IDRU Annual Report 2012 - Illawarra Rugby

Annual Report 

2012

CONTENTS 

Table of Contents 

IDRU Board & Attendance ........................................................................................ 2 

Agenda for 2012 Annual General Meeting .............................................................. 3 

Minutes of 2011 Annual General Meeting ................................................................ 4 

President’s Report ................................................................................................. 10 

Treasurer’s Report ................................................................................................ 12 

Referees’ Report.................................................................................................... 13 

ARU Development Manager’s Report ..................................................................... 14 

Senior Illawarriors ................................................................................................. 17 

Illawarrior Colts ..................................................................................................... 21 

Junior Illawarriors .................................................................................................. 24 

Awards 2012 ......................................................................................................... 25 

Senior Competitions 2012 ..................................................................................... 26 

Junior Competitions 2012 ..................................................................................... 29 

Club Reports ......................................................................................................... 33 

Financial Statements and Auditor’s Report ........................................................... 46 

This report is available for download at www.illawarrarugby.com.au 

© Illawarra District Rugby Union 2012 

Illawarra District Rugby Union Inc. 

Annual Report 2012 Page 1 of 61

IDRU Board 

Members of IDRU Board 2011/12 

President………………………………………….………..Peter Woods 

Vice President………………………………....………Bert Roodenrys 

Treasurer………………………………………………....Tony Feiertag 

Rugby Chairman…………………………….………..……Peter Leiner 

Junior Chairman (from 10 January 2012)...................…..Hamish East 

Director……………………………………………..…….Scott McKellar 

Director…………………………….……………………...John Masters 

Director………………………….………................John Richardson 

Director………………………..…………………………….Len Diggins 

Attendance at Board Meetings 2011/12 

Name 

Total 

Meetings* Apologies 

Non- 

Attendance 

Total 

Attendance 

Peter Woods 14 3 11 

Bert Roodenrys 14 2 12 

Tony Feiertag 14 1 13 

Peter Leiner 14 2 12 

Hamish East 13 - 10 3 

Scott McKellar 14 2 12 

John Masters 14 4 10 

John Richardson 14 8 2 4 

Len Diggins 14 - 1 13 

*) Total includes one IDRU Special General Meeting (August 2012) and two 

extraordinary Board (judiciary) meetings 



2012 Annual General Meeting 

Agenda 

Illawarra District Rugby Union Inc 

Annual General Meeting 

Date: 26 th November 2012 

Time: 

Venue: 

7.00 pm 

Master Builders Club, Wollongong 

Agenda 

1. Attendance 

2. Apologies 

3. Adoption of Minutes of Previous AGM (30 th November 2011) 

4. Reports 

a. President 

b. Treasurer 

5. Election of Office Bearers 

a. President (Nomination: Peter Woods) 

b. Rugby Chairman (Nomination: Peter Leiner) 

c. Director (Nominations: Scott McKellar, Frank Isaac) 

6. Life Membership Nomination: Bert Roodenrys has been nominated for Life 

Membership of the IDRU. The Board approved this nomination in its meeting 

on 10 September 2012. 

7. Discussion of Proposal for DVD recording of competition matches 

8. General Business 



Minutes of 2011 AGM 

ILLAWARRA DISTRICT RUGBY UNION 

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 

30th November 2011 

Attendance: 

Peter Woods (President), Peter Leiner (Chairman), John Richardson 

(Director), Scott McKellar (Director), Bert Roodenrys (Vice President), John 

Masters (Director), Len Diggins, Darren Vardy (Engadine) , Danny Mahar 

(Delegate Country Rugby Union), Tony Feiertag, David Brace (Avondale), 

Roger Cairns (Avondale), , Andrew Skarratts (Vikings), Terry Woodward 

(NSW Country) , John Pemberton (Uni), Phil Green (Vikings), Rodney Horan 

(Tech Waratahs), Paul Condon (Tech Waratahs) , Norman Buchanan (Junior 

Representative) , Stuart Hill (Camden), John Hayne (Life Member), Tony 

Soutar (Camden), Glen McGuinness (Uni), Lancelot Tarrant (Vikings), 

Hamish East (Kiama), Frank Isaac (Shoalhaven), Kees Quinton (Shoalhaven), 

Greg Murphy (Shoalhaven) 

Apologies: 

Callum Rae, Sean Barrett, Mark Freund, Richard Payne, John Maughan. 

Minutes from previous Annual General Meeting 

Minutes from previous Annual General Meeting of the 27th November 2010 

were approved a true and correct record – Bert Roodenrys, Second – Stuart 

Hill 

Invitation to Terry Woodward from NSW Country to give an insight as to what is happening 

at present at NSW and he pointed out the following: 

1. Country Rugby Union made a slight profit this year of $13,000.00. 

2. As everyone is aware there have been big changes in Rugby Union and some of the 

events are as follows: 

• New Zealand Government bailed out the NZ Rugby Union for the World Cup to 

the tune of between $13,000,000 and $15,000,000. 

• Queensland Rugby is still doing it tough even though they had a good year 

• Western Australia, Force had a $1,000,000 loss 

• Melbourne, Rebels had a $3,000,000 budgeted loss 

• NSW had a $300,000 to $500,000 loss 



• NSW crowds are down on average of 32,000.00 to between 18,000 and 

22,000 

• They have set up a group called Waratahs Rugby which is solely handling the 

Waratahs and the deal is that they pay to NSW Rugby 1.1 million dollars for 

the right to manage them 

• Grain Corp are the new sponsor for the NSW Country Cockatoos which is very 

good, because when the British Lions come out to play a combined 

Queensland and NSW Country side and Queensland is also sponsored by 

Grain Corp so this will assist in negotiations when the sponsorship review 

comes up 

• Problems that Country faces this year is that they only won one out of five 

games where previous years they have won their games five out of five, but 

what is happening now is that they are coming up against teams such as 

Melbourne and ACT where they are playing contracted paid players, but this 

is a matter that they have to meet 

• Next point that he made was that one of the things that they are looking for 

is that the Zones try and get their best players playing their representative 

sides so they can be seen as at present there are some really good players 

out there who are not playing for the Zones sides for a whole range of 

different reasons 

Presidents Report 

• Peter Woods spoke about his report and pointed out that with Junior Rugby monies 

have been set aside from this year for next year, but only a proportion of that should 

be paid, because the aim is to build up in the next 3 to 4 years a considerable sum 

so that more monies can be spent each year then and that each year fees and Grand 

Final gate money can just keep topping it up. 

• There were discussions concerning the Grand Final monies and we will make money 

out of the Grand Final, but at present letters are going off to WIN Stadium Insurers 

making a claim for the loss that we had as a result of the reduction in gate fees as to 

what we could have charged at WIN Stadium and also the expenses that we have 

incurred having to have it at a separate event and all the invoices have been obtained 

are now going to go to the Insurers and we will keep the clubs informed once a 

decision has been finally made as to the money situation. 

• Many thanks to all the affiliates for all their kindness and consideration in dealing 

with myself, I find it very gratifying that there is a sense that everyone wants to do 

the best and a sense of cooperation. The only problem that I have is that 

sometimes the "great god email", people are insensitive in how they put their point 

of view. I am always available to talk to people on the telephone if they ring my 

office if I am not in then a message will be taken by my secretaries and then I can get 

back to them. 

• Peter Woods moved the report, seconded by Peter Leiner, accepted 



Treasurers Report 

• Frank Isaac advised that the figures do look good, but there have been problems 

with the auditing in the fact that our auditor was involved in a very large court case 

and could not devote as much time to the Audit and Frank was unavailable for 3 

weeks being in Queensland, he can point out that the Seniors went into surplus this 

year of $9,476.00 and the Juniors have a surplus of $11,438.00 

• Grand Final monies have not been included in these amounts because as Peter 

Woods alluded to it is in the hands of the Insurers 

• Frank advised that he would have to sit down with the Auditor concerning the 

monies as per the statement provided to the members is incorrect 

• Frank noted that the Junior Rugby teams affiliation will increase another $150.00 for 

them to participate in the Junior Completion as agreed between all the clubs this 

year and this will also be a bonus for the Juniors 

• Frank also pointed out that in the account at present there is approximately 

$36,000.00 for Seniors and approximately $11,000.00 for Juniors. 

• Moved by John Hayne- Seconded by Scott McKellar that the final audited accounts be 

provided to the clubs and be voted on in the New Year. This was accepted. 

Election of Office Bearers 

• Bert Roodenrys Vice-President 

• John Masters Director 

• Len Diggins Director 

• Anthony Feiertag Treasurer 

General Business 

Nil 

NOTICES 

1. Kiama 7's 26th of February 2012 

2. Any special dates that clubs need for the 2012 Season please get them into John 

Pemberton as soon as possible 'pemboj@bigpond.net.au' so the draft can be 

forwarded out to all clubs. It will be a 2 round draw and this was agreed to at 

meetings with clubs in July 2011 

3. Please provide list of all clubs Office Bearers, email address, telephone numbers and 

postal address to be forwarded to Peter Leiner ' 

manager@ufchemicals.com.au' mobile 0408426133 so that all club records can go 

on the web site and also be forwarded back to the clubs so that they know who to 

contact. Mailing address is still very important as some things still have to go by 

'snail mail'. 



