It's Only A Game: A Life in Sport

Description

A behind-the-scenes look at the business and fun of sport from the man who has run the Football Federation of Australia and currently heads the Australian Rugby Union John Eales holding the Webb Ellis Cup aloft after Australia s triumph at the 1999 Rugby World Cup. John Aloisi tearing off his jersey after driving home the penalty kick against Uruguay to lead the Socceroos to the 2006 World Cup for the first time in 30 years. Two iconic sporting images of our times, one man at the helm through those and many others. John O Neill, one of the world s leading sports administrators and strategic thinkers, believes in pipedreams those radical ideas that, when articulated, show us what is possible. Having gained business acumen during a successful career with State Bank, John always held rugby union close to his heart, both as a player and a coach. Taking over as CEO of the Australian Rugby Union in 1995, John would lead the revolution of the sport out of the dark ages of amateurism and into its most successful and financially prosperous period ever. He would go on to bring the tournament to Australian soil in 2003 in what many consider to be the best ever World Cup. I

John O'Neill has held numerous directorships, in both sport and business, as well as being involved in a number of community organisations over the years. He currently serves as Executive Director, STW Group Pty Ltd; Director,Tourism Australia; and Director, Amalgamated Holdings Ltd. John was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for service to Rugby as an administrator, to the financial services sector, and to the community through educational and charitable organisations. He was 2002, 2003 and 2006 Confederation of Sport, Sports Executive of the Year.

"John O'Neill showed that great administration produces great on-field performance. His ability to cut through a mass of issues and make the right call has proved significant in the emergence and success of two football codes in Australia. John has been a great friend and mentor for me during my time in rugby and beyond. The Wallabies would not have won the 1999 Rugby World Cup without John O'Neill at the helm." --John Eales "John O'Neill was one of my key-players behind the scenes." --Guus Hiddink