NSW RUGBY UNION 2013 ANNUAL REPORT

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2 2013 Partners NSW Rugby would like to acknowledge the support of all its 2013 partners - ii -

3 Contents 2013 NSW RUGBY OFFICE BEARERS Chairman Nick Farr-Jones AM President Tim Gavin Vice President Mick Mathers Executive Director Bruce Worboys Board of Directors Arthur Laundy Rob Millner Bruce Worboys Paul Timmins Kerry Chikarovski Nick Farr-Jones Peter Veenstra Geoff Garland President's Report Chairman's Report Executive Director's Report NSW Waratahs Season Review ARU Community Rugby Sydney Rugby Union Premier Rugby NSW Suburban Rugby NSW Country Rugby NSW Women s Rugby Union NSW Schools Rugby NSW Schools Associations iv v vi vii ix xi xii xiii xiv xv xvi Honorary Life Members Dick Byers Peter Crittle AO Peter Falk OAM Peter Fenton OAM John Freedman OAM Phil Harry AM Dick Hart Harry Ivimey OAM Terry MacBride Laurie Maher OAM Ron Meagher John Mulford Jeff Sayle OAM Bill Simpson Robin Timmins OAM NSW Junior Rugby Union xx NSW Referees Association xxi SRU Premiership Rugby Results xxii SRU Premiership Rugby Tables xxiii Suburban & Country Rugby Results xxiv Super Rugby Results & Standings xxv Financial Report iii -

4 President's Report TIM GAVIN, President Tim Gavin President - NSW Rugby Union NSW Country Rugby is going strong with participation numbers in rural and regional areas on the increase. It is encouraging to report that in 2013, the HSBC Waratahs had a much improved season. Although they finished ninth on the Super Rugby table, they showed that the bones of an excellent squad are in place. I believe supporters and followers will be back enjoying watching the Tahs for years to come. I would like to congratulate Michael Hooper for being awarded the Matt Burke Players Player and Super Rugby Player of the Year Award for Israel Folau was the best back and Benn Robinson was awarded best forward and congratulations also to Bernard Foley and Peter Betham for gaining their first Wallaby Test caps. Tahs stalwart Tom Carter hung up his boots in 2013 after earning 84 caps. nd we wish him all the very best. I would also like to thank the departed long-time sponsor of the NSW Waratahs, namely HSBC, for its wonderful and extended support of the game in our state. A great vote of thanks to Michael Cheika and the squad for their continued efforts supporting the numerous community rugby initiatives and events held across the state. On this note, a large contingent of Waratahs Old Boys, Honorary Life Members and their families attended the last match of the season against the old foe Queensland for the annual get together. The reunion is going from strength to strength and is greatly appreciated by all who attend. The Sydney Premiership s Shute Shield competition and lower grade competitions are part of the valued third tier of Australian rugby. Sydney University again showed itself as the premier club of this era, winning the Club Championship and the Shute Shield Grand Final 51-6 over Eastwood. Uni s dominance was shown with wins over Eastwood in second and fourth grade, with Eastwood deservedly taking the honours in third grade. This is the first time since 1932 when the final series commenced that two clubs have competed in all four grand finals. The finals also saw the retirement of Uni s long standing captain and great servant Tim Davidson. Eastwood s Hugh Perrett was awarded the Ken Catchpole Medal amongst a very strong field. Many thanks must go to the Australian Broadcasting Commission for their continued support and professional broadcasts of these important matches. NSW Country Rugby is going strong with participation numbers in rural and regional areas on the increase. Newcastle Hunter claimed its sixth consecutive Country Championship with a win over Illawarra. History was made in the Rowlands Colts Cup, with Central West and Newcastle Hunter named joint champions after an extra-time 5-all draw. A wonderful highlight awaited those involved in playing the British & Irish Lions match in Newcastle. Although defeated 64-0, the Combined NSW and QLD Country team never gave in, much to the appreciation of the large crowd. Subbies Rugby was again very strong, with solid participation numbers and a very high standard of rugby in the higher divisions. Balmain and St Patricks recorded a 33-all extra-time draw and were jointly awarded the Kentwell Cup in Division One. St Pats took out the Bruce Graham Shield for the club championship and also the highly regarded Cowboy Cup for inter-divisional club champions. In the women s game, the National Championship saw the Sydney women s team defeat Queensland 22-3 for the Cup and the NSW Country Corellas beat Victoria to take out the Plate. Congratulations must go to Sydney s Tui Ormsby and Orange s Rebecca Smyth for being selected in their fourth and third Women s World Cup squads respectively. Congratulations to NSW Combined Secondary Schools firsts and seconds for making the Australian Schools Championships final, with the firsts running out winners. The British & Irish Lions Tour lived up to all expectations. The three matches played in NSW saw over 150,000 tickets sold, giving great exposure to our wonderful game. The Lions were playing for their existence and it showed. They played the running rugby that they are famous for, entertaining all and leading them to victory. Playing against such a team is an honour that those involved will cherish for years to come. I would sincerely like to thank all our wonderful hard-working volunteers. The many games played each week and the spirit in which they are played is testament to the dedication and temperament of our many volunteer referees, who each week give their time for the fulfilment of others. Rugby has many valuable sponsors who support our sport at every level, and we thank them greatly for their support. In concluding, I would like to thank Bruce Worboys and the NSWRU staff, along with Roger Davis and Jason Allen from Waratahs Rugby for their help this last season. Chairman Nick Farr-Jones and his dedicated board members remain fully supportive of my activities throughout 2013 and I thank them, and our wonderful Honorary Life Members, for their contined guidance and support. - iv -