4. Meetings attended by the Board in 2010/11: 

13th December 2010 P Woods, F Isaac, P Leiner, S McKellar, J Masters, B Roodenrys 

Apologies – J Richardson 

8th February 2011 

P Woods, P Leiner, S McKellar, J Masters, F Isaacs 

Apologies – B Roodenrys 

8th March 2011 

P Woods, P Leiner, F Isaacs, J Masters, S McKellar, J Richardson 

Apologies – B Roodenrys 

12th April 2011 

P Woods, P Leiner, F Isaac, J Masters, B Roodenrys 

Apologies – J Richardson, S McKellar 

17th May 2011 

B Roodenrys, P Leiner, F Isaacs, L Diggins, J Masters 

Apologies – P Woods, J Richardson 

14th June 2011 

P Woods, B Roodenrys, P Leiner, F Isaac, J Masters, L Diggins 

12th July 2011 

P Woods, B Roodenrys, P Leiner, F Isaac, J Masters, L Diggins 

19th July 2011 Special P Woods, B Roodenrys, P Leiner, J Masters, L Diggins 

9th August 2011 

P Woods, P Leiner, F Isaac, L Diggins, J Masters 

Guests – R Wood, S Barrett 

Apologies – J Richardson, B Roodenrys 

6th September 2011 P Woods, B Roodenrys, P Leiner, F Isaac, J Masters 

18th October 2011 P Woods, F Isaac, P Leiner, J Masters, B Roodenrys, S McKellar 

Guest – R Wood 

Apologies – J Richardson 

8th November 2011 P Woods, P Leiner, J Masters, S McKellar, L Diggins 

Apologies – F Isaac, B Roodenrys 

Ordinary Executive 

Meetings 

Special Executive 

Meeting 

TOTAL HELD 11 1 

P Woods 10 1 

B Roodenrys 7 1 

F Isaac 10 - 

P Leiner 11 1 

S McKellar 4 - 

J Masters 11 1 

J Richardson 1 - 

L Diggins from 17/5/11 5 1 

5. Illawarra Senior Representative Coach and Manager Contact Details 

Senior Team Coach Sean Barrett 0413 167 967 Sean.barrett@rugby.com.au 

Senior Team Asst coach James Patrick 0420 882 487 jpatrick@bigrivergroup.com.au 

Senior Team Manager Ron Wood 0416 035 589 Ron.wood3@bigpond.com 

U20's Colts Team Coach Peter Murphy 0448 244 338 petermurphy71@bigpond.com.au 

U20's Colts Asst Coach Marc Joy 0421 595 265 joyo13@bigpond.com 

U20's Colts Manager Peter Tulloch 0402 855 855 peter.tulloch@me.com 

6. Trial Matches Planned 

• Saturday 3rd March Trial Match v Southern Districts Venue: Wollongong 

• Saturday 10th March Trial Match v Canberra Wests Venue: Wollongong 

Meeting Closed 

Peter M Woods 



Principal Sponsor 

The IDRU would like to thank our Principal Sponsor, The Builders Club, for their 

ongoing generous support in 2011/12: 



Sponsors 

We are also grateful for the generous and ongoing sponsorship and other 

support provided by: 



President’s Report 

This season has been a very competitive one in all grades. Avondale has shown a strong 

presence in winning the First and Second Grades Premierships and the Clubs' 

Championship. It was good to see Camden successful in Third Grade and finally, I 

commend the Tech Waratahs Club for being able to contest all Grand Finals, which is no 

mean feat in this day and age. 

There exists a difficulty in our sport in competing for players. We now face a different leisure 

industry where people can do their exercise at any time of the day and night and choose 

from an ever increasing diversity of sports available in the winter months as opposed to the 

traditional winter sports. It is to great credit that so many of our clubs have risen to this 

challenge and have increased their playing and supporters' strength. 

continuing battle for the future of our sport. 

This will be a 

We also face an ongoing rise in the costs associated with running rugby although we do 

have the support of two major sponsors, The Builders Club and Illawarra Credit Union, both 

being local industries which prefer to support local sport. Without such sponsorship it would 

be difficult to fully meet all our commitments. 

We are revamping our competition next year with First and Second Grades plus Colts in the 

Top Club Competition and Third Grade in a separate competition. It is hoped that this will 

encourage the jump from Junior to Senior rankings and take the pressure off clubs, to an 

extent, by taking into account the competition for numbers. It would also mean we have a 

vehicle for club growth. 

The Junior Competition has continued to grow and has now been rationalized into age 

groups for Under 11's, 13's, 15's and 17's. We also held competitions for younger ages, 

however, it was felt that we needed to 'steady the ship'. We can still meet our representative 

commitments with even-age teams and the continuous support of the Juniors and the 

parents of the Juniors is very much appreciated. Attending Junior games is such a 

worthwhile, pleasurable experience which gives hope for the future of our game. 

I wish to sincerely thank the members of the Board for their contribution this year and 

although I am loathe to single out any one member, I do commend Tony Feiertag, our 

Treasurer, who has worked tirelessly to get the Junior and Senior accounts in order and who 



President’s Report contd. 

continually surprises with his lateral thinking and methods of improving not only financial 

matters but also the manner in which our game is delivered to the clubs and public. 

I would also like to thank Scott McKellar who has given great leadership and support to the 

Senior Representative program. I recently attended a Saturday meeting of the Junior 

representative managers and coaches for 2013 and the professionalism of Scott and Tony's 

presentations were excellent. 

The season has not passed without controversy, as we are all well aware, and I do know 

that clubs want to do the best for their players and supporters and loyalty is a very important 

part of our sport. However, I have noticed a tendency to, as I would put it, 'go one bridge too 

far'. A great deal of time has been spent on appeals, objections and efforts to appease hurt 

feelings. I come from a club background and therefore know how important it is for clubs to 

know that there exists an avenue for a wrong to be corrected. I would ask that it be 

remembered that all of us are here to do the best for our sport and I have mostly been 

impressed that there is generally no animosity or resentment regarding decisions on appeals 

and objections. However, there have been times when a decision has unfortunately been 

met with animosity which is indeed sad, given the time and effort expended by all parties in 

endeavouring to reach a favourable outcome. 

There have been occasions when it has been said that the Board is not doing enough for 

rugby and I feel this is said without full knowledge of all the facts and specifically, the history 

of some matters. It is my belief that it would generally be preferable for approaches and 

discussion to take place prior to firing off an opinion by way of email or to the press, 

especially when not in full grasp of all the facts. I reiterate I know how passionate people 

can be especially when giving their time freely for what they believe to be the good of the 

game but I would strongly suggest people 'look before they leap'. 

Finally, I thank you all for your support and I know that it is in the minds and hearts of all 

officials, players and supporters that our game prosper and it is my belief that we should 

always strive to do better and this should always be our common goal. 

Peter Woods 

President 



Treasurer’s Report 

The IDRU was able to consolidate its financial position in 2011/12, finishing with a surplus 

of $ 9,284. Prudent financial budgeting and a small, yet unavoidable, affiliation fee increase 

were required to compensate for the discontinuation of significant financial support from 

NSW Country Rugby. 

Our principal sponsor (Builders Club) and our major sponsor (Illawarra Credit Union) and 

other smaller sponsors continued their generous support of the IDRU in 2011/12. I would 

like to thank them for their ongoing commitment to rugby in the Illawarra. A significant part 

of new funding in 2011/12 was for the 2012 and for the 2013 Junior Illawarriors U13 Tours 

to New Zealand which was organised by the two team management groups. These funds are 

used to purchase gear and equipment for the touring parties. 

As always, the Senior and Junior Illawarrior Representative Programs were the major items of 

expenditure in 2011/12. The Senior Program (seniors and U20 colts) came in on budget 

while after accounting for player contributions and team sponsorships the IDRU contributed 

over $17,000 to the Junior Rep sides. Unfortunately the Junior Program Coordinator 

relocated during the season which had a negative impact on the overall management of the 

program. With this in mind, the Board has since redesigned the structure of the Junior 

Program, whereby we have eliminated this layer of communication between Board and team 

Management and team managers are now asked to take on more direct accountability and 

ownership of team budgets. 

In addition to the funding contribution towards the Junior Rep sides, the IDRU once again 

contributed to the Illawarra Academy of Sport as well as funding school development events 

run in conjunction with NSW Rugby and other school assistance projects. 

The Finals Series for both Juniors and Seniors were very successful in 2012. Total income 

from gate takings and tendered bids in 2012 was $21,871. The Grand Final 2012 was held 

at WIN Stadium, where we were able to count some 1,300 spectators. The process of 

recovering compensation for the cancelled 2011 Grand Final at WIN Stadium is still ongoing 

and we are, at present, unable to name a definitive figure. 

Preliminary budget forecasts for 2012/13 indicate that affiliation fees for both seniors and 

juniors can be maintained at current levels. Additional sponsorship from the Builders Club 

will be available to fund the Junior Representative Program so that, along with other 

fundraising activities, we are confident that parent contributions can be reduced. 

Tony Feiertag 

Treasurer 



Referees’ Report 

The 2012 season commenced with four of our association members representing the zone at NSW 

country carnivals; Craig Conway and John Maughan were selected to the A panel and James Penman 

and Russell Brown were selected to the development B Panel. 

These four referees are to be congratulated on their efforts and it is especially pleasing to see James 

and Russell, as two of our newer referees, having the opportunity to perform at a higher representative 

level. 

Locally, Jim Scardanas was rewarded for a consistent season of refereeing, galloping home in the later 

rounds of the referee of the year award. This award is voted on by the coaches in a 3-2-1 count and is 

applied to referees in all grades. 

