NSW RUGBY UNION 2014 ANNUAL REPORT 2014 ANNUAL REPORT - 1 -

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1 2014 ANNUAL REPORT - 1 -

2 2014 Partners NSW RUGBY WOULD LIKE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE SUPPORT OF ALL ITS 20134PARTNERS - 2 -

3 Contents 2014 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 Ferris Honorary Life Members Dick Byers Peter Crittle AO Peter Falk OAM Peter Fenton OAM John Freedman OAM Ron Graham 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 Terry Willis President's Report 4 Chairman's Report 5 Executive Director's Report 6 NSW Waratahs Season Review 8 ARU Community Rugby 9 Sydney Rugby Union Premier Rugby 11 NSW Suburban Rugby 12 NSW Country Rugby 14 NSW Women s Rugby Union 15 NSW Schools Rugby 16 NSW Schools Associations 17 NSW Junior Rugby Union 22 NSW Referees Association 23 CASS report 24 SRU Premiership Rugby Results 25 SRU Premiership Rugby Tables 26 Suburban & Country Rugby Results 27 Super Rugby Results & Standings 28 Financial Report Section

4 President's Report TIM GAVIN, PRESIDENT Tim Gavin President - NSW Rugby Union Michael Cheika and his staff developed a squad of good players into a great team; that had a great passion to play for each other and for the state of New South Wales The year 2014 will be one to remember for the NSW Waratahs, who became the Super Rugby Champions for the first time, beating the Crusaders in an incredibly exciting final at ANZ Stadium. A record Super Rugby crowd of 62,000 witnessed the Waratahs win after Bernard Foley kicked a 45 metre penalty goal in the dying minutes of the game. When Michael Hooper and Dave Dennis hoisted the Super Rugby trophy aloft, all NSW rugby supporters were very proud of this wonderful team, which played the style of running rugby the Waratahs were famous for. Michael Cheika and his staff developed a squad of good players into a great team; that had a great passion to play for each other and for the state of New South Wales. Chairman Roger Davis, the board and the staff of Waratahs Rugby must be congratulated for a fantastic year that saw success both on and off the field. Captain Michael Hooper had another outstanding year and was voted NSW Waratahs Players Player for the second time, and he was awarded for his outstanding leadership later in the year with the Wallaby Captaincy. The Tahs Best Forward award went to Wycliff Palu who also earned his 100th Waratah cap during the season, while the Best Back award went to the brilliant Adam Ashley Cooper. Congratulations to Israel Folau, who was awarded the prestigious John Eales Medal and Michael Hooper, who received the Australia s Choice Wallaby of the Year. Both players were also joint winners of the Super Rugby Player of the Year Award. Michael Cheika s outstanding job as coach saw him take out the Coach of the Year award and the subsequent appointment of Wallaby Coach. I would like to congratulate Michael for the success he has had with the Waratahs and wish him every success with the Wallabies. NSWRU is committed to the continued development of rugby within the community and I commend the great support of our sponsors and Development Officers for their role in helping us achieving our goals. Rugby in NSW has many sponsors from grassroots to the Tahs and I applaud their very generous support. Development Officers across the State have continued their vital work with clubs and schools with great dedication. The Primary School Sevens Tournament and the Waratah curtain raisers are just a few examples of the many successful promotional activities conducted throughout the State. I have witnessed firsthand the excitement of country juniors (and their parents) when given the opportunity to play in the big smoke. The Waratah players themselves have put a smile on many junior rugby players faces by making themselves available to their fans at clubs and schools throughout the season. Development activities throughout the State have assisted in maintain participation numbers. New ARU driven initiatives including boys and girls 7s, Viva 7s and Game On have all been successfully introduced through development work in Schools and Clubs. I would sincerely like to thank all the referees and volunteers and acknowledge their important role within our sport. The many games played each week and the spirit that they are played in is due partly to the dedication and temperament of our many referees and volunteers who each week give their time for the fulfilment of others. Amy Perrett deserves praise as she received the award of Australian Referee of the Year and Chris Hicks as Volunteer of the Year, also Andrew Purchas gaining the Spirit of Rugby award at the John Eales Medal Awards. All these recipients being from NSW. The NSWRU Honorary Life Members have always given guidance and support to me in my role and I thank them very much. Finally, as my role as President concludes with the NSWRU, I wish to thank all the Directors, staff and players that I have been involved with in promoting and developing this great world game we love so much. I wish NSWRU Chairman Nick Farr- Jones and Waratahs Chairman Roger Davis and NSWRU CEO Bruce Worboys and Waratahs CEO Greg Harris and their dedicated Board Members and staff all the very best in the future