5 Chairman's Report Nick Farr-Jones, Chairman It is my pleasure to report on rugby and rugby related activities in New South Wales within the scope of community and grassroots. Firstly however I would like to acknowledge the sad passing of two of the game s great contributors in Ewart Robson and John Hipwell. Ewart served the game as a long-time administrator of schools rugby. John, or Hippy as he was affectionately known, was one of our truly great scrumhalves, playing 27 games for NSW and 36 Test matches. As a slightly younger, aspiring No. 9, I was in awe of Hippy s courage, style of play and longevity but it was his warmth as a person and dedication to passing on his knowledge that I greatly admired. Both Ewart and John will be missed by the rugby fraternity and we pass on our best wishes to their families. The year saw the game s administration experience significant change, especially at the professional level. When Bill Pulver assumed the role as CEO of the Australian Rugby Union, it quickly became apparent that the state of the parent body s finances, even with the much anticipated 2013 British & Lions Tour, necessitated considerable cost savings in annual budgets and a focus to drive additional revenue sources. In light of the above, I would like to pass on my enormous gratitude to our thousands of volunteers who serve the community game. I trust you all feel a sense of satisfaction from your involvement in the game without you we would not have the game and I pass on my huge appreciation. I would like to thank Michael Doyle and his dedicated team at the Australian Rugby Union. I am always delighted to hear community rugby s appreciation of having received the services of Michael s team. We battle against other winter codes who, for various reasons, are far better funded but we continue to attract a strong following and participation in our game. Indeed the official numbers released by ARU reveal that participation in community rugby in NSW remains strong, with overall participation numbers up 22 per cent, and the state continuing to account for over 46 per cent of Australia s 230,000 competitive players nationally. Additional positives from the year include the continued success of our Learn Earn Legend program, a partnership with the Federal Government, and a mentoring program for indigenous schoolchildren. I thank my colleague Jim Williams, who manages this program, and my fellow members of our Advisory Board, Mark Ella, Steve Clarke, Malcolm Kinns and Bruce Worboys. I was delighted also to learn of the success of Rugby Connect, a NSWRU rugby program for intellectually handicapped children. Rugby s differentiator is its inclusiveness and this was another example of how we can look to expand our reach. Among those instrumental in this new initiative were our junior program administrator Taleah Neowhouse, Michael Doyle, his brother Andrew and Emily Chancellor. NSW was honoured to be represented in the 2013 IRB Hall of Fame, with greats John Thornett, Ken Catchpole, Mark Ella and David Campese all inducted. The wonderful Robin Timmins has also had an outstanding year of recognition, achieving a Medal of the Order of Australia and receiving the International Rugby Board s 2013 Development Award. The year also saw the formation of the NSW Parliament Friends of Rugby. Led by NSW MP Steve Bromhead, the group brings together like-minded MPs and will become a very important link between the Government and rugby union. We are now in the fifth year of our licence arrangement with Waratahs Rugby and we work closely with our colleagues who manage the professional game in NSW. I remain confident that the Board and management of Waratahs Rugby are focussed on the major challenges facing the game and that the Waratahs team is fully equipped and prepared to achieve the on-field success we all seek. In 2013, we welcomed two new additions to the NSWRU Board and waved two goodbyes. Kerry Chikarovski joined in July and also remains as Chair of NSW Women s Rugby. Long-time Sydney Juniors devotee Geoff Ferris also joined the board, replacing Geoff Garland as our youth representative. I thank Geoff Garland for his great contribution over the past two years and wish him all the best in his future endeavours. A special thanks also to Peter Medway who stepped down after terms as Vice President, President and Director of NSW Rugby. I look forward to working with both Kerry and Geoff. I would like to thank my Executive Director Bruce Worboys for his tireless work for the community game, with limited resources, and my Board, whom I thank you for their significant contribution, support and friendship. Nick Farr-Jones Chairman - NSW Rugby Union We battle against other winter codes... but we continue to attract a strong following and participation in our game. - v -

6 Executive Director's Report Bruce Worboys, Executive Director Bruce Worboys Executive Director - NSW Rugby Union The Learn Earn Legend is a Federal Governmentfunded program designed to assist indigenous school children transition into work or further education. With Australian Rugby Union s appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer in Bill Pulver, a new management team and a clear change of direction, 2013 saw NSWRU work hard to provide for community rugby throughout the state. ARU figures for 2013 show that participation in competitive rugby in NSW remained strong, whilst the numbers taking part in schools rugby showed a substantial increase, buoyed by introductory programs Super Rugby Week and Walla Rugby. NSW clubs now account for 45 per cent of the total number of regular community players across the country. I acknowledge Michael Doyle and his ARU Community Development team for their valuable assistance over the past 12 months. We are currently managing the transfer of the Community Development team back to NSW Rugby Union from the ARU and discussions are well advanced for this to occur during Financial challenges were addressed by the Board with ARU funding cuts being felt at all levels of the community game. Premier Rugby funding was reduced substantially with implications for all clubs and the Sydney Rugby Union. Further reductions in 2014 will place additional pressure on the SRU and participating premier clubs. NSWRU continues to provide assistance to the SRU to ensure a professional presentation of the competition. The reductions in funding resulted in NSWRU recording a deficit of $82, for the financial year to December 31, The deficit can be attributed to: Increases in property and overhead costs outside our control The NSWRU-maintained affiliation grants to Unions in accordance with the budget Referee costs totalling $414,668 With further funding cuts already implemented by the ARU and more expected in 2015, the Board continues to work towards self sufficiency and acknowledges that new income streams are essential for the long term sustainability of the Union and our affiliated members. On a positive, with assistance from Government, sponsors and generous supporters, the year saw us conduct two successful community projects. The Learn Earn Legend is a Federal Government-funded program designed to assist indigenous school children transition into work or further education. In the first 18 months of the program, co-ordinator Jim Williams delivered an impeccable 100 per cent success rate. The year also saw the launch of Rugby Connect, a program for intellectually handicapped children aged 6 to 16. With over 60 participants in year one, the program will be extended to accommodate 100 boys and girls in terms two and three of Sadly, the year saw us farewell legendary NSW Schools administrator Ewart Robson, who passed away in July, and then Waratah and Wallaby legend John Hipwell who died suddenly in September. Vale two great rugby men. I would like to thank the Board under Chairman Nick Farr-Jones. It is indeed an honour to work with Nick and the Board. Thanks also to President Tim Gavin and Vice President Mick Mathers, they have the dual role of representing both NSWRU and Waratahs Rugby. All three are rugby men of the highest order. Finally, to our many volunteers throughout the community and to the small team of dedicated employees at NSW Rugby, thanks for your commitment, passion and devotion to the rugby community. Sydney Rugby Union 2013 Awards Winners KEN CATCHPOLE MEDAL Shute Shield Player of the Year 18 Hugh Perrett (Eastwood) 16 Tim Davidson (Sydney University) 14 Josh Holmes (Warringah) 14 Bill Meakes (Northern Suburbs) 13 Kotoni Ale (Manly) 13 Dave Harvey (Warringah) 13 Lopeti Timani (Southern Districts) 12 Ben Batger (Eastwood) 12 Greg Jeloudev (Sydney University) 12 Tom Kingston (Sydney University) 12 Rohan Saifoloi (Southern Districts) 12 Andrew Shaw (Eastern Suburbs) SHUTE SHIELD Rookie of the Year Hugh Roach (Eastwood) ROSCOE FAY TROPHY Shute Shield Highest Points Scorer Rohan Saifoloi (Southern Districts) DAVID BROCKHOFF MEDAL Shute Shield Coach of the Year John Manenti (Eastwood) DICK BYRES MEDAL Shute Shield Referee of the Year James Leckie GREGOR GEORGE TROPHY Shute Shield Club Champions Sydney University ERIC SPILSTED TROPHY Colts Club Champions Sydney University ES MARKS SHIELD Shute Shield Minor Premiers Eastwood WILL TANNER AWARD NSW Country Player of the Year Paul Taula (Illawarra) SIR RODEN CUTLER SHIELD Club Challenge Sydney University - vi -