In the juniors very big congratulations to Gloria Vann, recognized as Joint Junior Volunteer of the Year. 

Gloria is a great contributor and is a driving force for the development of junior referees in the Kiama 

area. Look to see Gloria herself on the senior paddock next year. 

From the refereeing perspective congratulations to all final series referees at both junior and senior 

level; Craig Conway – first grade, Richard McMullen – second grade and John Maughan – third grade 

were our senior grand final referees for 2012. 

For the ninth year the Referees Association was sponsored by Peter Abba and the team at The Amcal 

Pharmacy at Dapto Mall. The support of Dapto Mall Pharmacy is greatly appreciated and allows us to 

continue our New Zealand-Blenheim exchange program and referee development programs. This 

year’s exchange was enjoyed by Tony Feiertag and Scott Wallace. 

2012 saw the introduction of referee video recording to the district. Supported by the referee payment 

system an initial pilot program saw referees’ audio transferred to the recording. While there is room 

for improvement this is a great initiative for all referee development and is an opportunity to provide 

copies to all participating club coaches to assist in understanding law interpretations. Thank you to all 

clubs that supported this pilot in 2012, it is hoped to be able to continue the program in 2013. 

Looking forward, a challenge will be the coordination and inclusion of referees in our junior 

competition. I feel it is time for a nominated representative from the junior committee to coordinate 

junior appointments and match day appointments and look forward to discussing this role for 2013. 

As the 2012 season closes I would like to congratulate all club and district volunteers and officials who 

contribute to Rugby in the Illawarra, it is an effort of passion and of great personal reward. I urge all 

those that care, to support and, where possible, contribute to the District, Club or referee activities. 

Peter Charker 

President 

Illawarra Rugby Union Referees Association 



ARU Development Manager’s 

Report 

The Australian Rugby Union continued to provide the district with support through successful 

programs that were run in 2012. The programs were wide and varied and included: 

• Coach and Match Official Education 

• Participation in Schools Programs 

• Waratah match rewards 

• NSW Schools Sevens competitions 

Schools participation 

The involvement of schools varied from sampling programs to regular involvement in school gala 

days. Sampling sessions were run at various schools with over 2800 students participating in one hit 

days or on-going full term participation. These schools have already flagged their interest to 

participate again in 2013 and beyond. Our strategy here is to increase the schools rugby base so as to 

participate in ongoing rugby competitions or Rugby Gala days. 

The irregular rugby participation, i.e. one day gala days, or less than 5 games in the year, has again 

grown with schools participating in Small schools gala days or Sevens days, or the State-wide primary 

knockout days, or Secondary schools days. These students totalled more than 2600 and some like 

Albion Park Rail primary (Brian Palmer Shield) and Kiama High (Secondary Schools NSW Sevens) school 

took on the best the NSW schools could offer. 

Undoubtedly the highlight for the Illawarra schools was the Under 15 boys NSW Buchan Shield Finals 

days where Illawarra Sports High came from behind to win the final. This team and program has 

grown from strength to strength and all the players involved should be congratulated. 

The Illawarra and Sydney South west Schools will be able to participate again in the following in 2013. 

• Brian Palmer Shield (State-wide knockout for Public Schools) 

• Wollongong Diocesan Rugby gala days and trials 

• Regional Primary Schools Sevens 

• NSW primary Sevens Competition 

• Under 14, 16 and under 18 Boys and Girls High Schools Sevens 

• Buchan Shield - Under 16 State-wide Competition 

• Waratah Cup - Opens Age State-wide knockout 

Junior Clubs 

A major initiative for the IDRU Juniors was the formation of a Junior Club strategy. Last October the 

Illawarra Junior Clubs were invited to attend a strategic planning workshop. 



ARU Development Manager’s Report contd. 

The main outcomes from this day have been tabled and forwarded onto the clubs and key focus areas 

moving forward are: 

• Competition Structure and Format 

• Administration of IDJRU/Committees 

• Recruitment/Retention of players 

• Coach/Referee Education 

The Club presidents committee was at the forefront of decision making which I feel was for the better 

of the competition and long term development of the players and coaches involved. 

This year we had a good growth throughout the age groups with 1176 players registered across the 

junior clubs. This is a jump of nearly 15%. 

Looking at a numbers projection for the 2013 season we can field at least 4 teams in each age group 

from under 7 – 18’s. I have communicated this information to the Clubs and have asked them for an 

invitation to be involved in their planning for next year. 

Coach Education 

The Foundation, Smart Rugby, Coaching Kids Rugby courses and refereeing kids Rugby were run in the 

region again this with over 310 coaches and match officials attending. Students from Wollongong 

University PE Department were also put through a Coaching Kids Rugby module this semester, which 

will have benefits to Illawarra Rugby in the long term with potentially another group of teachers hitting 

the ground in the next few years armed with rugby knowledge and skills to spread the word. 

A large number of coaches have also been assessed as competent level 1 and level 2 coaches this year. 

This hopefully will provide more clubs and schools with accredited coaches to assist with player 

development. 

Waratah Match Rewards 

The junior clubs were again able to participate in the Waratahs rewards program which included the 

Super Rugby game experience. 

On the Waratahs v Crusaders Family friendly Sunday match on the 29 th April the Kiama and 

Campbelltown clubs had the chance to be in the Guard of Honour that leads the teams on the field. 

This coupled with watching the warm up from on the field was a great experience for the kids and 

coaches alike. 

The Waratahs also hosted the Schools and Junior Club March past at ANZ Stadium with over 5000 

players/coaches/and support staff involved, in a lap around the stadium prior to the last home match 

for the Waratahs v REDS match in July. 

Bledisloe Cup Roadshow 

In the build-up to the Sydney Bledisloe Cup test match the Bledisloe Cup was part of a nationwide 

tour. We were lucky enough to have the Cup arrive and stay in the Illawarra for a few days. 



ARU Development Manager’s Report contd. 

On the Sunday “The Cup” was displayed at the University ovals for all clubs and teams to see and 

capture the moment with a team or individual photo. Clubs involved with this were Shamrocks, Kiama, 

Shoalhaven and University. 

The following day the Cup did a tour of St Michaels Thirroul, Mt Ousley Public and St Columbkilles 

Corrimal before landing on WIN Stadium for a free clinic. The schools visits included presentation to 

the whole school, rugby clinics and giveaways. Each class also had their photo taken with the Cup. 

Overall there were nearly 1000 children and parents who got a chance to get up close and personal 

with a true piece of rugby history. 

Schools Sevens programs 

The Rugby Sevens opportunity also arrived this year on the back of the Olympic Games announcement 

that the Women’s and Men’s varieties of Sevens will be in the next two Olympic Games starting in Rio 

in 2016. The primary and High schools in the Illawarra had a small taste test of what was available 

with Sevens Rugby gala Days in the primary school and Under 14, 16 and 18 age groups. 

The Road to Rio Rugby Sevens presentation was also rolled out with the program targeting potential 

Schoolgirls Rugby players. 3 schools participated in the first year and also we had 55 girls participate 

in the rugby Sevens Discovery day and some of those players being targeted by ARU staff to 

participate in the first NSW Schoolgirls Sevens trials. 

I would like to thank the many volunteers and Rugby clubs that allowed me to utilise their facilities to 

run gala days, courses and presentations it is very much appreciated. 

In 2013 the International Rugby will come thick and fast through the Super Rugby competition, the 

Rugby Championship and in June the much anticipated British and Irish Lions Tour. Please keep an 

eye out for opportunities to participate in these historic events and more in 2013. 

Please enjoy the break from rugby, enjoy the Christmas and New Year festivities with your families and 

friends and I will look forward to seeing you all in 2013. 

Yours in Rugby 

Sean Barrett 

Southern Region Development Manager ARU 



2012 Senior Illawarriors 

Program Report 

ON THE FIELD 

A total of 53 players were invited to attend 

Illawarrior Training commencing in October 

2011. A total of 38 players attended the training 

sessions and trial matches. The attendance and 

effort of all players on the training field and in 

the Trial Matches was excellent. After regular well 

attended training sessions we completed 2 very 

worthwhile trials against Southern Districts and 

Canberra Wests and settled on a final 26 players 

to go forward to the NSWCRU Championships. 

Our first round match was played at Mudgee on 

Saturday 24 th March, against Central West which 

resulted in a hard fought 13 – 10 victory to allow 

us to progress to the Championship Semi Finals. 

The first half was a frustrating 40 minutes with 

some poor handling letting us down when tries were on offer and we went to the break 0 – 7 down. A 

much improved 2 nd half performance saw us dominate play although still a couple of scoring 

opportunities went begging. A try to Ash Mason and a conversion and penalty goal to Donovan Nepia 

against 1 penalty goal to Central West had the scores equal at 10 – 10 going into the last 15 minutes 

of the match. After a sustained period of controlled play from the Illawarriors we were awarded a 

penalty as the final hooter sounded. Donovan Nepia calmly kicked the penalty goal for us to win 13 – 

10. 

The championship finals were conducted at Morrie Breen Oval, Wyong the following weekend March 

31 st , April 1 st . In our Semi Final played in very hot conditions on the Saturday, we won a high standard 

match against Central North 29 – 13. Down 8 – 13 at half time after a try to Anthony Allport and a 

penalty goal to Donovan Nepia, we played possibly our best 40 minutes of football in the second half 

to run out 29 – 13 winners qualifying for the Caldwell Cup Final. Second half tries were scored by 

Andrew Barrett, Donovan Nepia and Gavin Holder with Donovan Nepia kicking 3 goals. 

