Barry O’Farrell named interim Wests Tigers chair as board dismissed

“One thing is clear – this club is determined to provide the leadership required to be successful in the NRL.”

Under the changes, several board directors who represent HBG have stepped down and Mr O’Farrell will be interim chairman. Former South Sydney boss Shane Richardson will be interim CEO.

The Wests Tigers board will temporarily have four members: Mr O’Farrell, Dave Gilbert from HBG, Balmain Tigers chairman Danny Stapleton and a nomination from the club’s other shareholder, Wests Magpies. The board will be expanded to seven directors next year.

The restructuring, which was a key recommendation from the independent review, is subject to legal approval. However, it is supported by all Wests Tigers shareholders.

Mr Stapleton said it was significant that all shareholders were united.

“We all share one goal – to see the Wests Tigers again become a real force in the NRL on and off the field,” he said.

Wests Magpies chairman Dennis Burgess said the club fully supported the recommendations.

This is the second time Mr O’Farrell has chaired the club. He ran it for one year in 2019 before taking up a role as high commissioner to India.

Mr Richardson has spent more than 30 years in the game, most recently as a consultant to an expansion bid from Brisbane Tigers. He was CEO of the Rabbitohs for more than a decade, including during the 2014 premiership win.

Mr Hagipantelis, who led the club for four years, is also the principal partner of the club’s major sponsor, Bryden’s Lawyers. It is unclear what his dismissal means for the sponsorship.