7 NSW Waratahs Season Review Belying their ninth place finish, the NSW Waratahs finished the 2013 Super Rugby season with top marks in attack and a new sense of optimism. Under new Head Coach Michael Cheika, the NSW Waratahs returned to attacking, ball in hand rugby: they learned to respect possession instead of kicking it away. As a result NSW topped the Super Rugby tables in four of the five key attack indices and were rewarded with the top ranking in run metres, linebreaks and offloads, plus a remarkable 45 tries, second only to the table-topping Chiefs who crossed for 50. In their final season as the HSBC Waratahs, NSW finished the regular season with Super Rugby game averages of 170 passes (highest of all 15 teams), 12.6 offloads (highest), 16 kicks (lowest), 844 run metres (highest), 9.1 line breaks (highest) and 2.8 tries (second highest). After a slow start that saw them win one from their first three games, a fightback against the Blues saw a late penalty goal by Bernard Foley seal the win that turned their season around. The demolition of the Kings in round 12 was another highlight. Breathtaking at times, the Waratahs were on their game, some of the tries were simply magnificent and the execution on the day was made for movies. The 11-try walkover delivered Israel Folau in action in the team's record-breaking demolition of the Southern Kings everything Tahs fans had hoped for years - to see. Not far behind the dethroning of the Kings was the round 10 win over reigning champions the Chiefs, who would go on to defend their title. Not everything went the Tahs way though, including the 35-6 round four spanking at the hands of the Brumbies, and the loss to the Rebels in round four. Bernard Foley had a standout season, his consistency at flyhalf gave NSW confidence and his capacity to help keep their shape was a big factor in many of the team s eight victories. Foley was the 16th player to wear the Waratahs No.10 jersey since Super Rugby kicked off in 1996 but looks set to Some of the tries were simply magnificent and the execution on the day was made for movies Bernard Foley celebrates after sealing a last-minute victory over the Blues - vii -

8 A giant future ahead: NSW Waratahs new recruit Will Skelton The 147kgs lock started for the Waratahs against the British & Irish Lions and never looked back. provide a long-term solution. His burgeoning ability to guide the team saw him top the stats for most try assists and most linebreak assists, and come in fifth for linebreaks. New recruit Israel Folau was hot on his tail, finishing as NSW s joint top try-scorer (alongside Cam Crawford with eight, just two short of the competition s overall highest points scorer Frank Halai from the Blues) with more run metres than any other player in the Super Rugby competition: 1390 metres in 14 games - an average nearly 100 metres per match. Also making his mark was Will Skelton, NSW s biggest player of all time. The 147kgs lock started for the Waratahs against the British & Irish Lions and never looked back, proving to be an enormous man with enormous potential. Praising the team s evolution, captain Dave Dennis said after the final match against the Reds. We ll take a lot out of the season. From the guys who were around last year, there s been a clear shift in work ethic and attitude around the club and we ve had a lot of positive feedback from our supporters, in terms of the style of rugby we re playing and the effort we re putting in, not only on the field but also around the club and I think that s really important. The Reds loss result sees the HSBC Waratahs finish the season out of finals contention, in ninth place overall with eight wins from 16 matches, including six victories from eight home matches. The season finale, it was also the 187th and final match of NSW s 12-year partnership with sponsor HSBC. Played in front of the biggest crowd of the season, with 26,037 making the trip to ANZ Stadium, it marked the final appearance in blue for Sitaleki Timani, John Ulugia, Tom Kingston and Berrick Barnes and rounded off a season that saw 17 debutants represent the state. It also marked four half centuries with Dave Dennis, Sekope Kepu, Rob Horne and Kane Douglas all celebrating their 50th caps and saw Tatafu Polota Nau become only the seventh player in history to make 100 appearances for NSW. Pat McCutcheon and the team sign autographs after the Blues game - viii -

9 ARU Community Rugby Michael Doyle, NSW Game Development Manager Our Vision: Ignite passion, build character and create an inclusive rugby community In 2013, our overall charter for all development and educational staff was to enhance the experience of our participants and to introduce the game to as many non-regular participants as possible, in a safe and enjoyable environment. With this in mind, many and varied courses were run, with those who officiate and coach our game educated in the latest techniques and laws. In turn, this will create an enriched environment for our participants therefore retaining them in the game. Paramount to our challenge is to introduce young people to our game and convert them into playing on a regular basis, whether through junior clubs, schools or at a community level. This was a core focus of our activities and support affiliates support. Our work relies on the assistance with a number of affiliates whose close support is essential to grow the game. In particular our thanks go to: Sydney Juniors Rugby Union Committee; Country Junior Rugby Union committee; Regular Schools Rugby (GPS, CAS, ISA and CHS); Junior Club Presidents and committees; Sydney Premiership; NSW Suburban; Country Rugby Union; District and Suburban Clubs; Regional Zone Senior and Junior Presidents and their committees. In the current financial environment it is important that we all understand each other s business and how we work together to move forward. I would like to thank everyone who has supported NSW Rugby Participation operations throughout this year. Coach Education The NSW Coach Development team continues to provide high quality and professional coach education programs, with several programs introduced this year, such as the Regional Coach Development Series, mid-week Level 2 and Saturday Foundation courses. All were positively received. Match Official Education In addition to supporting the delivery of Foundation and SmartRugby, in conjunction with Coach Education, the Referee Department has delivered the following courses in NSW: Level 2 Referee (2) Level 1 Referee Coach (4) Level 2 Referee Coach (1) Refereeing Kids Rugby (23) Level 1 and 2 Assistant Referee (26) We also continue to support the identification and development of match officials, with support and resources provided to the seven NSW senior squads and ARU referee panels and squads to facilitate accelerated development of selected referees. The School Student Scholarship program continues the development of young school aged match officials and links junior referees to the sub-elite level. The emphasis of our program for 2013, which will continue into 2014, is to improve the quantity and quality of our match official coaching. This will be achieved by increasing the amount and education of our match official coaches, which in turn will improve the overall quality of our officials, which will directly enhance the experience of our participants. Participant Recruitment We have continued the implementation of events and activities to introduce kids to our game, especially at under six to under nine level in junior clubs and primary schools. NSW Primary School Sevens continues to grow in years three to six, and also allows us access to Kindergarten to year two. This in turn gives us access to more kids at the right age to introduce them to rugby. Come and Try is still popular as a form of junior club recruitment and we also work hard to drive the sampling participant to become a competition player, which is the tangible statistic of growing the game. Participant Retention Throughout the 2013 season, retention activities were a key focus. Alongside education of coaches and match officials, the introduction of a Respect Rugby program (which aims to maintain the behaviours and values of rugby) is aimed at nurturing a fulfilling and enjoyable environment that underpins participant retention. Super Rugby matches again provided a good opportunity to reward and inspire junior participants, through their involvement in the following activities: Pre-match modified games Half time Sevens exhibition matches Our Vision: Ignite passion, build character and create an inclusive rugby community Tahs on Turf session after HSBC Waratahs v Stormers match. - ix -