Our opponents in the final on the Sunday were Caldwell Cup winners for the last 4 years, Newcastle 

Hunter. Clearly Newcastle Hunter is the bench mark for NSW Country Rugby, and on the day were too 

strong for a gallant and committed Illawarriors squad. After being down 6 – 12 at half time, having 

conceded 2 tries we were still very much in the game. The effects of the previous days hard match in 

hot conditions took its toll on us in the second half with Newcastle Hunter scoring two tries to one to 

run out winners by 24 – 11. Our try was scored by Leon Mason and Donovan Nepia kicked 2 penalty 

goals. 

Four players were selected in the Country Cockatoos Training Squad. They were Donovan Nepia, Tyler 

Aitken, Ben Greentree and Tim Small. 

It can only be described as very disappointing to achieve such a low representation at Country level 

considering our overall performance in the Championships and some outstanding performances from 

several players. 



2012 Senior Illawarriors Program Report contd. 

The 26 members of the squad for the tournament were: 

Joel Diggins (Vikings), Alex Matulik (TechTahs), Roger Cairns (Avondale), Mark Nightingale (Camden), 

Mitchell Wakeford (Vikings), Joe Kaio (Avondale), Tim Olsen (Tech Tahs), Tom Darmody (University), 

Gavin Holder (Camden), Tim Small (Bowral), Ben Greentree (Shamrocks), John Maumau (Camden), 

Andrew Barrett (Vikings), Ash Mason (University), Tyler Aitken (Camden), Donovan Nepia (University), 

Leon Mason (University), Anthony Allport (Shamrocks), Karl Horne (Avondale), Darryl Sanft (Avondale), 

Tristram Storm (Shamrocks), Simon Watts (Vikings), Pauro Collier (Avondale), Josh Davey (Tech Tahs), 

Andrew Strode (Bowral), Stuart Roodenrys (Shamrocks). 

Staff members – Sean Barrett (Head Coach), James Patrick (Assistant Coach), Peter Palmer (Assistant 

Coach), Ron Wood (Manager), Wolfgang Coen (Assistant Manager), Nathan Gainsford (Physiotherapist). 

Trevor Patrick (Trainer), Iain Ross (Trainer). 

FINANCIALS 

As at 5 th May the total Expenditure for the program stands at $52599.32. The only outstanding costs 

to be added to this figure are the final account from Baimed for Physiotherapy services which should 

amount to approximately $500.00. Also there will be charges to follow from photographer Josh 

Brightman for Team Photos and a CD of the Program at $300.00, which was requested by President 

Peter Woods. 

The cost are slightly over budget which was approved at $50,000.00. 

GENERAL COMMENTS 

I felt that the program was very successful both at a Senior and Under 20 level. The Under 20’s started 

slowly at Mudgee but showed a marked improvement and finished the carnival as Plate Champions. 

The lack of Country representation was very disappointing and very difficult to accept, given both 

teams performances. 

Another disappointment was the lack of Board members attending matches and training sessions. 

Tony Feiertag and Len Diggins were the only Board Members to make consistent appearances at 

training and matches. This was not lost on the players with several players making comment to me in 

this regard. 

RECOMMENDATIONS 

1. Administration Structure. I found taking both roles as Team Manager and Rep Program 

Manager was too much for one person to handle efficiently. Indeed I don’t think such a 

situation is appropriate at all. I feel that the role of Rep Program Manager should be held by a 

member of the IDRU Board. This Board member should then supervise and co-ordinate the 

activities of the senior and Under 20 Team Managers. 

2. Physiotherapy Services. The performance of Nathan Gainsford from Baimed Physiotherapy was 

first class and I would have no hesitation in recommending that this arrangement be 

continued with in the future. However I think that the policy of the IDRU paying the gap 

payment for players needs to be re- evaluated. Players should be encouraged to ensure that 

they have adequate personal health insurance to cover any injuries they may incur. Whilst it is 

perhaps appropriate that the IDRU should ensure that players are not left out of pocket 

because of injury there may be a more efficient way of dealing with ongoing Physio treatment. 




3. Training Venue. Sean Barrett and I thought we had appropriate arrangements in place for all 

our training to be conducted at the University of Wollongong. This venue offers excellent 

facilities and in the main the University staff went out of their way to meet our requirements. 

Unfortunately during the course of our training period the University picked up some extra 

tenants and we were relegated to a lesser level than at first granted. This had a disruptive 

effect on our preparation. Training venues have been a problem for our representative teams 

over quite a few years. Perhaps we need to approach the local councils in our area to 

endeavour to establish a long term training base that can be used by senior and junior rep 

teams. 

4. Coaching Staff. All members of the Coaching Staff both at Senior and Under 20 level 

performed admirably. I feel that every effort should be made to reappoint Sean Barrett and 

James Patrick for 2013 at Senior Level and Peter Murphy (Coach) and Peter Tulloch (Manager) 

at the Under 20 level for 2013. I would be very confident that both groups have laid a very 

solid foundation this year which could be successfully built on in 2013. 

CONCLUSION 

An enormous effort by Coach Sean Barrett, created a very professional atmosphere for the program. 

His Assistant Coaches, James Patrick and Peter Palmer worked closely with the forwards which proved 

crucial with our forward effort matching all of our opponents. Wolfgang Coen contributed strongly, 

taking a lot of pressure off me. Nathan Gainsford performed brilliantly and on field Trainers Trevor 

Patrick and Iain Ross contributed to the players focus and composure on the field. 

However the ultimate success of the program can be attributed to the effort and attitude of the players 

themselves. Early in January we sat in a room at Wollongong University and talked about Illawarra’s 

ranking in Country rugby and our goal to 

re-establish ourselves in the top 3 ranked zones in the state. We asked the players for a quality 

performance and this they delivered. It was a pleasure for me to work with all concerned in the 

program. 

I would also like to thank Tony Feiertag for his assistance and support throughout the program. 

Ron Wood 

IDRU Representative Program Manager 




2012 Senior Illawarriors 

Illawarriors Senior Player of the Year 

2012 

Mark Nightingale 



2012 Illawarrior Colts 

Representative Review 

Executive Summary 

2012 saw us face the inherent problems with 

this age group, Due to work, uni and social 

commitments we had the challenges associated 

with getting early commitment. Although we 

invited approximately 40 players to trial, 

attendance was very low in the early weeks. It 

slowly increased as time went on. We 

participated in two trials both with sub 

acceptable numbers and therefore the results 

were disappointing without being a complete 

disaster. We finally got a full squad together a 

week before round one. 

Round one was always going to be tough given 

the draw is based on the open’s result from the previous year, this saw us playing a repeat of the colts 

grand final from 2011. That being said, it was a hard fought struggle and although we were beaten we 

were in the game the whole way and went down 24-5 due to a late intercept try. This performance 

should be put in perspective by the fact that Central West played off in the Grand Final. 

We then had some very productive training sessions with most of the squad attending. The team 

started to build some good combinations and was really starting to bond. By the time we got on the 

coach for the Central Coast confidence was very high. Our first game saw us come up against Western 

Plains; the boys put together the performance we new they were capable of and came away with a 43- 

17 win. This put us into the Plate final on the Sunday, Saturday night was the Country Championship 

dinner and the team represented Illawarra in the manner that would be expected. We returned to the 

accommodation around 9.00pm and the boys retired early completely focused on the job before them 

in the morning. 

Sunday “Plate Final day” this was our grand final and the boy approached it as such. We were meeting 

the host district Central Coast, this was not going to be easy as the Central Coast had imported 

players from Sydney uni and North’s colts and these were very talented players. Our opposition was an 

extremely big side so we were expecting a very physical game. Our warm up went very well and the 

team was here to play and the belief was very high. The game was an absolute thriller we led all the 

way but our injury toll was mounting by the minute; we had key players that were completely broken 

but kept finding something knowing the team needed them. The game was not decided till after the 

full time siren had sounded when CC was attacking our line and their final pass went into touch. The 

final score remained 27-22 to Illawarra and the silver ware was ours. After a very average start to this 

campaign these boys certainly did Illawarra rugby proud on and off the field. 



2012 Illawarrior Colts Representative Review contd. 

Current situation 

The current situation is the coaching staff are appointed late in the season, then watch and try to 

identify suitable players through the final series. Invitations are then sent to identified players. By this 

time the players have well and truly finished their season and rugby is no longer their main focus for 

the summer months. 

Another issue we face is the importance of the colts program. There is very little to no promotion by 

the clubs to encourage players to trial for the representative programs. 

The main focus is and rightly so the opens but we need to find away that we lift the profile of the Colts 

program at all levels after all these are the opens of tomorrow. 

Recommendations 

Our recommendations would be, if we were given the team for 2013 program we would ask that the 

board make that appointment in the very near future. We would then ask that the board ask the clubs 

to support the program through the season by identifying players they consider to be of standard and 

communicate that to us. We would be happy to go and view these players at training and in games. We 

would like to have the core of the team identified early to mid season. We would not be looking to 

interfere in anyway with their clubs program, but we would like to consider some social type activities 

to start bonding the core players. 

We would also be looking at things like the Kiama sevens as a pre representative activity if the board 

would sanction it. We believe that if we lift the profile and importance of the colts program the results 

will be forth coming. 

To start the process of interaction between the representative management and the clubs we intend to 

write to each club giving them feedback on the performance of their players during the 2012 program. 

