Annual Report 2013
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OTAGO RUGBY FOOTBALL UNION Annual Report 2013 133rd Annual Report of the Otago Rugby Football Union Otago Rugby Football Union Inc. Notice is hereby given that the 133rd Annual General Meeting of the Otago Rugby Football Union Incorporated will be held at the Dunedin Rugby Football Club, Moana Rua Road, on Monday 17th March 2014, beginning at 7.00pm. Richard Kinley General Manager Presidents Report The last two years, during my term as President, has seen massive changes in the operational style of the Union and the method in which we run our business. After the near demise of Otago Rugby in 2011/12 it appears the leaner and more financially efficient model we now have for provincial rugby is showing its true value. It has been a difficult period and I must give full credit to Richard Kinley and his staff who have stuck with Otago Rugby through these trying times, having now got the Union back on solid ground both financially as well as on the paddock, where it really matters. The efforts of the current coaching staff must also be commended as they have endured tough times recently and have stuck with Otago through all of it and it is to them that I give sincere personal thanks. Having initially being elected, to the then Management Committee of the Otago Rugby Football Union in 1993, I have seen many changes in my time, both on the paddock as well as from the construction of the “ new ”stands at Carisbrook through to the demolition of same, through to the state of the art covered stadium we now have today. Seven years on the Highlanders Board in amongst all of this has certainly given me a great insight into the operations of professional rugby, something which is still evolving everyday and something I will never forget. The role of President has been a great honour for myself and caps off many years of rugby administration for both the Alhambra-Union club and the Otago Rugby Football Union. I wish the Otago Union well in the coming years and under the current Board I can only but see us getting stronger on and off the field. Adrian Read President Chairman’s Report Last year ‘it may be the first year of the new structure will turn out to be the easiest’. As it turned out, the 2012/2013 year was a very good year for Otago Rugby. The clear highlight from a playing perspective was the winning of the Ranfurly Shield. That led to a number of things. From a governance perspective the most important was the joining of celebration throughout Otago, and rekindling of interest and support for Otago rugby. Not to be overlooked however in terms of importance, was the financial gain that came from the brief tenure of holding the shield. The financial result for the 2013 year shows a very good result. The net profit for the year was $406,859. Equity in the Balance Sheet has increased to $548,493. And as will be noted from a review of the Balance Sheet, the Union as of balance date 2013 was debt free. This is a tribute to very careful cash and expense management by the management team, and also the extra result from the shield defence. The improved financial position of the Union means we are no longer operating in survival mode, and can now look to put some resource into growing the game in the Otago region. This will be with care and prudence however, as we are still well below where the board would like to be with reserves. We are on the way however. In terms of governance the current board has been conscious of improving the governance model the Union has, to make it clear and easy for future appointees to the role of governance. The Constitution review was part of that process, and that has led to the revised Constitution put forward for approval at this Annual General Meeting. The year past has shown a growth in governance and management. I wish to pay tribute to the management team across the board, as they have taken on the role of running the Union under the model set by the Board. I also acknowledge the substantial efforts, time, and resources put in by honorary board members and President. Doug Harvie Chairman. General Manager’s Report What a year! It would be an understatement to say it was a season full of excitement and outstanding achievement across all grades, including both community and representative rugby. Add to this, the passion, support and loyalty shown not just across the province but also throughout the country for all levels of the game, I believe rugby in Otago is in very good heart. While I can’t mention every game and event I attended, some of the highlights would have to be; Otago Country Day at Lawrence followed by the Centenary celebrations of the Topp Cup, the Otago Spirit winning the J.J. Stewart trophy, the Under 20’s winning the South Island title and