10 Mid North Coast Axemen take part in a HSBC Waratahs gameday Our holiday camps have again proved popular across the state, and the opportunity to teach the players the latest in skill acquisition and correct technique is well received by all. Guard of Honour Development and Educational team for their School and Junior club march pasts dedication and passion in implementing our programs Tahs on Turf to improve rugby as a whole. We extend a warm These events are hugely popular with our thank you to Bruce Worboys, the NSW Rugby Union participants and we thank the NSW Waratahs Board and all the Union s affiliates for their ongoing management team that continues to drive these support and guidance throughout 2013, and to NSWRU initiatives as an integral part of home gamedays. General Manager of Administration and Competitions Our holiday camps have again proved popular Mark Green and his team for the provision of well run across the state, and the opportunity to teach the competitions, into which to drive participants. players the latest in skill acquisition and correct A final thank you goes to the army of volunteers technique is well received by all. whose dedication and commitment makes our work possible. Their work not only enhances our game Thank you but makes rugby union accessible to so many people Our thanks go to everyone in the NSW across the state. Dee Why Lions participate in the HSBC Waratahs Junior Clubs March Past - x -

11 Sydney Rugby Union Premier Rugby Bruce Worboys, Director The 2013 Sydney Rugby Union commenced on April 6 and was played over 18 rounds. At the conclusion of the competition rounds, the top eight teams progressed to the finals series, which was played over four weeks, with the Grand Final again hosted by West Harbour Rugby Club at Concord Oval. All 12 clubs contested the four Grade competitions and first grade Colts, with 11 clubs playing in second grade Colts and 10 in third grade Colts. Grade Finals were hosted by West Harbour, Eastwood, Gordon, Manly, Randwick and Sydney University and the Union thanks those clubs for their co-operation and support. Sydney University successfully defended the Shute Shield, defeating Minor Premier Eastwood 51-6 in the Grand Final. The win completed a very successful day for University, who also claimed the Colin Caird Shield and the Henderson Cup defeating Eastwood in second grade and in fourth grade. Eastwood didn t go home empty handed, with the third grade team capping off a great season with a victory over Sydney Uni to claim the Henderson Shield. Once again, we thank Southern Districts Rugby Club for successfully hosting the Colts finals, including the Grand Finals at Forshaw Rugby Park. Finals day began with Eastern Suburbs being awarded the Bill Simpson Shield (presented by Bill Simpson himself, former Waratah player and coach and NSWRU life member) after they defeated minor premier Sydney University The Colts II Grand Final was won by Sydney University who defeated Eastwood to retain the Shell Trophy for the eighth straight year. The first grade Colts Grand Final between Sydney University and Manly was a nailbiter. Closely matched throughout, in the end it was Sydney University who won the W. McMahon Memorial Trophy with a one-point over the Marlins. Sydney University celebrates its Shute Shield Victory The Ken Catchpole Medal was won by Eastwood first grade captain Hugh Perrett, who has featured in the top 10 in seven of the past eight years. Other honours went to Southern Districts flyhalf Rohan Saifloi (highest points scorer with 242), Hugh Roach (Rookie of the Year) and John Manenti (Coach of the Year, both Eastwood). Also recognised were referee of the year James Leckie and Sydney University (Club and Colts Champions). We thank the enormous amount of club personnel, both staff and volunteers, it takes to ensure that the Sydney Club Competition stays at the pinnacle of club rugby in Australia. Thanks also to our referees, whom we work closely with to continually improving our game. Led by Chairman Terry Willis and Deputy Chairman John Nicholson, the NSW Rugby Union Judiciary, along with the Appeals Tribunal, works tirelessly to ensure that the competition is conducted fairly and I thank them for their efforts this season. Thanks also to the ABC for its continued commitment to broadcasting club rugby and for the fantastic product it provides for our fans, and to our sponsors Carlton United Breweries, Mitre Footballs and The Daily Telegraph for their continued support. Our thanks also to Luke Thiessen and Georgie Carter who ensured the continued and effective management of our competition, following the resignation of acting Competition Manager Taleah Neowhouse and in the absence of Lisa Kane, who started maternity leave mid season. Finally thanks to the supporters who are vital to the Sydney Club Competition. We hope to be able to continue to provide the very best competition for your enjoyment. - xi -

12 NSW Suburban Rugby MARK GREEN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR The highlight of 2013 was undoubtedly the Union s premier match, the Kentwell Cup Grand Final between Balmain and St Patrick s. In its first year in Division One and up against minor premier and last year s runners-up St Patricks, Balmain played out a once-in-a-generation final with the teams unable to be split after 100 minutes of rugby. So, for only the third time in the Cup s 90 year history (Royal Australian Artillery and Bondi Surf Life Savers in 1939, and Waverley and Matraville in 1991), a joint premiership was awarded. Congratulations to all our premiers and club champions, particularly: St Patricks for winning the Cowboy Cup and Bruce Graham Shield; Brothers the Barraclough Cup; Petersham the Reliance Shield and promotion to Division One; St George the Clark Cup; Blue Mountains the Doc Harris Shield and promotion to Division Two; Sydney Irish the Jeffrey Cup in its first year in regular competition; Redfield Old Boys the David Swan Shield; and the Clovelly Blowflies for their Meldrum Cup success. At the Union s presentation night, Jake Havebond, Drummoyne s flyhalf and a 10- year veteran of the Suburban Representative team, won the Kentwell Medal - ten years after first winning it in Petersham s Steve Nicholls won Coach of the Year after guiding Petersham from Division Three to Division Two Club Champions and a place in Division One in Petersham RFC was also voted Club of the Year for its on and off-field performance. University of NSW s stalwart John Sciberras won the Peter Kelly Medal for Service to Rugby following his 36 years at UNSW as a player, coach and administrator. The representative team retained the Barraclough Shield this year with its second biggest win over Queensland Suburban. The Union was fortunate to play this match prior to the Reds versus British & Irish Lions game at Suncorp Stadium. For the first time in three years, we lost the Maher-Ross Cup against NSW Country. Our thanks to Waratahs Joint Kentwell Cup premiers Balmain and St. Pats celebrate Rugby for the opportunity to play this match With over half of the Union s website as a curtain raiser to the Waratahs versus traffic using a mobile device, a new Suburban Brumbies game at ANZ Stadium. website was launched in the later stages of Whilst the Union welcomed one new club, the season. This new site was complemented The International College of Management by a mobile friendly site allowing easy access Sydney, into our competition, our player to all the latest results, tables and news in a numbers were down slightly this year and concise format. On the social media front, this resulted in eight few teams fielded. The Marty Thomas produced 15 episodes of season saw the demise of a number of clubs, Subbies TV (available via YouTube), Holdings with Seaforth, Killara-West Pymble and Notre Bits (the Union s light hearted online weekly Dame all folding in the off-season. look at what s happening) was published on I wish to acknowledge the Union s 25 occasions, whilst our Twitter and Facebook Competition Manager, Tim Richards, who audiences continued to rise and are now brought up a milestone of his own this prominently linked to our website. year with 10 years service to the Union. Thanks to our long-term and committed Tim, together with Matt Holding, ran the sponsors. The Union thanks NSW Rugby who competition efficiently and professionally. continues to fund and provide refereeing At the last AGM, Alan Jones became services to all Suburban matches. To the Suburban Rugby s eighth current life member, referees that officiate each week, we thank a thoroughly deserved honour for his lifetime you for your invaluable contribution to the of service to the Newport Rugby Club and game. To the Judiciary led by Mark Groom years of dedication to Suburban Rugby as who marks 15 seasons on the panel and a Board member and representative team has been deservedly nominated for life manager. I thank all Board members for their membership at tonight s Annual General commitment to Suburban Rugby at Board and Meeting, thanks for your service to the Union. Sub-Committee level, over and above their Finally thank you to all the clubs for your own club commitments. support during the year. - xii -

