community rugby - Australian Sports Commission

MEMBER & AFFILIATED UNIONS
NSW WARATAHS
Back Row: Geoff Threlfo (Assistant Manager), Shaun Berne, David Lyons, Rocky Elsom, Daniel Vickerman, Alex Kanaar, Stephen Hoiles, Peter Hewat, Mat Rogers,
David Bick (Physiotherapist), Ernest Dupere (Logistics Coordinator).
Middle Row: Djuro Sen (Media & Communications Manager), Stuart Pavely (Rehabilitation Physiotherapist), Phillip Fowler (Psychologist/Kicking Coach),
Scott Harrison (Video Analyst), Brian Melrose (Backs Coach), Gareth Hardy, Morgan Turinui, Alastair Baxter, Lote Tuqiri, Justin Harrison, Lachlan MacKay, Cameron Shepherd,
Brendan Cannon, Matt Dunning, Peter McDonald (Strength & Conditioning Coach), Sharron Flahive (Doctor), Steve Tuynman (Forwards Coach), Les Kiss (Defence Coach).
Front Row: C.J. Austin (Massage Therapist), Tim Donnelly, Chris O’Young, Dave Gibson (Manager), Chris Whitaker (Captain), Phil Waugh (Vice Captain),
Ewen McKenzie (Head Coach), Nathan Grey, Adam Freier.
New South Wales Rugby Union
2005 saw the affirmation of the start of a new era for New South Wales Rugby.
Our finances are back in order, in what equates to a $10 million turnaround in
fortunes. A $1 million operating profit in 2004 was followed by a $3 million
surplus in 2005, a year in which our participation numbers remained solid and
our flagship, the HSBC Waratahs made the Tooheys New Super 12 final for
the first time.
Our commercial success was also highlighted by the renewal of one of
Australian sport’s best partnerships, with HSBC and the sealing of a 10-
year deal with both Telstra and Aussie Stadiums, the latter also including the
construction of a centre of excellence at our Moore Park home.
Diligence and determination has reinstated NSW Rugby to be among the top
member unions in Australia and strengthened our size and resources. Our
challenge now is to harness these resources and focus on building the Union
into a world-class sporting organisation.
Future success will be built on three pillars – a culture of winning and
achievement, growth and development of the game, and financial
sustainability.
The first, winning and achievement are something the Waratahs did extremely
well in 2005. Although beaten in the Super 12 final by one of world Rugby’s
greatest provincial sides, the Waratahs won widespread praise for their courage
and toughness to fight to the very end. The deeds of the 2005 Waratahs will
serve future teams for years to come.
level. Pathways are now clearer for those aspiring to higher representative
honours and we now have close to 100 players in the elite Waratahs and
Academy program.
The second pillar, growth and development through Community Rugby is at
the very heart of our game. Without our juniors we have no future. To this end,
this year NSW Rugby thoroughly audited our playing numbers according to our
redefined boundaries. The numbers are still extremely good but it is something
we must continue to work hard at. The elite players involved with the Waratahs
are very impressive, however, the grass roots level of the game is just as vital
to nurture.
Rugby development takes in so many different needs and as the sporting
landscape changes so must Rugby.
It is immensely satisfying to be back in the black thanks to years of belt
tightening. Doing so means more money for the game at all levels. But we must
continue to put aside funds for the future when times may not be so good or
other circumstances beyond the Union’s control cause a dramatic reduction
in income. To this end, the NSWRU Board has decided to create a Special
Reserve Fund. This fund will set aside money for future development of the
game. It will also ensure that the Waratah legacy, already 130 years old, will
live on for many years to come.
Office Bearers
Chairman: Ron Graham
President: Dilip Kumar (January - May), Arvid Petersen (June - December)
Chief Executive Officer: Fraser Neill
The systems and administrative structure of NSW Rugby also delivered some
outstanding achievements during the year, all the way down to the junior Rugby
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