Regional Academies of Sport Appoint Luke Tucker as General Manager – Commercial & Community

Written on the 19 November 2025

The Regional Academies of Sport (RAS) are proud to announce the appointment of Mr Luke Tucker as General Manager – Commercial & Community, joining the RAS Executive Leadership Team.

This appointment comes ahead of the pending retirement of Ian Robilliard OAM, the long-serving RAS Commercial Director and founder of the Central Coast Academy of Sport, who will conclude his tenure in mid-December. Robilliard has played a central role in helping shape the centralised management of the RAS network while setting up the commercial foundations of the RAS network, and Luke’s appointment ensures a seamless transition as the organisation continues to strengthen its impact.

Tucker brings a strong and diverse commercial background to the position, underpinned by extensive experience across regional sport, national brands, and elite sporting organisations. His career includes commercial and leadership roles with Central Coast Academy of Sport, Kia Motors, and Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, and most recently as a consultant to both brand and rights holders across a multitude of industry sectors.

Selected from a highly competitive field, Tucker distinguished himself not only through his commercial expertise, but also through his intimate knowledge and understanding of how Regional Academies operate, and the critical role they play in developing pre-elite and elite athletes across NSW and beyond.

Luke’s appointment enhances the commercial capacity of RAS at a time of growing opportunity and demand. His leadership will further strengthen partnerships, community engagement and long-term sustainability across the RAS network.

In announcing his appointment, RAS CEO Mr Brett O’Farrell said “Our work in the commercial market remains critically important to the ongoing success of our network, securing someone of Luke’s calibre is a tremendous result for the RAS network. His experience, energy and understanding of the Academy system position us strongly for the future.  Luke steps into this role at a special moment for our organisation – while we celebrate his appointment, we also prepare to farewell Ian Robilliard, a leader who has always driven impact from behind the scenes. Ian’s influence has been profound, and Luke’s arrival ensures we continue that legacy with confidence and excitement.”

Luke Tucker said of his appointment; “I’m excited to be rejoining the RAS network, where I started my career back in 2007 under the mentorship of Ian (Robilliard). To have the opportunity to contribute back to an organisation that helped shape my career is a great full circle moment, and a real-life example of how Regional Academies of Sport develop sports administrators as well as athletes, coaches, and officials. Brett, Ian and the team have built very strong foundations and a fantastic commercial platform that I am delighted to now lead into an exciting next phase of growth for RAS.”

The RAS network welcomes Luke to this important role and looks forward to the contribution he will make across regional sporting communities.

For any commericial enquiries please contact:

Luke Tucker

General Manager Commercial & Community

luket@regionalacademies.org.au

0415 773 995

Bianca Wellings

Communications & Marketing Manager – Regional Academies of Sport

bianca@regionalacademies.org.au

0413 976 707