the South Island Primary Rugby Tournament held at Logan Park. The Ranfurly Shield win deserves a special mention. The provincial outburst of emotional, celebration and possibly relief was one of the most amazing things I think I will ever experience. The scene at Dunedin Airport when the team arrived back with the Shield showed what the log ‘o’ wood means to Otago and the media coverage that resulted portrayed this to the country. The Otago Daily Times (ODT) and local radio stations got in behind the achievement with the ODT’s additional coverage of the Shield’s tour around Otago impressive. The paper adding the Golden ‘O’ to their front page banner for the week certainly added to the occasion. Also to see the interest from national television and radio gave Otago fans outside the province the opportunity to be part of the celebrations, albeit from a distance. When looking at the community side of our game, our overall number of registered players increased slightly from 2012 to a total of 7352. This increase was mostly attributed to a growth in junior players. This is a promising sign for the future, but the immediate concern nationally is developing and implementing strategies that retain our secondary school aged players. There has been a large amount of research undertaken by New Zealand Rugby in consultation with the rugby community. A number of initiatives and programmes have being developed as a result. The challenge is to provide an experience that meets the needs of all secondary school players, whether that be competitive or purely social forms of the game. Volunteers continue to be the back bone of our sport. Without their commitment and contribution the game would simply not happen. While the staff at the ORFU provide resource and support, it is the coaches, managers, club administrators and other volunteers that ensure all our 7352 registered players have the opportunity to play every week – a huge thank you to you all. Running alongside our coaching, player and volunteer development programmes, further support for community rugby has been provided through the re-establishment of the Referee Education Officer. This position plays an important role in ensuring there is a pool of qualified referees recruited, trained and retained to officiate across all levels of the game. Doug has mentioned in his report the positive financial outcome for the year. This is a huge step forward for the Union. It is important to acknowledge that this result was due to a number of factors including but not limited to; the Ranfurly Shield defence, a home ITM Cup semi-final, a lot of hard work behind the scenes to save costs by both staff and Board and lastly, the support provided by all our sponsors. Commercial income is critical to the future of the Union and all of our sponsors are hugely valued and appreciated. They are an important part of our business with our key focus to develop long lasting partnerships that result in positive outcomes for both parties. Effective governance is critical to the performance of any organisation. The ORFU is fortunate to have a professional Board that bring a wealth of experience and expertise and I thank them for their input and guidance. I would also like to thank the Otago Country Board for the role they play in ensuring that rugby in Otago’s rural areas continues to operate smoothly. Finally but by no means least, I would like to acknowledge the continued commitment and contribution all ORFU staff have made over the last twelve months. I am grateful to work alongside a great team of people passionate about ensuring all our players, coaches and volunteers have the support to be involved in rugby at whatever level they choose. Looking forward, the Union plans to build on the momentum gained during 2013 both on and off the paddock and I personally am looking forward to another season of exciting rugby. Richard Kinley General Manager On the Field PLAYERS: Peter Breen, Liam Coltman, Scott Manson (Alhambra-Union); - Sam Anderson-Heather, Hugh Blake, Gareth Evans (Dunedin); - Jackson Hemopo, Buxton Popoalii, Ben Smith (Green Island); - Ezra Taylor (Harbour); - Lee Allan, Tony Ensor, Josh Renton, Jayden Spence (Kaikorai) – Tom Donnelly (Matakanui); - Craig Millar, Marshall Suckling (Pirates): - Tom Franklin, Tala (TJ) Ioane, Tei Walden (Southern); - Michael Collins, Kieran Moffat, Charlie O’Connell, Hayden Parker, Willis Scott, Aki Seiuli (Taieri); - Fa’asiu Fuatai, Paul Grant, Matt Faddes , Tama Tuirirangi (University); - Fumiaki Tanaka (Zingari-Richmond) OTAGO Played 12 Won 7, Lost 5 Points For: 352, Points Against 352 August 9 Southland Won 47 – 28 August 18 Bay of Plenty Won 32 – 29 August 23 Waikato (RS) Won 26 – 19 Sept 1 Hawke’s Bay Lost 19 – 20 Sept 6 Tasman Lost 16 – 49 Sept 14 Canterbury Lost 22 – 32 Sept 20 Manawatu