13 NSW Country Rugby BARRY RUDDY, EXECUTIVE OFFICER I am pleased to submit this annual report on behalf of New South Wales Country Rugby Union for the 2013 season. The season opened on a very positive note, with the Union being successful in securing NRMA Motoring & Services as major sponsor for the 2013 and 2014 seasons. NRMA sees NSW Country Rugby Union as an ideal opportunity to continue and enhance its support of local communities across the state of New South Wales. Off the field, the Union is in very good financial shape and our audited results show we have recorded a small surplus which is on par with Phil Payne is the Director who oversees our financial position and he, along with our Executive Office Terry Woodward, has again contributed a solid result. As always, we continue to look forward to ensure the Union stays financially strong and the budgeting for 2014 will be robust as usual. The NRMA Country Championships hosted in Tamworth was a highlight for everyone involved in Country Rugby. Newcastle Hunter took away the Caldwell Cup for the sixth consecutive year, while the Rowlands Colts Cup was shared when Central West and Newcastle Hunter couldn t be separated after a cracker of a final. Central West claimed the Richardson Shield and Central Coast took out the NRMA Colts Shield, which will see both zones promoted to Tier One in On the field, the highlight in the representative ranks was definitely the chance for the GrainCorp NSW Country Cockatoos to play in a curtain raiser for the combined NSW/Qld Country team versus British & Irish Lions in Newcastle. A strong representative season for the Cockatoos, Colts and Corellas has set up the coaching and management teams to dominate in the representative season scheduled for The Board remains strongly committed to providing pathways for Country players, coaches, managers, referees and volunteers to achieve the highest levels of performance and representation they wish to seek. In late 2014, we will be taking a development team away on tour to the USA. Planning and budgeting for this tour is well advanced with more details to be provided in early 2014 but for some players, this will be a career highlight, and the Board is pleased to be able to provide this opportunity. Thank you to our family of sponsors for their ongoing and unwavering commitment to New South Wales Country Rugby Union. I would also like to thank the Board of Directors for their efforts throughout the year. Their time, dedication and commitment given to Country Rugby is very much appreciated. Finally, thank you and a job well done to our Executive Officer Terry Woodward, who puts in marathon hours, wears many hats (Country Rugby, NSW Rugby Union and Waratahs Rugby) and represents us extremely well in Sydney as required. New South Wales Country Rugby Union looks forward to a successful 2014 season. The Union is in very good financial shape and our audited results show we have recorded a small surplus which is on par with Cockatoos flanker Alex Burnheim in action against QLD Country in the British & Irish Lions curtain raiser. Credit Balance Image Studios - xiii -

14 NSW Women s Rugby Union KERRY CHIKAROVSKI, CHAIRPERSON It is evident that there are national resources available for sevens, the full game must not be forgotten. The victorious Sydney Women's team, winners of the National 15-a-side Championship Following our reformation in March 2012 and on behalf of NSW Women s Rugby, it gives me great pleasure to submit my second annual report. It has been an exciting year both on and off the field. For the first time, two NSW Sevens teams were selected to participate at the Sevens National Championship. Previously, spots at the Nationals were occupied by Sydney and Country, who fielded teams independently. I thank those Unions for working together to make NSW representative teams possible. The NSW Blue Belles faced tough opposition, including teams from Australian Touch Football and Oztag. Unfortunately we suffered a disrupted preparation, with the weather resulting in the cancellations of our selection trials and the late inclusion of players from international duties also affecting our preparation. To the players credit, the NSW Blue team was runner up in the Plate Final, going down to Queensland, whilst the NSW White team was runner up in the Bowl, following a loss to Victoria. My thanks go to our Head Coach Peter Hammond and Managers Kell Rees-Zarb and Amanda Ferguson. Congratulations to NSW players Cobie-Jane Morgan, Emma Tonegato, Hanna Sio, Shontelle Stowers, Nicole Beck, Maddi Elliott and Iliseva Batibasaga, who were all selected to play for the Australian Pearls Sevens team during the season. The team performed admirably on the world stage and was knocked out of the Sevens World Cup in Moscow in the quarter-finals. Moving to the 15-a-side game, with the Women s Rugby World Cup in France in 2014, it is important that our 15s competitions, which have struggled in recent years, remain viable and vibrant. It is evident that there are national resources available for sevens, the full game must not be forgotten. Congratulations to Sydney for an outstanding performance in winning the 15s Nationals at Riverview in September. From there, 15 NSW girls were selected in the World Cup training squad, headed by an all-nsw coach and management line up. Two NSW Youth Girls teams participated at the National U18s Championships on the Gold Coast in October. Pleasingly, NSW Blue won the tournament, with seven young NSW players then selected in the Australian Youth squad to prepare for the Youth Olympics in China in August To help lift the profile and awareness of women s rugby, the Union launched a promotional video during the later part of the year and will use this to continue to lobby various Unions, Government, schools, the general public and corporates to ensure increased revenue, participation and exposure for our game. In July, Graeme Holland and I went to New Zealand to meet with many of our kiwi counterparts. We were impressed with the level of resources and interest in women s rugby and opportunities such as an expanded cross Tasman Women s NPC competition were discussed, as well as possible future tours. With the ongoing assistance of Australian Rugby Union s Senior Development Manager Adam Crane, much work is being done in the area of schoolgirl development through the introduction of competitions, gala days and talent identification opportunities. We look forward to 2014, when we will once again benefit from having two teams participating in the Sevens National Championship, and to the muchanticipated Women s Rugby World Cup. I would like to thank my fellow Committee members Larry Thompson, Kate Thompson and Amanda Ferguson from Country as well as Graeme Holland, Erin Morton and Marjorie Spooner-O Neill from Sydney for their work over and above their own club and Union commitments. Much still needs to be done in normalizing and prioritizing women s rugby, not only externally but internally within our sport. I look forward to continuing to work with the Committee, ARU, NSW Rugby Union, staff and participants to grow and advance the women s game. - xiv -

