2012 auckland schools auckland schools auckland schools super ...

A MESSAGE FROM THE APSRU
PRESIDENT
It is my pleasure on behalf of the Auckland Primary Schools’ Rugby Union to welcome all players
and supporters to the 2012 Walter Dickson Memorial Shield and the Bill McLaren Cup
tournaments.
The Walter Dickson Memorial Shield is a long standing representative competition for weight
restricted (under 55kg) Year 7 & 8 School aged teams within the Auckland Rugby Union region.
The current format has eight regional teams vying for the right to be crowned champion.
The Bill McLaren Cup is the open weight competition comprising of four regional teams.
Such competitions provide the boys competing with an excellent extension to their normal club
and school rugby experience. By coming together with other similarly well skilled players from
within their school’s region they have the opportunity to participate at a higher level of skill
application and team work. Both competitions form part of the selection programme for the two
squads for our flagship representative teams for Roller Mills; Auckland East and Auckland West.
As well as the on field experience there is also the benefit of working in a different, positive and
structured environment from which they can learn and develop as young people.
Thank you to all those parents and caregivers for your support of the boys who will compete in
this week’s tournament along with the tremendous people who volunteer and give generously of
their time to coach and manage these teams. To all coaches and managers a very sincere thank
you for all that you have done and will do throughout the week.
I would like to acknowledge the role of the Teachers Eastern Rugby Club in generously agreeing
to host this tournament for the second year running. The facilities at Orakei Domain are some of
the best in Auckland and we are certainly grateful to be able to utilise them for this tournament.
To the referees who give of their time, to Auckland Rugby and its various staff members who
have helped organise this week and who will provide so much support during it I also say thank
you.
Finally to all the players, enjoy your week and the very best for a successful tournament.
Howard Perry
President Auckland Primary Schools’ Rugby Union.