Sharpe appointed to QRU Board

Sharpe, who played 70 times for the Reds and earned 116 caps for Australia, replaces fellow second-row forward James Horwill, who stepped down from the Board late last year at the end of his 120-cap Reds career.

"Nathan will be an excellent addition to this Board given his significant Rugby experience," said QRU Chairman Damien Frawley. 

"He's stayed close to the game since he retired from playing and understands all rugby's issues and opportunities."

Originally from Wagga Wagga (NSW), Sharpe's affinity with rugby began when he moved to Queensland as an 11-year-old.

As a teenager, he studied at Gold Coast Rugby nursery The Southport School, where he earned representative honours with the Queensland and Australian Schoolboys sides. He also went on to represent the Australian Under-19s and U21s.

He joined the Queensland Reds squad in 1996, as an 18-year-old, and went on to represent the state 70 times between 1998 and 2005.

The imposing lock made his Test debut in 2002 and captained the Wallabies during his final tour in 2012.

He was previously a RUPA Board Director from 2004-2008 and also from 2010-2012.

Sharpe, who lives in Queensland, hung up his boots in 2012 and is now a Director of a national recruitment company. He has kept in touch with the game since retirement as a player, including as a Wallabies set-piece coach in 2013.

He has also held various commentary roles with broadcasters and is an ambassador for the QRU, Brothers Rugby Club and GingerCloud initiative ‘Modified Rugby Program’, which allows children who learn and perceive differently to play Rugby.