15 NSW Schools Rugby Union Colin Murray, President In 2013 the NSW Schools Rugby Union firsts were able to defend the title they won at the Australian Schools Rugby Union Championships in In fact, the Union was even more successful this year, in that the firsts final opponents were the Union s seconds! What makes this achievement even more meritorious is that only one member of the coaching staff had had any experience at this level of competition, and that in the week preceding the competition we had been lucky to find a field for training that was not under water! Thus, heartiest congratulations and thanks to Jim Potts and Andrew Maloney (firsts) and to seconds coaches Brad Gill and Dean Hargreaves (the experienced one!). They were more than ably guided and assisted by two very astute managers in John Guy and John Rownes, and blessed with peerless physiotherapists Narelle Veverka and Tom Lombardo. So dearly is Narelle appreciated that she was our NSWRU Volunteer of the Year nomination. Appreciation and congratulations must also be extended to our Selection Panel under the Chairmanship of Geoff Melville and those who helped with the preparation of the teams especially John Papahatzis (Coach Mentor) and Manu Sutherland and other members of the Australian Rugby Union High Performance Unit. Congratulations and thanks too to our Under 16s management, namely coach Luke Bower, his assistant Lachlan White, manager Saxon Bowles and physio Luke Heath, who guided the team in to its second consecutive Championship Final. The team recorded three excellent wins during the carnival but were no match for a very formidable Queensland team in the final. Once again our Open Trials and Under 16 Championships ran smoothly, thanks to our expert tournament organizer, Chuck Ardron, who was also responsible for securing our sponsors Macquarie Sports and Sony Music. NSW hooker Hosea Fotukava in action in the Australian Schools Rugby Union Championship final This helps to alleviate the financial burden on players and their families and is very much appreciated. The Waratah Cup and Shield competitions were keenly contested and this year saw the return of ACT schools to the competition. The final of the Waratah Shield was a repeat of last year with a gallant Oakhill College going down to a skilled and fiercely determined St. Augustine s College. It is hoped that more of our traditional rugby schools may see their way in to the competition next year and give their players varied opportunities. Thanks must be extended to the Waratah Shield Committee members Geoff Garland, John Papahatzis, Paul Kipp, Geoff Melville, Paul Ridgeway and Mark Green for their tireless work. The work of NSW Primary Schools Sports Association team, under the leadership of Matt Lewis, must also be acknowledged. They attracted 64 schools to their knockout competition and ran a very successful State Carnival this year. A mention also to Michael Doyle and the NSW Rugby Union for organizing the inaugural NSW Schools Sevens Tournament. There were 94 entries, 49 from city schools and 45 from country schools. The final 16 teams competed in a Gala Day at Eastern Suburbs Rugby Club with the Cup winner being The Hills Sports High School. The Bowl final was won by Parramatta Marist and the Plate final by Westfield Sports High School. Michael was able to secure the Hong Kong Trade and Economic Office as the major sponsor of the event. I have no doubt that this will be an even bigger event in Australian Rugby is under enormous pressure at every level and thus it will be of interest to all stakeholders to see how the ARU Junior Gold Squad Competition appeals to the Under 15 and Under 17 players and what the rate of take-up of positions will be throughout the various regions. Once again I must thank all members of the Committee for their commitment of time and energy to Schools Rugby. Their effort goes largely unnoticed but is vital to the promotion of rugby in schools. I must pay a special tribute to the two most important men in our organization, our Secretary Chris Hicks and Treasurer Geoff Melville. No task is too big for them and they perform their duties with considerable expertise, professionalism and most importantly, with a smile. We are also, as always, indebted to the NSWRU for its support and providing us with the services of Mark Green without whom functionality would be so much more difficult. In conclusion, we all suffered a reality check not long after last year s AGM with the passing of our much respected friend, colleague and Vice President, Graeme Dedrick. Graeme simply loved rugby and we loved Graeme. Out of respect we chose not to elect a new VP for That was his position for the year. - xv -

16 NSW Schools Associations CHS teamed up with the ARU High Performance Unit to run a series of four discovery days to identify talented rugby players. Combined High Schools (CHS) CHS Rugby held its 2013 State Championships in the North Coast Region in Coffs Harbour. Due to heavy rain, the final day of the competition had to be cancelled which resulted in Central Coast and Sydney East sharing the spoils in the Shield, Hunter and Sydney South West sharing the Cup and Sydney North West and Western lifting the plate. The McPherson Medal for best player at the carnival went to Rahboni Warren-Vosacayo from Sydney East and Endeavour Sport High School. Our NSW schools program enjoyed mixed results. The first XV was very successful against CCC with a 51-7 win at Forshaw Rugby Park, followed with another strong win against CAS at Cranbrook College. ISA proved too strong and triumphed GPS were deservedly the best team of the 2014 competition and won this fixture As a result, only one player - Rahboni Warren-Vosacayo - was selected in the NSW School first XV, while Brandon Paenga-Amosa and Andrew Vatevai were included in the second team. The Combined States team honoured Ed Craig, Blake Walsh, Harry Lind and Adrian Delore with further selection. Once again, CHS teamed up with the ARU High Performance Unit to run a series of four discovery days to identify talented rugby players in CHS schools. These were followed by the final selection trial for the 16s squad. This continues to be a successful initiative that allows CHS to select a very competitive 16s team, with Phillip Bradfor, Evander Filemu and Storm Pasfield named in the NSW Schools Under 16 squad for the National St Augustine s College completes a hat trick of Waratah Shield premierships with their 2013 victory Championships. In the knockouts, St Augustine's College proved too strong for Oakhill College, Farrer MAHS beat Griffith HS, Endeavour overcame Bega HS in the Girls Richard Shaw Shield and Wauchope beat Sarah Redfern in the Girls Glen Clayton Shield. The icing on the cake was the very successful tour of New Zealand, with the development team recording three wins and one loss, scoring 132 points and conceding 84. The tour highlight was a convincing win over Combined Taranaki High Schools. We look forward to the next development tour to South Africa in 2015, which will be selected after the NSW Schools Championships in June this year. Paul Ridgway, Convenor, CHS Rugby Greater Public Schools (GPS) The year was one of change for GPS rugby, with the introduction of a six-team, two-round competition - xvi -