Peter Murphy 

Coach – Illawarrior Colts 



2012 Illawarrior Colts Representative Review contd. 

Illawarrior Colts 2012 

Illawarrior Colts Player of the Year 

2012 

Matt Lee 



2012 Junior Representative 

Season in Review 

The 2012 junior representative season 

saw nine teams from U10s to U18s 

represent our zone in trial matches, NSW 

Country Championships and the NSW 

State Championships. 

We were also admirably represented in 

the Shaky Isles of New Zealand by our 

U13s team who toured there as part of 

the annual program. 

The Board of Directors would firstly like 

to acknowledge this year’s program 

director in Norm Buchanan for the great 

work he has done in coordinating the program. We would also like to acknowledge 

the efforts of all coaches, managers and support staff that volunteered their time to 

coordinate the representative teams this year. A lot of effort and hard work goes 

into representative teams and without these people the program would simply not 

happen. Well done to everyone involved. 

To the players: Well done to all of you who represented the Illawarra Rugby Zone so 

proudly this year. You are all a credit to yourselves, your clubs and your zone. Well 

done. 

This year we had two teams win the NSW Country Championship in the U12s and 

U14’s. Congratulations to these teams on this wonderful achievement. 

The 2013 Coaching and Management Staff have now been appointed and planning 

has already commenced for the 2013 program which is only just around the corner. 

Scott McKellar 

Director – Illawarriors Representative Program 

Illawarra Rugby 



Awards 2012 

2012 Club Championship Avondale Wombats 

Senior Player of the Year Gavin Holder Camden 

Runner-Up for Player of the Year Pauro Collier Avondale Wombats 

Top Points Scorer 

Pauro Collier 

Lee Martin 

Avondale Wombats 

Tech Waratahs 

Top Try Scorer Andre Itula Avondale Wombats 

IDRU Coach of the Year Sean Filan Tech Waratahs 

Senior Volunteer of the Year & 

NSW Country Rugby Volunteer of the Year 

Angus Le Good 

Camden 

Junior Volunteer of the Year 

Tammy Fletcher-Cairns 

Gloria Vann 


Illawarra Referees / Kiama 

Dexter Porter Cup 

Vikings 

Referee of the Year 

James Scardanas 

Senior Representative Player of the Year Mark Nightingale Camden 

U20 Representative Player of the Year Matt Lee University 

Senior NSW Country Representative Players 

Joel Diggins 

Ben Greentree 

Gavin Holder 

Donovan Napia 

Tim Small 

Vikings 

Shamrocks 

Camden 

University 

Bowral 

U20 NSW Country Representative Players 

Tom Mulready 

Rhys Peters 

Camden 

Shamrocks 



Senior Competitions 2012 

1 st GRADE 

2012 Premiership Avondale Wombats 

Geoff Shaw Medal 

(Player of the Grand Final) 

Andre Itula 


Minor Premiership 


Halfway Cup 

Tech Waratahs 

John Hayne Interclub Shield 

Tech Waratahs 

2 nd GRADE 


Player of Grand Final Jiah McKinnerey Avondale Wombats 



3 rd GRADE 

2012 Premiership Camden 

Player of Grand Final Graham Martin Camden 


Vincentia 



Senior Competition Ladders & 

Finals Results 

CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP 

1ST 2ND 3RD 

CLUB 

TOTAL 

GRADE GRADE GRADE 

Avondale 375 264 134 773 

Tech Waratahs 310 183 108 601 

Shamrocks 240 204 64 508 

Camden 140 177 116 433 

Vikings 190 132 92 414 

University 255 84 66 405 

Shoalhaven 235 159 0 394 

Kiama 120 69 44 233 

Vincentia 0 0 140 140 

Wollondilly 0 0 98 98 

Engadine Lions 0 18 48 66 

1st Grade Ladder 

CLUB PLAYED WON LOST DRAW FOR AGAINST DIFF PTS 

BONUS 

PTS 

TOTAL 

Avondale 16 15 1 0 739 268 471 60 15 75 

Tech Waratahs 16 12 4 0 658 275 383 48 14 62 

University 16 10 6 0 589 387 202 40 11 51 

Shamrocks 16 9 6 1 425 315 110 38 10 48 

Shoalhaven 16 9 7 0 477 348 129 36 11 47 

Vikings 16 7 9 0 482 451 31 28 10 38 

Camden 16 5 10 1 394 408 -14 22 6 28 

Kiama 16 4 12 0 396 600 -204 16 8 24 

Bowral 16 0 16 0 82 1190 -1108 0 2 2 

1st Grade Finals Results 

MATCH DATE VENUE WINNER PTS v LOSER PTS2 

Grand Final 22/9/12 WIN Stadium Avondale 40 def Tech Waratahs 21 

Final 15/9/12 Kiama Avondale 56 def Shoalhaven 3 

Minor Semi-Final 9/9/12 Camden Tech Waratahs 24 def Avondale 17 

Major Semi-Final 8/9/12 Shamrocks Shoalhaven 31 def University 25 

Minor Preliminary Semi-Final 2/9/12 Shoalhaven Shoalhaven 33 def Shamrocks 18 

Major Preliminary Semi-Final 1/9/12 Avondale Tech Waratahs 31 def University 18 



Senior Competition Ladders & 


2nd Grade Ladder 

CLUB PLAYED WON LOST DRAWN FOR AGAINST DIFF PTS 

BONUS 

PTS 

TOTAL 

Avondale 18 18 0 0 773 135 638 72 16 88 

Shamrocks 18 14 4 0 563 209 354 56 12 68 

Tech Waratahs 18 12 6 0 536 240 296 48 13 61 

Camden 18 12 6 0 464 267 197 48 11 59 

Shoalhaven 18 10 8 0 423 219 204 40 13 53 

Vikings 18 9 8 1 387 353 34 38 6 44 

University 18 5 11 2 255 621 -366 24 4 28 

Kiama 18 4 14 0 238 491 -253 16 7 23 

Bowral 18 3 15 0 192 735 -543 16 5 21 

Engadine Lions 18 1 16 1 162 723 -561 6 0 6 

2nd Grade Finals Results 


Grand Final 22/9/12 WIN Stadium Avondale 25 def Tech Waratahs 10 

Final 15/9/12 Kiama Avondale 17 def Shamrocks 0 

Minor Semi-Final 9/9/12 Camden Shamrocks 29 def Shoalhaven 22 

Major Semi-Final 8/9/12 Shamrocks Tech Waratahs 20 def Avondale 14 

Minor Preliminary Semi-Final 2/9/12 Shoalhaven Shoalhaven 33 def Camden 27 

Major Preliminary Semi-Final 1/9/12 Avondale Tech Waratahs 25 def Shamrocks 6 

3rd Grade Ladder 

CLUB PLAYED WON LOST DRAWN FOR AGAINST DIFF PTS 

BONUS 

PTS 

TOTAL 

Vincentia 18 15 3 0 496 207 289 60 10 70 

Avondale 18 12 5 1 414 313 101 50 17 67 

Camden 18 11 7 0 456 326 130 44 14 58 

Tech Waratahs 18 10 7 1 391 262 129 42 12 54 

Wollondilly 18 11 7 0 301 276 25 44 9 53 

Vikings 18 9 9 0 289 280 9 36 10 46 

University 18 6 11 1 303 451 -148 26 7 33 

Shamrocks 18 6 12 0 273 386 -113 24 8 32 

Engadine Lions 18 4 14 0 235 431 -196 16 8 24 

Kiama 18 4 13 1 167 393 -226 18 4 22 

3 rd Grade Finals Results 


Grand Final 22/9/12 WIN Stadium Camden 19 def Tech Waratahs 3 

Final 15/9/12 Kiama Tech Waratahs 14 def Vincentia 10 

Minor Semi-Final 9/9/12 Camden Tech Waratahs 27 def Avondale 0 

Major Semi-Final 8/9/12 Shamrocks Camden 24 def Vincentia 0 

Minor Preliminary Semi-Final 2/9/12 Shoalhaven Tech Waratahs 17 def Wollondilly 10 