5 Chairman's Report NICK FARR-JONES, CHAIRMAN It is my pleasure to provide this report on rugby activities for the 2014 year in the state of New South Wales. I would like to acknowledge the wonderful success of the Waratahs team at the professional level of our game in this State. To Captains David Dennis and Michael Hooper and their team, to coach Michael Cheika and his support staff, on behalf of your many supporters across this State and beyond, a huge congratulations for not only the on field success culminating in the first Waratah Super Rugby premiership. During the year sadly we saw the passing of five past Waratah players. Vale to these men who proudly represented their State; Max Howell (5 caps 1947) on 3 February aged 86; Dave Collins (2 caps 1959) on 8 March aged 79; Charlie Onus (2 caps 1976) on 24 June aged 62; Eric Tindall (6 caps ) on 11 August aged 69; Phil Tyler (2 caps 2000) on 31 December aged 42. I had the opportunity to attend many community rugby games, season launches, anniversaries and fundraising functions across the State. There will always be better ways to run and administer our game for the befit and enjoyment of all stakeholders but as a generalisation I believe community rugby across our State is in great shape. I would particularly like to thank all our game s volunteers and also our referees. We all know, without them the game does not exist. I would also like to congratulate Andrew Purchas, his Sydney Convicts rugby team and all those involved in the successful delivery of the Sydney hosted 2014 Bingham Cup. The Gay Rugby World Cup played every two years saw around 30 teams from 15 countries descend on Sydney. Congratulations to the eventual winners, the Sydney Convicts but more importantly to Andrew and his Committee for the strong anti homophobia message that was delivered in the lead up to and playing of the event. Andrew managed to have all the major football codes in Australia amend their constitutions to include a strong anti homophobia policy in the playing of their sports across the professional and community levels also saw the introduction by the ARU of the National Rugby Championship. Fielding four NSW teams had its challenges, however I would like to thank all the Sydney clubs, and Sydney and country participants. Thank you again to all the volunteers for your hard work and sacrifice in ensuring that the inaugural year was a success. Thanks also to the NRC major Sponsor Buildcorp whose commitment to the game of rugby has been, and remains, exceptional. I am delighted to say that Rugby Development in this State, which was entrusted to the ARU in 2008 when the ARU attempted to centralise the game s national development, is being returned to NSW in Much hard work has been done throughout 2014 in planning for the return of Development and its funding and I am confident that better outcomes can be achieved for all our community stakeholders in the game in NSW. I encourage any community coaches or club Presidents to make contact with our NSWRU executive should you wish to engage with our Development team headed by Adam Crane. I was also delighted to play small roles in two of our social initiatives recently introduced under the banner of NSWRU. The Trytons Rugby Connect program for children with special needs is something rugby can be truly proud of and is a delight to be involved in. To the Mums and Dads who bring their children on Sunday mornings to be a part of this program spread the message and lets grow the scale of Trytons and its reach across the State. A special thanks to our team who conduct these Sunday sessions in particular to the program leader, Emily Chancellor. Our other program remains the Learn Earn Legend program managed by Jim Williams where, under the broad banner of rugby, we assist and mentor indigenous students to transition from the secondary education into full time jobs or tertiary education and training. The successful results have been pleasing and I would also like to thanks our volunteer members of the Advisory Board. It has been a pleasure to be assisted by my fellow NSWRU Board members. Our discussions and deliberations are always robust as you would expect from passionate supporters of our game but the good of the game is always top of mind and the commitment from my Directors to the game should be acknowledged. Huge thanks also to NSWRU and Waratahs President and my former No.8 Tim Gavin. Tim works tirelessly for the game across the State and it is always a pleasure to be working with him. Finally to our small group of NSWRU executives led by my good friend Bruce Worboys a huge thanks from the bottom of my heart. As Chairman of the Board I see up close the issues and hurdles that daily are thrown in front of you in administering the amateur game across this State. Congratulations and thanks for a job well done in Nick Farr-Jones Chairman - NSW Rugby Union Andrew managed to have all the major football codes in Australia amend their constitutions to include a strong anti homophobia policy - 5 -