17 for the first and second XVs and a nine-team, one round competition for thirds, with Sydney Grammar, Sydney Boys High and the Armidale School participating in the competition. Congratulations to Newington College and the Scots College, who finished Joint Premiers in the Challenge Shield, taking out their tenth and seventh titles respectively. Throughout the season Newington developed a powerful style of attacking rugby, utilising a physical but mobile forward pack and a powerful yet creative backline. Scots showed an amazing discipline to play their style of football under any circumstances and, with the calibre of players they had, they did this incredibly effectively. In second grade s The Corr Cup, congratulations to St. Joseph s College - the standout team all season. In an incredibly tight competition, three points separated the remaining five sides and the final positions weren t known until the last game of the season. As in the second grade competition, the final places in the thirds weren t known until the final few minutes of the final matches of the competition. In their greatest moment to date, The Armidale School jumped over Scots and Joeys to take the title. The Combined GPS rugby fixtures were held at the conclusion of term II and played at Knox Grammar School. Three teams were chosen to represent GPS and they enjoyed strong performances against the CAS, CHS and CCC, with many boys rewarded with representation in the NSW Schools Rugby Union and Australian Schools teams. In all, 14 players made the NSWSRU first XV, 13 made the second XV and a further six were named in the shadow squad. From this, seven boys played for Australia A against New Zealand and Fiji and 13 for the Australian Schoolboys. Later in the year, David Morris joined the squad, taking the total number of tourists to Europe at the end of the year to 14. I would also like to thank the coaches of the GPS teams for their time and expertise. Brad Gill, Joel Wilson, Steve Muir (Newington College), Marcus Blackburn and Andrew Cleverley (The Scot s College) and Jeremy Ticehurst and AJ Whalley (St Joseph s College) were outstanding and for that we are most grateful. To David Drain, Chairman of Selectors, and to the other selectors, Phil Barlow, John Meakins and Travis Partridge, thank you for your professionalism and friendship throughout a very hectic period. Shane Serhon Convener NSW Country Schools The season proved a fruitful year, with a development tour of Western Samoa and Fiji beginning the year in the Easter school holidays. The quality of rugby was high, the development of players skills outstanding and the cultural experience a unique opportunity. The annual championships followed at The Armidale School on the June long weekend, with around 200 students attending and attempting to win selection in the NSW CSRU representative teams to contest the NSW Schools Selection Trials in the Under 16 and open age divisions. Armidale again turned on great weather. New England proved the dominant region in the Open Division taking out the Bernie McGrane Shield, with Mid North Coast the big improver. Far North Coast went through the Under 16 age division undefeated holding off spirited challenges from Mid North Coast, Central North and the Southern Schools to take out the Donald Wiburd Cup. Our carnival again was well supported by NSWCRU Referees and Australian Rugby Union, The quality of rugby was high, the development of players skills outstanding and the cultural experience a unique opportunity. Donald Wiburd Trophy Winners 2013 Far North Coast - xvii -

18 selection for the NSW second XV, with Francis going on represent the Australian A Schoolboys team. There is no doubt that the CCC rugby program is a great experience for the players, especially those coming from the country, and we continue to perform at a level that allows them to show off their talents. Next year, we will trial a different selection process, with students nominating individually to attend the trials, to be held at TG Millner. The two days will involve rugby skills and development for players and staff, followed by a series of games from which the final squads will be nominated. Steve Mitchell Convener The 2013 Combined Catholic Colleges Under 16 team There is no doubt that the CCC rugby program is a great experience for the players, especially those coming from the country. with each providing a number of staff to assist. Good representation in the Country Schools sides from all regions showed the depth and competition that currently exists within these schools. Finally, the year saw a development squad announced to tour the West Coast of the United States in 2014, while the first XV and Under 16 sides selected went on to perform admirably at the annual NSWSRU Selection Trials. We are looking forward to developing more regional NSW schoolboy rugby players in Matt de Dassel President NSW Combined Catholic Colleges (CCC) The 2013 season again saw the rugby team perform admirably with games against CHS I, ISA II and GPS III. Unfortunately our first game against CHS was played before we had our camp and we had only one training session the day before to prepare. On a very wet Sunday, where most sport in Sydney was cancelled, we played CHS at Forshaw Park. Although the final scoreline was not in our favour, the team performed very well in the first quarter, doing enough to spark the interest of the selectors. Our second game against ISA followed our camp at Narrabeen, a highlight of the program, and this showed as we went into the second half with a commanding lead. Although the second period was not as dominant, we didn t give up and actually scored on the hooter to share the points. Again, our first half had given the selectors some food for thought. The third game against a very strong GPS team saw us go behind early, before hitting back in the middle of the game before eventually going down Two of the players - Francis Brown from MacKillop College Warnervale and Elliot Jennings from All Saints College Maitland - gained reserve Independent Schools Association (ISA) Playing numbers were healthy across both the ISA Division 1 and 2 rugby competitions in Congratulations to St Augustine s College (Division 1) and Redfield College (Division 2) on their premiership winning efforts. The Division 1 Schools Championship Shield was also won by St Augustine s. The Waratah Shield final was once again contested by two ISA schools, St Augustine s and Oakhill College. St Augustine s proved too strong defeating Oakhill to win the Statewide knockout competition in a result that mirrored the 2012 decider. The representative season was held at the conclusion of term 2, with matches played at Pittwater Rugby Park and Knox Grammar School. First and second XVs were chosen to represent ISA for the NSW Schools Rugby Union Under 18 trials. The first XV was impressive, defeating CHS firsts, whilst the seconds drew with CCC in an entertaining match. Later that week, the firsts were outclassed by CAS, whist the seconds were beaten by CAS in an extremely tight game. ISA was again well represented with boys selected in NSW, Combined States and Australian Schools sides. Andrew Wisemantel Convener Association of Independent co-educational Schools (AICES) At the end of a tough 2012, a number of steps were identified to improve our program for Areas of concern included: Players selected in the AICES Team at the AICES Trials often withdraw in the coming weeks; the standard of players in AICES often does not meet the level of other associations; Travel by country school students (50% of the team) to Sydney for training and games is a deterrent; Some AICES schools choose other pathways for their boys; A majority of the AICES players do not have the same commitment as some of the players from other associations; and Generally speaking the AICES players are much smaller than their opponents. - xviii -