Major Preliminary Semi-Final 1/9/12 Avondale Camden 20 def Avondale 15 



Junior Competitions 2012 

Sue Smith Memorial Trophy Tim Lewis Bowral 

Under 10s 




Best & Fairest Player of the Year No award in 2012 

Under 11s 

2012 Premiership Campbelltown 


Campbelltown 

Best & Fairest Player of the Year Aiden Wearne Kiama 

Under 12s 

2012 Premiership Kiama Black 


Kiama White 

Best & Fairest Player of the Year Jared Barnes Kiama 

Under 13s 



Bowral 

Best & Fairest Player of the Year Escher Leduc Bowral 

Under 15s 

2012 Premiership Vikings 


Camden 

Best & Fairest Player of the Year Ryan King University 

Under 17s 



Campbelltown 

Best & Fairest Player of the Year Ryan Schoupp Shamrocks 



Junior Competition Ladders & 


Under 10s Ladder 

CLUB PLAY WON LOST DRAW BYES FOR AGST DIFF PTS 

BONUS 

PTS 

TOTAL 

Avondale 18 16 1 1 0 876 52 824 66 16 82 

Kiama 18 16 0 2 0 681 163 518 64 15 79 

Campbelltown 18 15 0 3 0 833 225 608 60 15 75 

Bowral 18 10 1 7 0 418 342 76 42 9 51 

Shamrocks 17 5 0 12 0 222 619 -397 20 7 27 

Tech Waratahs 17 5 0 12 0 227 559 -332 20 4 24 

University 18 2 0 16 0 163 688 -525 8 5 13 

Camden 18 1 0 17 0 203 975 -772 4 6 10 

Under 10s Finals Results 


Grand Final 9/9/12 Avondale Avondale 27 def Kiama 5 

Final 2/9/12 Vikings Kiama 29 def Campbelltown 15 

Major Semi-Final 26/8/12 Camden Avondale 26 def Kiama 24 

Minor Semi-Final 26/8/12 Kiama Campbelltown 46 def Bowral 10 



BONUS 

PTS 

TOTAL 

Campbelltown 18 14 2 2 0 579 221 358 60 15 75 

University 18 12 3 3 0 543 154 389 54 15 69 

Kiama 18 13 0 5 0 528 340 188 52 14 66 

Vikings 18 8 2 8 0 272 257 15 36 6 42 

Bowral 18 6 3 9 0 307 351 -44 30 4 34 

Avondale 18 5 2 11 0 203 379 -176 24 7 31 

Shamrocks 18 5 1 12 0 244 509 -265 22 6 28 

Shoalhaven 18 2 1 15 0 134 573 -439 10 3 13 



Grand Final 9/9/12 Avondale Campbelltown 27 def University 24 

Final 2/9/12 Vikings Campbelltown 15 def Vikings 10 

Major Semi-Final 26/8/12 Camden University 22 def Campbelltown 12 

Minor Semi-Final 26/8/12 Kiama Vikings 24 def Kiama 7 







BONUS 

PTS 

TOTAL 

Kiama White 18 13 0 2 3 462 271 191 52 12 64 

Kiama Black 18 12 1 1 4 673 147 526 50 11 61 

University 18 4 1 10 3 376 382 -6 18 14 32 

Bowral 18 3 1 11 3 196 532 -336 14 5 19 

Vikings 18 2 1 10 5 209 434 -225 10 4 14 



Grand Final 9/9/12 Avondale Kiama Black 29 def University 15 

Final 2/9/12 Vikings University 36 def Kiama White 5 

Major Semi-Final 26/8/12 Camden University n/a def Bowral n/a 

Minor Semi-Final 26/8/12 Kiama Kiama Black 38 def Kiama White 12 



BONUS 

PTS 

TOTAL 

Bowral 18 14 0 2 2 497 256 241 56 14 70 

Campbelltown 18 13 2 1 2 478 188 290 56 12 68 

Camden 18 11 1 4 2 486 316 170 46 11 57 

Shamrocks 18 8 1 7 2 401 263 138 34 12 46 

Avondale 18 7 1 8 2 351 416 -65 30 9 39 

Kiama 18 6 0 10 2 380 537 -157 24 9 33 

Tech Waratahs 18 5 0 11 2 390 563 -173 20 10 30 

University 18 4 0 12 2 326 376 -50 16 11 27 

Shoalhaven 18 0 3 13 2 127 521 -394 6 4 10 



Grand Final 9/9/12 Avondale Campbelltown 25 def Bowral 10 

Final 2/9/12 Vikings Bowral 22 def Shamrocks 19 

Major Semi-Final 26/8/12 Camden Campbelltown 53 def Bowral 7 

Minor Semi-Final 26/8/12 Kiama Shamrocks 22 def Camden 17 







BONUS 

PTS 

TOTAL 

Camden 18 15 2 1 0 745 119 626 64 13 77 

Campbelltown 18 13 1 4 0 783 294 489 54 12 66 

Vikings 18 11 5 2 0 678 90 588 54 10 64 

University 18 8 4 6 0 550 337 213 40 12 52 

Bowral 18 7 1 10 0 487 563 -76 30 11 41 

Shoalhaven 18 6 0 12 0 310 575 -265 24 9 33 

Shamrocks 18 4 2 12 0 242 732 -490 20 4 24 

Kiama 18 0 1 17 0 95 1220 -1125 2 3 5 



Grand Final 9/9/12 Avondale Vikings 41 def Camden 5 

Final 2/9/12 Vikings Vikings 81 def Campbelltown 12 

Major Semi-Final 26/8/12 Camden Camden 20 def Campbelltown 19 

Minor Semi-Final 26/8/12 Kiama Vikings 74 def University 5 

Under 17s 


BONUS 

PTS 

TOTAL 

Campbelltown 18 11 0 3 4 469 232 237 44 13 57 

Bowral 18 10 1 3 4 366 189 177 42 10 52 

Vikings 18 7 1 7 3 322 370 -48 30 12 42 

Shamrocks 18 7 0 7 4 335 295 40 28 9 37 

Shoalhaven 18 0 0 15 3 70 392 -322 0 0 0 

Under 17s Finals - Results 

MATCH DATE VENUE WINNER PTS v LOSER PTS 

Grand Final 9/9/12 Avondale Campbelltown 51 def Bowral 14 

Final 2/9/12 Vikings Campbelltown 3 def Vikings* 10 

Major Semi-Final 26/8/12 Camden Bowral 35 def Campbelltown 22 

Minor Semi-Final 26/8/12 Kiama Vikings 49 def Shamrocks 29 

*) = disqualified 



Affiliated Rugby Clubs 

The following Rugby Clubs are affiliate Members of the Illawarra District Rugby 

Union in 2011/12: 

• Avondale Wombats RC 

• Bowral RC 

• Campbelltown Harlequins Junior RC* 

• Camden RC 

• Engadine Lions RC 

• Kiama RFC 

• Shamrocks RC 

• Shoalhaven RFC 

• Tech Waratahs RC 

• Vikings RC 

• Vincentia van Goghs RC 

• Wollondilly White Waratahs RC 

• Wollongong University RU 

*) denotes juniors only 

The Illawarra Rugby Referees Association is also an affiliate Member of the IDRU. 

Club Reports for the 2012 season follow 



AVONDALE WOMBATS RC 

Our year started badly with the untimely death of Sione “Bull” Tausala, last year’s 3 Grade 

rd 

Coach and former 1st Grade and Illawarra player. Only in his mid-thirties it was a cruel blow 

to his family and the Club. Always one to make an impact, he will not be forgotten. 

2012 was a rewarding season for Avondale with the Club Championship, 2nd Grade 

Premiership, 3rd Grade made the semi-finals and, finally, the 1st Grade Premiership. It was a 

great effort from all the coaches and 1st Grade coach James Patrick certainly moulded the 1 st 

Grade squad into an effective and cohesive unit. 2nd Grade was coached to another 

premiership by Henare Leach; “H” held the Club together during pre-season when the rep 

players were away and continued last season’s unbeaten run into the semi-finals. The 

ladders show they were the most dominant team in all of the senior competitions. Johnson 

Hansen coached 3rd Grade, always a difficult ask, combining a mix of old stagers (the mind 

is willing, but the body is weak), rookies (think they know everything, but hardly know 

anything), toilers (know everything, but can hardly ever do it) and underperforming talent 

(the body is willing, but the mind is weak, especially when it comes to training). Under 

Johnson’s guidance the boys had a great season. 

Our club’s Juniors expanded once again fielding five teams from U7’s to U13’s. 2012 

welcomed a lot of new players & their families, not only to the club at Avondale but to the 

game of rugby union. Our greatest accomplishments this season would be the strength of 

an undefeated U7’s team, the juniors’ first premiership title from the successful U10’s team, 

11 Avondale players participating in the Illawarrior Junior Representative program and 1 

Avondale player being selected to represent NSW School Boys. 

Many thanks to all the players, coaches, managers and parents for the continual effort and 

especially Tammy Cairns for once again providing the driving force. Expansion of Juniors 

remains a priority for the Club and have already seen the benefits of former Juniors coming 

through into grade rugby. 

Many thanks to the Referees and the IDRU Board, without whom there would be no Rugby. 

Thanks also to the Sponsors, especially our major sponsor the Dandaloo Hotel, Senior 

Coaches, Managers, Committee members, canteen & BBQ volunteers, strappers, runners and 

family & friends who supported the teams during the 2012 season. 

Avondale Rugby Club wishes the best of luck to all teams competing in 2013. It will be a 

challenge to firmly establish a Colts competition, which we believe is the right thing to do, 

but every effort must be made not to sacrifice the 3rd Grade teams. 3rd Graders are the 

backbone of many clubs and Rugby in the Illawarra would be infinitely poorer without them. 



BOWRAL RUGBY UNION CLUB 

Kicking off 2012, Bowral Rugby Club began its campaign confident of building on its previous year’s 

dedication and growth. We had a few changes within the committee ranks though majority of the 

committee members remained in office and maintained their eagerness to continue on the path of 

building a stronger club both on and off the field. 

The year ahead looked rather convincing that we would improve and increase on our recent season’s 

ranks with new and old faces showing up for our pre-season program. We started our pre-season 

trials with good numbers for both 1 st and 2 nd grade and some rather handy footballers however as our 

season kicked off we were once again hit with major injuries to key 1 st grade players along with our 

young up and coming grade players. Such injuries didn’t deter us as a club or our young bunch of 

dedicated Rugby players as we continued on and fielded 2 grades throughout the season with most of 

our players backing up and playing 2 games every Saturday. A big mention and thank you must go to 

the Wollondilly boys for also assisting us in fielding 2 grades. With a handful of wins in 2 nd grade, this 

gave the club and the boy’s belief and confidence throughout a tough season, however we couldn’t 

find the substance to get a win in 1 st grade, though it wasn’t through lack of trying as the boys 

competed week in week out for the full 80 minutes...... some may say 160 minutes. 

