Rod Macqueen

Rod Macqueen AM is one of the most respected and accomplished figures in Australian rugby, renowned for his exceptional leadership both on and off the field. With a career spanning coaching, business, and sports innovation, Rod is celebrated for his unique ability to unite people towards a common goal and inspire high-performance teams. As a sportsman himself, Rod excelled at the highest level in both surfboat rowing and rugby and demonstrated the leadership skills for which he is renowned.

Rod's coaching legacy is built on his historic tenure as head coach of the Australian rugby union team, the Wallabies, from 1997 to 2001. Under his guidance, Australia claimed every major international rugby trophy, including the ultimate prize: the 1999 Rugby World Cup. The Wallabies' triumph in Wales, where they defeated France 35-12 in the final, secured their place in history as the first nation to win the Rugby World Cup twice. Macqueen's Wallabies were a dominant force, with the team securing the Bledisloe Cup in 1998, winning the Tri Nations Series for the first time in 2000, and achieving an unparalleled record of 10 consecutive Test match victories.

As a lateral thinker and innovator, Macqueen transformed the Wallabies' approach to rugby, incorporating new strategies and emphasising the importance of both physical and mental preparation. His meticulous attention to detail in areas like defence and scrummaging was a key factor in Australia’s World Cup victory. His influence also extended beyond tactics, as he pushed for rule changes to improve the spectacle of the game, many of which were later adopted by the International Rugby Board.                                

Rod’s success as a coach is matched by his numerous achievements as a business leader and entrepreneur. As Chairman of Advantage Line, a point-of-sale and merchandising company he founded in 1991, he grew the business into a multi-million-dollar enterprise. His commercial acumen has made him a highly sought-after consultant to multinational companies, and he is actively involved in corporate governance as a director on several major boards.

In addition to his rugby and business accomplishments, Rod is also a respected speaker and author. His 2001 book, One Step Ahead, became a best-seller, blending his insights on leadership, teamwork, and high performance in both sport and business. A much sought-after keynote speaker, Rod draws on his wealth of experience to motivate audiences, offering valuable lessons on achieving success through discipline, innovation, and resilience.

Rod’s extensive contributions to Australian rugby and his broader impact on sport have received wide recognition. In 2003, he was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his service to rugby, and he was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 2001. He also received the Joe French Award in 2004 for outstanding service to Australian Rugby. In 2011, he was inducted into the International Rugby Board (IRB) Hall of Fame alongside other World Cup-winning coaches.

Whether discussing the nuances of leadership, the importance of building high-performing teams, or the value of perseverance in the face of adversity, Rod Macqueen’s insights resonate with audiences across various industries. His unique blend of sport and business expertise, mixed with his good sense of humour, makes him one of the most engaging and inspiring speakers of his generation.