6 Executive Director's Report BRUCE WORBOYS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Bruce Worboys Executive Director - NSW Rugby Union During the 2014 season the ARU introduced a number of new initiatives. In many ways 2014 may well have been our most successful year since Rugby went professional in The success of the Waratahs was only one of many outstanding performances from New South Wales teams and individuals in (See table over page) Waratah Legends Simon Poidevin, Greg Davis and Wylie Breckenridge were inducted into the Australian Rugby Hall of Fame. Congratulations to all and apologies if I have missed anyone. I think most will agree a very impressive list of achievements. During the 2014 season the ARU introduced a number of new initiatives which impacted on NSWRU competitions and it is a credit to the NSW affiliates that we were able to comply with all requests. The introduction of the National Rugby Championship had the greatest impact with NSW providing 4 teams to the 9 team competition. This required a significant change to the SRU Shute Shield competition with the season moved forward by four weeks to enable the NRC to kick-off in August. The four NSW teams, the North Harbour Rays, the Greater Sydney Rams, the Sydney Stars and the NSW Country Eagles all performed well against what were, with the exception of Queensland Country, professional Rugby teams from Perth, Melbourne, Canberra and Brisbane, with the full backing of their Super Rugby teams. Another new initiative was the Junior Gold Cup, with New South Wales providing 10 teams in each age Group, Under 15 and Under 17. NSW teams were coached and managed by volunteers supported by our Development staff in a program which ran through from October through to the Championships in February/ March. A casualty of the Gold program was the National Under 16 Championships which were not held for the first time since A National 7s competition will be held in March with the latter part of the 2014 spent appointing support staff and conducting trials for the selection of New South Wales teams to compete in Men s (2) Womens (2) Boys (2) and Girls (2). It is pleasing to note that NSW teams won the 4 National titles. During the year we managed the transfer of Rugby Development from ARU to NSWRU. The transition was completed on 1 January with all Development staff now employed by NSWRU. The transition saw some long time Development staff move on and I would like to acknowledge the exceptional work done for many years by John Searle (Newcastle) Bruce Frame (North Coast) Michael Magripilis (Central Coast) Mark Philp (Sydney North)Mark Bos (Sydney West) and Megan Black (Administration). All have certainly contributed the success mentioned above under the guidance of Michael Doyle, thank you and good luck. The Sports NSW Event of the Year was rightly awarded to The Bingham Cup. The World Cup for Gay Rugby aims to eliminate homophobia in sport and it was a pleasure to work with Andrew Purchas and his committee in bringing in teams from around the world. With almost a thousand participants representing 15 countries the event was an outstanding success. I have also been fortunate to work on two initiatives of New South Wales Rugby. The Trytons Rugby Connect program for kids with special needs is a very successful program run by Emily Chancellor with development and NSWRU staff and their families and friends volunteering their time through terms 2 and 3 of the School Year. I sincerely hope this program runs for many years and continues to expand. The NSW Rugby Union Learn Earn Legend program managed by Jim Williams is a Federal - 6 -