BRUC again had a very successful year off the field with a swag full of sponsor backing us, both new 

and old..... many thanks to all our club sponsors through both senior and junior ranks. All our 2012 

club events would not of been possible without the support of not only these sponsors though also the 

dedication of our committee members and that of parents, the community and alike. We are all 

dedicated to the future of the club and are looking forward to 2013 with again great sponsorship 

commitment and great community support. 

Many thanks has to be given to my committee members especially that of our junior chairman that 

continues to build a healthy and robust junior club as we saw many of our junior teams making the 

finals campaign and progressing to the Grand Finals. 

Also thank you has to go to the IDRU Committee and Board for their continual support and belief in 

the rebuilding of BRUC..... as mentioned earlier we look forward to the 2013 season and working with 

the IDRU to building the game of Rugby throughout the highlands. 

I have enjoyed my 1 st year as President of the Bowral Rugby Club and am looking to continue on in this 

role for seasons ahead as I am passionate about the game, Rugby Union and the importance the role it 

plays throughout the Illawarra. 


Mark Freund 

President – Bowral Rugby Union Club 



CAMDEN RUGBY CLUB 

2012 was a mixed year for Camden resulting in a very commendable 4 th place in the Club 

Championship. 

First grade showed a great deal of promise in the early rounds only to see season-ending 

injuries taking out half of the year’s starting side. It was however a credit to the players, 

replacements and coaches to see the team remain competitive through to the end of the 

season. 

Despite losing key players as replacements to the higher grades, both 2nds and 3rds 

finished the season strongly. 2nds made it through to the major semi-final and of course 

3rds took out the premiership with a resounding win over Tech Tahs in the grand final. The 

club spirit displayed at WIN Stadium was extraordinary and something of which we are very 

proud. 

The Juniors also enjoyed a much more rewarding season with the U/15’s going through to 

the Grand Final and the U/13’s the semi-final. 

All in all, we enjoyed a very good season for the club on the field, with great promise of 

improved results in the coming years. 

On an individual basis, the awarding of Illawarrior Rep Player of the year to Mark 

Nightingale, and the Illawarra District Player of the Year to Gavin Holder, were considered 

highlights, and we were delighted to see Angus Le Good recognized as both Illawarra and 

NSW Country Volunteer of the Year. 

We have appointed a Colts coach for next year and are busy recruiting players to make 

Camden a force in all grades. 

Camden enjoyed wonderful ground and clubhouse facilities through the season, and my 

thanks go to the hard-working Committee and supporters who made this happen. 



ENGADINE LIONS RUGBY CLUB 

The 2012 season was a season of re-building for Engadine Lions Rugby Club. It was a year 

that saw a significant change to the coaching staff, other personnel, the loss of a few key 

players and a change in the grade of competition. 

The season started off at the Kiama 7’s with the Club achieving second place in the Country 

Cup. 

The Players again put in a strong performance throughout the year, albeit not reflective of 

the results from time to time and the Club’s final standing on the ladder. The Club 

supported IDRU Under 19’s trials which in our view was a success. This also resulted in 

some renewed interest in our Club and saw an increase in the spectators on grade days 

given that a number of the players were eligible to play in 3 rd and 2 nd grade. 

The season finished off at the Bowral 7’s with the Club bringing home the Bowl. An exciting 

final, Engadine vs Engadine. 

The Club did succeed in overcoming challenges that were faced, the change in culture that 

the players can be proud of and finished off in a strong position (both financially and 

culturally) which provides the foundation that can be built upon in the coming years. 

The Club was also successful in securing a government grant for the purposes of erecting 

lights on the western side of the field. This will make for exciting times enabling night 

games to be played as required. 

Our focus for the 2013 season is to continue to grow the support of the community to our 

game, attracting new players and sponsorship. 


Darren Vardy 

President 



KIAMA RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB 

Kiama Rugby Club had an improved 2012 season. 

With new coach Craig Wells at the helm, the club got away to a slow start but 

improved as the season went on. 

Encouragingly, Kiama played their best rugby towards the back half of the season, 

winning two of the last three games. 

The highlights of the season included winning the Black and Blue trophy, the Kiama 

sevens tournament and hosting a successful final. 

First grade were in most games with 10 minutes to go but slipped away in many of 

these encounters. 

With an extremely young first and second grade side, the club is confident of an 

improved showing in 2013. 

One of the main focuses of the 2013 season was the introduction of younger 

players into grade through the implementation of a development squad. 

This will continue in the upcoming season and hopefully merge into the Under 20 

competition. 

Kiama will certainly be supporting this concept and is hopeful of a high quality 

competition featuring plenty of teams. 

Finally, Kiama would like to congratulate Tech Tahs on having three sides in the 

2012 Grand Finals, this is a tremendous effort. 

Richard Payne 

President 

Kiama RFC 



SHAMROCKS RUGBY CLUB 

I can report to the IDRU that we have finished the year in a very sound position with excellent results 

being achieved by the Club across the Junior and Senior Grades. 

I would like to give thanks to the way that our playing group led by our coaches and team 

management have structured a positive and, committed program throughout what was definitely the 

most competitive Rugby season many people have seen for a long time. This year we all saw the 

players group mature to a new level and the leadership group has to be thanked for this. 

I would like to congratulate Second Grade and First Grade for making the semi-final series this year. 

We had a tough time during the latter part of the Season with injuries but, a very strong spirit 

prevailed and, and I was always proud to see the boys performing strongly, against the standout clubs 

Avondale and, Tech. 

I would also like to pay a special tribute to all of the Third Graders and their management team. Third 

Graders have a great time at the Club, and bring their families along to many games and create a very 

good family friendly atmosphere. 

This year I gave my President’s Award to Josh Woodford for his ongoing dedication and service to the 

Club. Josh embodies the true “Shamrock Spirit” and, not only leads on the field but also has been a 

pivotal mentor for a lot of our junior players and in particular, the forwards. The success and 

development of our Junior players coming through the ranks is due to a lot of people, but in particular 

Josh and, for his excellent service and support of the Club this year I thank him and wish him the best 

for 2013 – hopefully which will see him turn over 300 games. 

That leaves me to thank the Committee and, the Executive of the Club in particular. 

I would also like to give special thanks to Kieran Smith, Andrew Cracknell and Vaughan Judd for their 

hard work on game days and, support of the players group in general. As always, the Club remains 

indebted to the hard working Canteen Staff who are led by Ken Phyllis and, to the Function Centre 

Management which this year has been very capably managed by Marilyn Saywell. 

I wish to extend my congratulations and appreciation to the IDRU Board for their perseverance through 

what was a tough year. This year the competition was well organised and the profile of the game was 

held together despite some particularly poor media attention brought about by “a player” and then 

governance issues brought to the District by the Vikings Club. These issues distracted every Club and 

took away valuable resources and time which would have been better spent on the game. The lesson 

is for Clubs to think about the game before their egos. 

It has been an absolute honour leading the Shamrocks Club for the last two years and we look forward 

to further success in 2013. 

Regards 

Tom Ellicott - President 



SHOALHAVEN RUGBY CLUB 

The season 2012 proved to be more successful than the Club Board envisaged at the start of 

the season, and we finished the season with both our first and second grade teams making 

the Semi-Finals. 

The first fifteen was eliminated by eventual premiers Avondale in the preliminary finals at 

Kiama. 

The Club also managed to field a competitive Under 19 team in the matches played at 

University Oval in the early stages of the season, and they also played a match at our home 

game against Engadine during the season proper! 

It was most disappointing that more clubs were unable to field teams in this grade, and it is 

hoped this is not a harbinger of the IDRU Board’s attempts to bring back a Colts competition 

in 2013! 

Whilst our Junior teams all failed to make the semi-finals, the season was deemed 

successful as we recruited many new players to the game, and we have high hopes for more 

successes in the years to come. 

The Shoalhaven Club provided players to most (if not all) the Illawarra representative teams, 

with several going on to bigger things! 

The Club continues to improve the facilities at Ricoh Rugby Park, with plans in hand for 

further extensions in coming years. 

Frank Isaac 

President SRFC 



TECH WARATAHS RUGBY CLUB 

Congratulations to all clubs that competed in the IDRU competition in 2012 particularly Avondale and 

Camden on their Grand Final wins. Your successes were much deserved and I’m sure will be cherished 

for a long time to come. 

From our clubs perspective the 2012 season saw us compete strongly for much of the season in all 

three grades resulting in all grades making the IDRU Grand finals. While we were not successful in 

winning any of these I was very proud with the achievement. On the back of our successes over the 

past decade it appears that Tech Waratahs continue to be a formidable opponent in all grades and it is 

to be hoped that this continues into the future. Our second grade and third grade sides were both in 

the bottom half of the table at the half way point of the season and their achievements were purely a 

result of hard work. First grade were able to secure the half way cup and John Hayne shield. 

The club enjoyed a full social program with a number of successful functions and events. While one 

measure of success is results on the park the camaraderie that rugby provides should not be forgotten 

and this is an area which Tech Waratahs have always prided itself on, 2012 was no different. 

A total of 90 senior players enjoyed pulling on the red, black and white jersey this year which was a 

slight decrease on previous years. In most areas of our strategic plan we exceeded expectations and 

feel that we are in a strong position going forward. 

