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It depends on how ‘executive’ the Chair wants to be I think. Clyne wanted full control when Chair and so both Pulver and Raelene had their wings well and truly clipped. Pulver was not up to the job in any way and deserves the puppet tag, but Raelene doesn’t in my opinion. She tried to do a lot but was blocked by Clyne at every turn.
John O’Neill was the worst thing ever to happen to rugby, for mine. The current rot all started with him and was then perpetuated under Pulver, Clyne and Clarke (when he was COO.)
Where I do somewhat agree with you is in relation to the power Clarke thinks he can wield. I say thinks because I reckon McLennan is his own man. Having said that, the fact that Tim North is now on this sub-committee revamping the constitution does suggest that McLennan is taking advice from Clarke, which is a definite concern.
If Clarke gets the CEO gig on a permanent basis, I will eat all my words and agree with you wholeheartedly!