Damian Irvine Walks Out of Cronulla Sharks after Doping Gaffe, Glenn Coleman Becomes Chairman

Damian Irvine has quit his post as chairman of National Rugby League (NRL) club Cronulla Sharks amid anti-doping investigations.

Irvine had been the centre of controversy after telling a newspaper that Sharks players had been injected with ‘equine substances.’

The revelation left Irvine in an untenable position with the players and his board, and board deputy chairman Keith Ward had said serious management failures were to blame when they departed with coach Shane Flanagan and sacked four football club staff.

Although Ward said those sackings were not to do with doping activities, Irvine admitted his comments did not help.

Stepping down, Irvine said: “I don’t think it did (help). And I’m honest it’s been a period of time of extreme pressure and strain for a lot of people.

“That conversation I had I won’t back away from it. But it wasn’t an interview in a calm situation. It was a middle of the night conversation after quite a bit of badgering. It wasn’t sensible to make those comments and I’ll take responsibility for those.

“I feel my presence at the club may prove be to an obstacle in allowing those affected by the decisions made by the board last week to move forward.

“As a result I’m standing down as chairman of the board of directors today.

“The club needs some time to investigate and plan the way forward without added distraction.

“There’s been ill-informed speculation recently reporting the motivation and reasoning of the board’s strong action last Friday.

“Self-interest was the furthest thing from the minds of the directors when they took the tough decisions they took last week.

“I believe we made the right decision for the right reasons.”

Board member Glenn Coleman will replace Irvine as chairman, the club have confirmed.

Coleman joined the Board of Directors at the beginning of the year, played 123 first grade games for the Sharks and 216 grade matches in total in an 11 season playing career that spanned from 1984 to 1994.

Coleman said: “The board has thanked Damian for his life-long contribution to the Sharks and wish to publicly acknowledge his wholehearted efforts during his four years as Chairman.
“Damian’s time in the Chairmanship was characterised by selfless commitment, enormous dedication and an infectious passion and vision for the team and the Club.

“Critically, he oversaw the achievement of the property approvals which will result in a $400 million development on Club-owned land. The Club’s share of this development will ensure its financial security and has already resulted in a $10 million reduction in debt.

“Damian’s single-minded determination has always been to act in the best interests of the players and this Club. He has kept fighting for the Sharks when others said it was too tough.

“Anyone who knows how hard the football Club has had to battle over recent years will recognise and appreciate what Damian has done for the Cronulla Sharks.”