Annual Report 2019 139Th Annual Report of the Otago Rugby Football
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Annual Report 2019 th 139 Annual Report of the Otago Rugby Football Union 1 | P a g e Otago Rugby Football Union Inc. th Notice is hereby given that the 139 Annual General Meeting of the Otago Rugby Football Union Incorporated will be held at the Otago University Rugby Clubrooms, 20 Logan Park Drive, North Dunedin, on Monday 30th March 2020, beginning at 7.00pm. Richard Kinley General Manager 2 | P a g e President’s Report This has been a special four years for me to have the honour of being President of such a proud Rugby Province. The game is changing both on and off the field and we all know there are many challenges, but what has not changed are the fine group of volunteers that administer all aspects of the game that makes being involved such a privilege. There have been many wonderful memories during my time as President, the most enjoyable being the wonderful people I have been able to meet. Chatting to friends at after-match functions, discussing initiatives with our sponsors, talking to people on the side-lines and discussing issues at numerous meetings, have all given me many ideas to pass onto the staff and the Board to help enhance the game at all levels. I have been fortunate enough to visit almost every club in Otago this year, in addition to supporting secondary school rugby both on Saturdays and during the week, as well as see many games of primary rugby. I have enjoyed attending as many meetings as possible, to show the ORFU’s support as well as sponsors functions and a number of prize givings. This year, having my friend the Ranfurly Shield to accompany me on many club and school visits, particularly in the country areas, was a real highlight, as many supporters of the game were able to feel part of something quite special. Otago Country Rugby is a pleasure to be a part of. Their challenges are different to those in the Metropolitan Area, but as with the Metropolitan Clubs and Schools, their volunteers work extremely hard to keep the game buoyant as they always continue to maintain a positive attitude. The President’s role does involve a great deal of travelling but when you visit country clubs, fixtures or meetings, you are always made so welcome which makes it all worthwhile. The North v South fixture at Kaitangata was again successful while Country Day at Lawrence attracted a large crowd of supporters to watch some entertaining rugby. The Arrowtown Rugby Club should be congratulated on a wonderful 30th Jubilee celebrations, with their new facilities being a real asset to the community. The White Horse Cup continues to create tremendous interest in the Central Region and I was fortunate to see a Cup defence in Cromwell which proved to be an enjoyable day. The Otago Rugby Club Life Members Luncheon was held in the Clutha Clubrooms and was attended by around 150 Life Members. This is a unique function, which is always well attended and is thoroughly enjoyed by all. The Country Board host their sponsors each year at a function prior to a representative fixture. This year Otago Country played North Otago as the curtain raiser to the Otago v Southland shield game and the sponsors were invited to attend a pre- match function before both games, an excellent way to say thank you. The administration of Country Rugby is as good as I have experienced so well done to all involved. A sincere thank you to Bob Perriam, Diane Ede and the Country Board for the fine efforts again this year. It was pleasing to note that the numbers of players in the Metropolitan Competition increased slightly from 2018. While the Premier Men’s Competition format was not ideal, generally all competitions ran relatively smoothly with a much improved format in the Colts Grade. It was pleasing to see extra teams in the Women’s Grade and although the new teams struggled at times, they will develop with more experience. While the Pirates Club have no senior men’s teams, like a number of other clubs they are very strong in the junior area. I attended their after-match function on more than one occasion and was impressed with the large attendance of junior players and parents for their prize giving and social gathering. People attending club rugby matches have been encouraging as supporters enjoy getting out on a Saturday and watching their teams play. This was particularly evident on finals day where a good number of spectators came to the Stadium to watch some exciting rugby at all levels including a fine display of skills in the Women’s final and a very exciting Premier Men’s final. It should be noted that clubs like West Taieri, Brighton, Eastern and Strath Taieri continue to add a special dimension to the Metropolitan Rugby scene both at junior and senior level. The Metropolitan Rugby Council has now been restructured, so I would like to take this opportunity to thank Gary Wheeler and his Committee for the fine contribution they have made over a number of years. The Secondary School Rugby scene continues to be well administered by a very capable group of experienced rugby lovers. The Rugby Council is made up of representatives from every school in Otago and while not all are able to attend the meetings, they can link online through video conferencing. The Otago wide competition from Under 14 through to the Premier Schools Grade covers a vast geographical area so careful planning including transport and draw management are essential to make the competition a success. The work of the Executive Committee to raise significant funds to subsidise the transport costs for the players is vital as both the Metropolitan, Country and North Otago Schools all need 3 | P a g e each other to form viable competitions. The Premier Schools Competition this year was not ideal with a number of unbalanced scores, however this will be addressed in 2020 with a revised format. The remainder of the grades were well contested, ensuring that all players had an enjoyable season. Interschool rivalry is alive and well and I was fortunate to see a number of fine games including the “Blood Match” in Oamaru between Waitaki BHS and St Kevins College as well as the South Island Schools Final between Nelson College and Otago BHS. The secondary schoolgirls’ competition on a Wednesday afternoon again proved popular with some exciting talent on display. Along with the local town schools, teams from St Kevins College, Waitaki GHS and South Otago HS also participated in this competition. Secondary schoolgirls rugby continues to grow in Central Otago with similar competitions being held particularly in the 7 aside format. We are now seeing the benefits of these initiatives with the development of the Otago Secondary Schools Team, the Women’s Academy and the fine performances of the Otago Spirit Team. Refereeing can be a lonely role to play in the game but not so in Otago. From what I have observed there is a wonderful camaraderie among the refereeing fraternity which comes from good leadership ensuring sound performances on match day. I have always found referees such a welcoming group of volunteers whether it be at their meetings, their prize givings or after games on a Saturday. On behalf of all players, team managements and administrators of the game, a sincere thank you for your efforts. The representative season was full of excitement at all levels and it was great to see a number of Otago teams performing well. The revival of the Otago Māori Committee leading to good representation at the Waipounamu Tournament was a credit to their fine organisation. Five teams were represented in Invercargill with the Men’s Colts and Under 17s winning their respective tournaments. The Otago Under 19s competed in the National Tournament finishing 5th which was a fine achievement. This is a reflection of the quality of the players we have coming through our system, the highly rated Academy Programme, and the thorough preparation put in by the coaches. Well done to all involved. The Under 18s completed another successful campaign winning the South Island tournament for the second year in a row – a fine achievement. The Mitre 10 Cup team did not reach the outcome we had hoped for in progressing through to the Premiership, however holding onto the Ranfurly Shield for six successful defences was a major achievement. The away games in Wanaka and Oamaru were a huge success continuing to build those strong relationships with Otago Country and our North Otago cousins. The visit to the Otakou Marae was a great initiative as it not only gave the squad a unique environment to begin building a team culture but it was also an opportunity to link the Otago Rugby family with the Rūnanga and learn more about their history. The highlight was visiting the Urupā where the body of Thomas Rangiwahia Ellison is buried. Tom was a member of the New Zealand Natives Football Team that toured Great Britain and Australia in 1888-89. We all should feel proud of the Otago Spirit who completed an undefeated season and in doing so will now compete in the Premiership in 2020. I was fortunate enough to see the girls play on numerous occasions and could not have been more impressed with their exciting brand of rugby. They were a united team on and off the field, which is a credit to fine leadership shown by the senior players and the team management.