19 As a result, it was decided to move from our traditional format of a sub-association teams-based trial in favour of individual nominations and mixed teams trial. The aim of the format change was to identify and involve only those boys who were committed, however the result was very disappointing for two reasons. Firstly, only 28 boys attended the Opens Trials, with smaller numbers than normal taking part in the Under 16 trials. Additionally, Christian Schools withdrew from the AICES pathway without notice. Christian schools traditionally make up around 40 per cent of the AICES team to play in the NSW Schools Rugby Union games. Without their presence, our teams were much weaker than in recent years. It was hoped that the new format would improve our performance but unfortunately the result actually lowered standards in AICES Rugby Committee will meet soon to determine the direction and format for I would like to thank the coaching and managing team for the effort they have put in under very trying situations. They have always stayed positive and ensured that our boys enjoyed the experience. Greg Aitken AICES Executive Officer NSW Primary School Sports Association (NSWPSSA) The NSWPSSA has once again benefited greatly from its continued relationship with NSW Rugby, putting its funding to great use by assisting each regional side and knockout semi-finalist with a travel grant, purchase of footballs for state championships and knockout finals day and by paying all the team levies for our state championships. Again, it was wonderful to see all the NSW/ Australian Rugby Union development staff in attendance at our State Carnival, using their expertise to assist the match day officials. Their expertise was greatly appreciated by all the regional coaches, managers and NSWPSSA coaching staff. Development officers again organised gala days, as part of the new format Bryan Palmer Shield NSWPSSA knockout, which was a tremendous hit with all schools involved; all participating schools have again enrolled for Through NSW s Rugby Participation Operations Manager Michael Doyle, for the fifth year, the NSWPSSA under 12s representative side was able to visit Waratahs HQ to be taken on a tour of the facilities and Barker College First XV team photo 2013 have their jerseys presented, this time by Nathan Grey. The boys revered this excursion and it certainly spurred them on, as NSW again retained the Phil Waugh Shield, winning the National tournament as well as retaining the Trevor Allen shield for winning their match against the ACT. The Bryan Palmer Shield was a great success, due mainly to the change of format from a normal knockout to a series of gala days. Newport PS defeated Kingscliff PS and Dubbo South PS defeated Edgeworth PS in the semi-finals in two very tight games, before Newport overcame Dubbo South by in the final. Sydney East Region hosted the State Carnival at Lugarno in August. CIS defeated Sydney North 26-0 in the final. In 2014, the carnival will be hosted by South Coast Region in Kiama. The Interstate Exchange was hosted by ACT. This involved teams from NSWPSSA, ACT Under 12, Victoria Under 12 and South Australia Under 12. NSWPSSA were the dominant team in this carnival, remaining undefeated and retaining both the Phil Waugh and Trevor Allen shields. The Exchange will take place in South Australia in Matthew Lewis Convener Combined Associated Schools (CAS) The CAS home and away season again proved to be a very tight and competitive one, with the premiership decided on the last day. Congratulations to Barker College first XV and coach Andrew Moloney on winning the Henry Plume Shield. Barker was pushed all the way by a strong Waverley team. Schools also enjoyed various trials and traditional fixtures at different stages throughout the season with fellow GPS and ISA schools. The Open representative season comprised two traditional fixtures against CHS and GPS, after which CAS competed in the NSW trials at Curagul Fields in June, recording wins over ISA and AICES. Our congratulations go to Harry Jones (Barker College) and Faaope Satiu (Trinity College), who gained selection for Australian Schoolboys and NSW I, to Tyson Davis (Barker) and Nick Koutsoukis (Waverley College) (Australian A Schoolboys and NSW II), to Jackson McLean T (NSW I) and also to Stephen Kirkby, Nick Burkett and Devan Stoltz (all Barker) who were selected for NSW II. In the Under 16s, the season began in June with a North v South trial at Cranbrook. A CAS team was then selected to compete in the NSW trials at Knox Grammar. Finally, I would like to extend my thanks to: our hosts Cranbrook School, Knox Grammar and Mr Chuck Ardron; to all CAS coaching staff led by John Rownes and Tai Glassie, along with physios Narelle Vaverka and Tom Lombardo; to Mark Green and staff at NSWRU for their continued support; Mr Col Murray and all members of the NSWSRU committee; Mr Charles Blunt, Chairman of CAS selection panel; and Paul Ridgway (CHS) and Shane Serhon (GPS) for their help through the busy representative program. - xix -

20 NSW Junior Rugby Union KERRY BRADY, PRESIDENT NSWJRU The introduction of the Junior Gold Cup by Australian Rugby Union will see a change in role of NSWJRU. The role of NSWJRU is one of oversight to assist its member Unions, namely Country Juniors and Sydney Juniors, to facilitate competitions and to provide a representative platform for talented players. In 2013, there were well over 19,000 junior players aged from six to 18 years in NSW, competing in regular competitions in many country areas and across the metropolitan area of Sydney. The annual NSWJRU State Championships saw over 2,300 players from all Sydney districts, many country zones and interstate unions compete at six different venues, over three days in June for the Under 11s to Under 17s titles. An additional 370 players from 21 teams took part in a development day for Under 10s. All in all, these events saw over 2,600 junior players participate in a higher level of competition. The Finals for the 14s to 17s were held once again at T G Millner and thanks must go to Eastwood Juniors for their continued support of this great day. Spectator numbers were high and the presence of Waratahs players for presentations was very much appreciated. The continued success of the championships is a testament to the enthusiasm, interest and support of the hundreds of volunteers who willingly contribute their time and energy for junior rugby. The penultimate representative event on the juniors calendar is the annual event between NSWJRU and Queensland JRU. Unfortunately in 2013, with the advent of the Junior Gold Cup, Queensland Juniors did not travel to Sydney for the playing of the Jason Little and Chris Latham Shield games, traditionally played over the October long weekend. The teams however competed against ACT JRU at Marist College in Canberra in September, with the Under 15s defeating ACT by 17-7, whilst the Under 17s narrowly lost The introduction of the Junior Gold Cup by Australian Rugby Union will see a change in role of NSWJRU, in relation to representative fixtures. This may necessitate changes to our representative calendar but the challenge will be to retain some of the traditional aspects such as the City Country Day. There is a need to embrace new initiatives which give benefit to all of junior rugby, not just our most talented players. The forthcoming 2014 season promises to be a very challenging year, with participation numbers across all constituents the hot topic of conversation and a cause for concern. The rugby landscape is changing and there are many issues which will need to be addressed. The traditional rugby heartlands are suffering decreases in player numbers and we must reach out to areas thought of as non-traditional. With the reduction of funding at all levels and diminishing numbers, all involved in junior rugby face a big challenge but one that they are very capable of surmounting. Thanks must be extended to Country Junior Rugby Union and Sydney Junior Rugby Union for their continued support of NSWJRU, to the many referees and volunteers who worked tirelessly and to NSWRU and Community Rugby staff for their encouragement of Junior Rugby. Dural Rugby in action in a competition game - xx -