7 Government funded program designed to assist indigenous school children transition into work or further education. Jim assisted by a small advisory committee has achieved outstanding results and continues to make great advances in this important area of work. The introduction of the National Participation Fee by the ARU, along with changes to way we pay players insurance dominated the latter part of the year. I want to thank the affiliates for approaching this sensibly and I think we have managed a reasonable compromise. The recently announced long-term arrangement with the SCG Trust will see Allianz Stadium remain as our base for the next 15 years. The outcome is good for both the Waratahs and community rugby. The announcement in November from ABCTV in relation to the broadcasting of the Shute Shield was disappointing after a 57 year relationship. The process we have been through, to identify production options and then present to the television networks has worked well, and we hope to have a positive announcement before the start of the season. I would like to thank the Board under Chairman Nick Farr-Jones. It is indeed an honour to work with Nick and a Board which truly represents community rugby, all members have contributed to a successful year in Thanks also to President Tim Gavin and Vice President Mick Mathers; they have the dual role of representing both NSWRU and Waratah Rugby. Thank you to the small team of dedicated employees at NSW rugby, your commitment, passion and devotion to rugby in our State is greatly appreciated. To our thousands of volunteers, you make Rugby the great game we all enjoy, and you all deserve the success we enjoyed in Many of the individual awards were acknowledged at the John Eales Medal Chris Hicks Volunteer of the Year Sila Tuangakava Community Coach of the Year Amy Perrett Referee of the Year Andrew Purchas Spirit of Rugby Israel Folau John Eales Medallist Rob Horne Wallabies try of the year Cameron Clark Sevens player of the year Michael Cheika Coach of the Year, and now Wallabies Coach Outstanding team performances included NSW Under 20 s National Champions NSW Schools National Champions & Runners-up (NSW B) Eastwood Shute Shield Premiers NSW Country Cockatoos Undefeated tour of USA NSW Suburban Barraclough Shield over Queensland NSW Waratahs Super Rugby Champions Rockdale Womens SWRU Champions Sport NSW Awards Larry Thompson Distinguished Long Service The Bingham Cup Event of the Year Amy Perrett Official of the Year Michael Cheika Coach of the Year - 7 -

8 NSW Waratahs Season Review The NSW Waratahs enjoyed their most successful season to date in 2014, with a thrilling win over the Canterbury Crusaders bringing home the trophy at ANZ Stadium in front of a record crowd of almost 62,000. In just his second season as coach, Michael Cheika built on the strong foundations of the previous season, guiding the team to 14 wins on their way to the title. The Waratahs had nine debutants for the season; Alofa Alofa, Nick Phipps, Jacques Potgieter and Tolu Latu made their first appearances in Round 2, Jono Lance debuted in Round 7, Tala Gray in Round 9, Hugh Roach and Taqele Naiyaravoro in Round 14, and Michael Ala alatoa in Round 19. Israel Folau was the tournament s joint top try scorer with 12 tries, and teammate Bernard Foley became the tournament s leading points scorer, and also surpassed the NSW Super Rugby record for the most points in a season, with 252. Folau and Hooper were jointly-named Super Rugby Players of the Year. As a collective, the Waratahs also achieved a number of team accolades. The 2014 team scored Captain Michael Hooper and Head Coach Michael Cheika the most tries ever in a season (60), the most points in a season (540), most regular season wins (12) and most consecutive wins (9). They also achieved a Super Rugby all-time record crowd, as well as earning the state its first ever minor premiership and Super Rugby title. Unsurprisingly, this saw the team named as the Super Rugby Team of the Year and Michael Cheika the Coach of the Year at the 2014 John Eales Medal Awards. Folau and Hooper were jointly-named Super Rugby Players of the Year. The NSW Waratahs celebrate their first ever Super Rugby Final win - 8 -

