After a Covid interrupted 2020, the Waikato Rugby Union again has positive news after the organisation’s AGM, held Tuesday night March 30.

Waikato acting CEO Carl Moon said, “2020 was a challenging year for not only the Waikato Rugby Union but for rugby in general.  Even through the hardships that 2020 created, Waikato Rugby had a successful year both on and off the field.  

On the field, Waikato Mitre 10 Cup side reached the semifinals of the Premiership for the first time since 2011 and the Farah Palmer Cup team came agonizingly close to winning their maiden Farah Palmer Cup title.

Off the field we had strong growth in Women’s, Colts and Under 85kgs grades leading into the lock-down, and 85-90% of all our pre-Covid teams were back in action post lock-down and the Union being able to meet our obligations to reduce historical debut.”

Continuing from the successes of the last four years, WRU again delivered positive results from a financial perspective.  For the fifth year in a row the union was able to report a positive Net Profit, Operating Profit and reduction of debt. The WRU reported a small surplus of $22k.  The decision was made to sell a building owned by the union, as the ‘rainy day’ had certainly arrived.  The building sale enabled the union to make the required debt repayments. 

Waikato Chairperson Colin Groves said, “For the third year in a row, our auditors KPMG have given our financial statements a clean audit report, with no qualifications around ongoing concerns.

I would like to acknowledge Blair Foote, our outgoing CEO, for his past 6 years of service.  Plus, commend Carl Moon as acting CEO, who stepped into Blair’s position while he was working with NZR.

Finally, I would like to personally acknowledge the team at Waikato Rugby Union for their tireless effort towards rugby within the Waikato region.  This team of passionate rugby people have been first class in 2020, rising to the challenges that the year threw at everyone.  Their hard work and professionalism made mine and the boards job relatively easy, and for which I am grateful.”

During the evening, there was unanimous support for the Appointments Committee recommendation to re-appoint Chairperson, Colin Groves.  Nominated Board Member, Diane Hallifax was re-appointed by the Appointments Committee also.  Former Waikato player and Hamilton Old Boys Chairperson, Rena Schuster, was appointed as a Club Board Member and Jake Moreland was inducted as a Life Member, joining Graham Bowen, Phil Harris, Allen Grainger and Glynis King who were inducted last year.  The union now enjoys the support of nine Life Members, after the passing of George Simpkin in 2020.    

Article added: Thursday 01 April 2021