dave well on his move to take up a coaching role in Los Angeles and thank him for his valuable contribution to the Board, especially in the NSW Waratahs’ transition to having a new coaching team,” Crawford said.
Both new NSW Waratahs Directors bring astute and highly regarded business and corporate acumen to the Board, as well as deep rooted ties and love of rugby union.
Luke Hartman is a Director at Metro Property Development and Creation Homes Group. His ties with rugby dates to when he was a five-year-old first playing the game.
A former President of Mosman Junior Rugby Club, he continued to play rugby at St Ignatius College Riverview in Sydney and then with the Drummoyne Rugby Club.
An advocate for mental health, Hartman is also a Director of the Black Dog Institute Foundation.
"It is an incredibly exciting time to join the NSW Waratahs board,” Hartman said.
“The strength and momentum of rugby in NSW at both the club and school levels, combined with the quality of the NSW Waratahs playing list, coaches and support staff, sets the stage for a very positive future.”
Hartman emphasised the importance of collaboration across the rugby community. "I’m committed to bringing all stakeholders together to ensure rugby in NSW thrives at every level, from grassroots to the professional game," he said.
Hartman is an enthusiastic advocate for growing participation in rugby. His priorities include the growth of junior and school rugby, strong ties between players and their NSW roots, and the connection between regional rugby clubs and the NSW Waratahs.
"We need to focus on the future of the game by expanding girls’ rugby programs, retaining key players as they progress through academy pathways and creating a sustainable business model that allows the NSW Waratahs to attract and retain the best talent, both on and off the field," Hartman said.
Linda Griffin is a financial services executive with over 25 years’ experience in marketing, partnerships, brand, communications, corporate affairs, legal and governance.
She began her career in corporate Law at Clayton Utz where she worked for nine years.
She then joined the ANZ Wealth Division as their Head of Dispute Resolution and later became ANZ’s Head of Business Governance and Corporate Affairs. In 2018, she held the role of Corporate Affairs and Strategy until 2019 when she joined Zurich Australia as Head of Customer and Corporate Affairs and later became Head of Brand, Marketing and Corporate Affairs.
Griffin’s ties with rugby go back to when she watched local rugby with her father. Her focus remains on grassroots rugby, with her son playing for Balmain Junior Rugby Club where she has served as both a team manager and a Club Committee member.
Griffin is also a strong advocate for Women’s Rugby with her daughter having played amateur rugby, and women’s participation in sport more broadly.
On her NSW Waratahs Board appointment, Griffin said: “I am delighted to be appointed to the Waratahs board - it has an incredible legacy and is a fantastic brand.
“I look forward to building on the opportunities that lie ahead for both the ‘Tahs and rugby in Australia more broadly.”
Griffin also has an ardent desire to help develop the NSW Waratahs brand given her background in sponsorships and brand building.
“I am excited about what lies ahead for the NSW Waratahs – and look forward to helping it evolve and grow as we head towards the Super Rugby Pacific championship in 2025,” she said.