9 ARU Community Rugby ADAM CRANE, NSW GAME DEVELOPMENT MANAGER 2014 provided many highlights and momentum following on the hard work from everyone involved in the grassroots of NSW Rugby in The footprint of Development, and Coach and Match Official activities continued to impart the overarching philosophy of providing access and opportunity to as many participants in the game, both in and out of the rugby tent, all the while done in an enjoyable and safe environment. While faced with some financial challenges, the Rugby Development team continue to uphold and deliver a positive experience throughout all areas of engagement with the Rugby community. Underpinning all experiences is the goal to link new participants to lifelong passion for the game through regular rugby playing opportunities. Once again, the Rugby Development team continue to service and uphold important relationships with all the major affiliates in the community game. These relationships are crucial to continue the growth and success of grassroots rugby throughout NSW. Thank you to all members from the 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 for the continued support and of the NSW Rugby Development team will see significant change with the NSW Rugby Development team being handed back to NSWRU from the Australian Rugby Union and while the transition will be seamless, exciting changes will ensure the that rugby development in NSW Rugby continues to uphold and service all the affiliates also saw the loss of long standing Development team members Michael Doyle, John Searl and Michael Magriplis. Mike, John and Michael have been driving forces behind the continued growth and success of the development team and will be sorely missed. NSW Rugby Development thanks them all for everything they have brought to the game and the thousands of participants they have engaged and enriched during their long tenures with NSW Rugby. Coach Education Coach Education continues to be an important arm of the overall development team s objectives. Providing a quality coaching experience for coaches will translate into player enjoyment which in turn will see positive retention at all levels of rugby. The Coach Education department continue to refine and implement cutting edge advancements, including presenter training and integration with the Waratahs Coaching staff that is delivered in tailored formats to all participants involved in the various coach education courses in 2014 Courses delivered in 2014 were again delivered to engage the whole spectrum of all coaching levels below are the Education program and number of courses delivered throughout NSW Smart Rugby (109) Coaching Kids Rugby (37) Foundation (23) Level 2 (4) The Waratah Way (7) Match Official Education The Referee Department continues to deliver high standards and volumes of Match Official Education opportunities throughout NSW has delivered the following courses in NSW: Level 2 Referee (5) Level 1 Referee Coach (2) Level 2 Referee Coach (2) Refereeing Kids Rugby (23) Level 1 and 2 Assistant Referee (23) Recruitment and Growth and continue to be an important goal in the Match Official department along with implementing the overall quality education experiences to up skill emerging Match Officials. The continued success of the School Student Scholarship program performs an important step in the development of young school aged match officials and links junior referees to the sub-elite level. Youth Participant Recruitment Participation Recruitment continues to be a major objective in the NSW Rugby Development activities, focused in school and community based Providing a quality coaching experience for coaches will translate into player enjoyment - 9 -