With a new Junior President and many past and present players having children now able to play junior 

rugby our juniors had a successful year and we hope to expand the number of teams in competitions 

next year. What this has done is solidified our belief that the best way forward for our junior program 

is to concentrate on the younger age groups while continuing to nurture the players we currently have 

at the club. 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the sponsors of Tech Waratahs Rugby as without your 

generous support our club would not be able to function. I would particularly like to thank Wiseman 

Park Wollongong City Bowling Club for your continued support and hospitality and Redback Music for 

your generous jumper sponsorship. 

On behalf of Tech Waratahs Rugby Club I wish you all a merry Christmas and a safe and prosperous 

new year. We look forward to the 2013 IDRU season with excitement and optimism and hope to 

continue to compete strongly over the ensuing years. 

Paul Condon 

Club President 

Wollongong Tech Waratah Rugby Club Inc 



2012 was a year of changing fortunes for Vikings Rugby Club in that we came from a very 

high point, having been Premiers for the preceding two seasons. 

It is always hard to maintain the enthusiasm and commitment after scaling the heights that 

the Club reached in the 2010 and 2011 year, and although the same level of success was 

not achieved on the rugby field this year, there has certainly been a great deal of enjoyment 

and camaraderie throughout the Club both on and off the field in 2012. Our Senior teams 

were competitive at all levels, and the Club continues its rebuilding phase after the 

reduction in our squad at the end of the 2011 season. 

Further, our Club shows continuing support for community events including the Dexter 

Porter Blood Cup and the Cancer Council Call to Arms fundraising campaign. 

Vikings Oval continues to be the premier club football playing surface throughout the 

Illawarra, and forthcoming improvements to our spectator facilities and our Clubhouse will 

further extend those amenities. 

The Club is extremely proud that 5 of our Senior players have been nominated in the 

Illawarriors Senior Training Squad – Michael Ashby, Andrew Barrett, Joel Diggins, Justin 

Parkhill and Mitchell Wakeford. 

Vikings is also extremely proud of the efforts of our Junior Players. Vikings provided teams 

in the U/7s, U/11s, U12s, U/15s and U/17s. The boys had great enjoyment in competing in 

Club Rugby and our Junior Club had a great deal of success with the U/11s finishing 3rd in 

the competition, the U/15s being Minor Premiers and Grand Final winners, and the U/17s 

finished 3rd and was also an outstanding team. The Club achieved representative honours 

for players in U/10s, U/11s, U/15s and U/17s with the U/15s providing 12 Illawarra Players, 

4 Country Players and 2 State Players and the U/17s providing 6 Illawarra Players and 2 

Country Representative Players. Such success bodes very well for the future of Junior Rugby 

at Vikings Club. 

Vikings would again like to acknowledge the continued and invaluable support of our Major 

Sponsor, Towradgi Beach Hotel, which provides a quality and enjoyable venue with fantastic 

food and service for all of our players and supporters throughout the year. 

The Club would also wish to extend its thanks to all of our other sponsors. 

Most importantly, thank you to all the players, partners, volunteers and supporters who 

make Vikings Rugby Club the successful family Club that it is. 

We look forward to increasing success in the 2013 Rugby Season. 



VINCENTIA VAN GOGHS RUGBY UNION 

Congratulations to the team, coaches, support staff and club members for a successful 2012 season. 

It’s a significant achievement to take out the minor premiership in what is a long, tough and 

competitive competition. Such success requires a high level of commitment and enthusiasm from all 

involved. 

Through the guidance of Coach Andrew Jack, the Van Goghs were able to play effective expansive 

running rugby which allowed the team to be highly competitive throughout the season. Andrew's 

depth of rugby knowledge has certainly been reflected in his work this season with the team and 

individual players. Congratulations Andrew for a successful season and thank you for your immense 

contribution to Van Goghs Rugby in 2012. This season we were fortunate enough to have the services 

of Keith Robinson at hand, who provided excellent strapping and medical assistance to the team. 

Keith's contribution has been recognised with him being awarded clubman of the year. 

Throughout the season a number of personnel milestones were achieved. Congratulations to both 

Andrew Van Oploo and Tom Hewson for playing their 100 th game and becoming Van Gogh centurions. 

John Walker, a foundation member played in his 150 th game becoming the second player in the clubs 

history to achieve this milestone. 

To acknowledge the ongoing support and contribution, passion and dedication to Van Goghs Rugby 

both Cameron Bendall and John Walker were inducted as life members. It is excellent that in the clubs 

short history we have such distinguished members. John and Cameron join Paul Hewson, Ian 

Henderson and Col Hughes as life members. 

Congratulations to another foundation member, Tom Hewson, who this season became the first player 

to score 100 tries for the club. Tom has been an outstanding centre in his time with the club who 

continues to play the game with excitement and flair. 

Thank you again to our major sponsors The Huskisson, South Coast Liquid Treatment and Southern 

Cross Garages. Also, thanks to all of the club's other sponsors. It is through your sponsorship and 

support that the club is able to remain competitive and continue to represent the Bay and Basin district 

in rugby union. 

To the clubs committee and volunteers, thank you for your continued efforts in ensuring that the work 

required to run the club is always completed. 

The Van Goghs would like to congratulate the 2012 Premiership teams in what has been a competitive 

year of rugby by all clubs, and look forward to again going head to head with competing clubs in the 

2013 competition. 

Andrew Williams 

President 

Vincentia Van Goghs Rugby 



WOLLONDILLY WHITE WARATAHS RUGBY CLUB 

We entered the 2012 competition playing within the 3 rd grade draw. We had an excellent season this 

year although and made the Semi-finals and were beaten by a very strong Tech Waratahs team. We 

built on what was a strong start to the season and played very well throughout the year, with some of 

the younger guys showing some great talent and commitment. 

The club remains financial and stands well in the 2013 year due to some great efforts by the treasurer 

Jasmine Flaxman and the other committee members in cutting costs for the 2012 season as well as 

fundraising and ongoing sponsorship from our major sponsors the Picton Bowling Club. 

Club Person of the year went to Ricky Flaxman who has served the club well for over 11years. 

We are nominating to play in the Presidents Cup Competition for 2013 and hope to grow further as 

club and develop our younger players, with a real chance at a finals berth for 2013. 

At the AGM on the 4 th of October 2012 the following persons were voted in as the new committee: 

President: 

Vice-President: 

Secretary: 

Treasurer: 

Registrar: 

General Committee: 

Warren Watson 

Ashley Hanthorn 

Averil Grant 

Jasmine Flaxman 

Marianne Hilbrink-Watson 

Amy Laker, Ian Flaxman, Craig Forest 

Once again I thank all club members for their ongoing support and efforts throughout the year. 

I wish the incoming President and Committee as well as the players and supporters the best of luck for 

the 2013 Illawarra Rugby Union Competition. 

Kind Regards 

Scott Baker 

President 2012 

Wollondilly White Waratahs Rugby Club 



The 2012 season was a mixed one for the University Rugby Club with the first grade team 

making the semis but the lower grades struggling in the latter part of the year. The major 

contributing factor to our problems was injuries, especially in our front row position which saw 

the club reduced to having only three props available to play in three grades for the last few 

rounds of the competition. 

First grade completed the regular season in third spot but unfortunately bowed out of the finals 

race with losses to Tech Tahs and Shoalhaven. Shaun McCreedy again was outstanding in his role 

as club coach and he was ably supported by the other coaches in Paul Kipp, Christo Crous and 

Lee Tanks. The club was fortunate to again have the expertise of Mark Elson, Glenn Critcher and 

Brice Zarpellon as managers who were tireless in their efforts in making sure that match days 

were run in a very professional manner. 

The support of our sponsors was once again critical to the ongoing success of the club. The 

input of premium sponsors Physical Therapy, Ryans Dry Cleaners, The City of Wollongong Tennis 

Club, Soilco, Wideform, and WDS Mining, Ledacon as well as our many silver sponsors is really 

appreciated by all associated with the Mallee Bulls. These individuals and companies have made 

it possible for the club to provide the players the opportunity to play rugby with excellent 

facilities and equipment. 

The committee of the club need to be thanked for the time and effort they put in to keeping the 

club functioning and moving forward. John Pemberton, Ken Wright, Shaun Dutaillis, Canio 

Fierravanti, Mark Placek, Justin Placek, Mark Elson, Bob Wheway, James Eke and Andrew Stuckey 

all made significant contributions to the club this season. 

The junior component of the club is going from strength to strength and the junior committee, 

chaired by Canio Fierravanti, needs to be commended for their efforts in getting so many young 

players involved in playing rugby. 

On the playing front the club recognises the achievements of Mark Placek in playing 200 club 

games and Donny Nepia who represented Country. 

As president I would like to acknowledge the efforts of The Board of Illawarra Rugby who 

continue to do the often thankless job of striving to move rugby forward in the Illawarra. Not all 

agree with every decision that 

is made but no one can deny that the men involved always have the best interest of rugby in 

mind. 

The same can also be said of the referees who still turn up knowing that every decision will be 

closely monitored by the experts on the sideline. The fact that the referees are prepared to do 

this week in and week out is a reflection of their love of the game played in heaven and we thank 

them for their contributions to our game. 

Glenn McGuinness 

President 



Financial Statements and 

Auditor’s Report 

ILLAWARRA DISTRICT RUGBY UNION INCORPORATED 

ABN 37 575 290 034 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2012

IDRU Annual Report 2012 - Illawarra Rugby

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