10 Junior club participants prepare to welcome the Waratahs on to Allianz Stadium programming. This includes youth boys and youth girls programs that engage and enthuse and provide the platform for participants to experience quality rugby experiences, with the goal of engagement into regular rugby playing opportunities. These programs are constantly undertaken with regular Junior Club connections to ensure maximum exposure to regular playing opportunities 2014 saw the launch of the Future Tahs Specific Recruitment programming in school engagement programs including Future Tahs State Wide Primary School 7s Future Tahs State Wide Secondary School Youth Girls 7s (U12 U18) Future Tahs State Wide Primary School Youth Boys 7s (U12 U18) Future Tahs Come and Try club and School recruitment programs NSW Rugby Development continues to service and support and to several historical Playing Affiliates including Combined High Schools and the Primary School Sporting Association (PSSA) that provide underpinning opportunities to non regular rugby players will see the introduction of two exciting National recruitment programs that will be integrated into existing programs Game On and VIVA 7s. These programs are ARU initiatives and will incorporate school and sampling philosophies that will provide rewarding and positive experiences for all participants. Participant Retention Retention activities coupled with Recruitment activities continues to be the major focus for the Development team. The NSW Development Team continue to work in conjunction with the Waratahs Match Day staff to provide a positive and rewarding opportunities to regular playing participants in Match Day opportunities, including; Pre-match modified games Women s and Youth Girls Half time Sevens exhibition matches Guard of Honour School and junior club march pasts In conjunction with the Waratahs, the highly successful school holiday camps engage hundreds of participants across the state. These camps provide expert tuition in skills and drills, and what it is like to be a Waratah player. It also allows participants to engage with their Waratahs heroes. We thank the Waratahs for their support of these programs and sending players as part of these Future Tahs Clinics Future Tahs School Holiday Camp Future Tahs Primary School Blitz Camp Waratah Future Tahs Spring 7s In its second year of operation 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. Thanks and will see exciting opportunities for the NSW Rugby Development team, transitioning back from the ARU to NSW Rugby. Business will continue seamlessly in this year of transition with exciting developments planed in the shape of how Development is undertaken in future years with further integration with NSW Rugby and the Waratahs. The NSW Development and Educational team would again like to thank all the entire rugby community for their overwhelming support and alignment in implementing our programs to improve rugby as a whole. We also extend huge thanks Andrew Larratt (ARU Community Rugby General Manager), Bruce Worboys, the NSW Rugby Union Board and all the Union s affiliates for their ongoing support and guidance throughout We anticipate another enjoyable and challenging year in 2015 and look forward to continuing the growth and development of our great game in NSW

11 Sydney Rugby Union Premier Rugby LISA JANE KANE, COMPETITION MANAGER Eastwood celebrates its Shute Shield Victory On an overcast Saturday in August, a seven thousand strong crowd gathered at Concord Oval and were treated to a true example of the strength of the Sydney Premiership Competition with Eastwood becoming the 2014 Magners Shute Shield Champions. The Eastwood win capped a fantastic Grand Final Day, with Manly lifting the Colin Cairn Shield in second grade and Club Champions Sydney University claiming both the Henderson Cup (fourth grade) and Henderson Shield (third grade). In a departure from tradition the awards usually presented at the Ken Catchpole lunch were presented on Grand Final Day. Congratulations to Hamish Angus, from Warringah, on winning the Ken Catchpole Medal for the second time in three seasons. Angus is only the third man ever to win the Catchpole Medal more than once and was also awarded the Roscoe Fay trophy as the Shute Shield s highest point scorer. Southern Districts coach Matt Barr was rewarded for taking his side to the Grand Final with the David Brockoff Medal for Coach of the Year. Despite not making the Grand Final, the Manly Marlins fine season was acknowledged as they were presented the Sir Roden Cutler Shield (which they have held since defeating Sydney University in round four) to add to their Minor Premiership. Also recognised was referee Ian Smith who earned the Dick Byres Medal for Shute Shield Referee of the Year and, for the fourth year running and Sydney University who were presented with the Gregor George Trophy for the 2014 Club Championship and the Eric Spilsted Trophy for the Colts Club Championship recognising their outstanding consistency throughout the season. The Colts Grand Finals were played the following day in what can only be described as the wettest grand final day in living memory. There is no doubt the matches would not have taken place without the support and actions of the staff and volunteers at Southern Districts to whom along with all the players and officials the Competition offers enormous thanks. All three games could have gone either way and hung in the balance until the final minutes. In the very trying conditions the skill on display is a clear indication of the quality of rugby the Grade Competition will enjoy in the years to come. Sydney University won both the Bill Simpson Shield (Colts 3) and the Shell Trophy (Colts 2) over Manly however Randwick denied University a clean sweep taking out the W. McMahon Memorial Shield for Colts 1. The ABC has provided a fantastic service to the many rugby fans across NSW for more than 50 years with their match of the round broadcasts. The Union notes with sadness that the ABC is no long able to continue with its match of the round broadcast despite excellent ratings over the 2014 season and thanks and all those involved in the production. The club Presidents and General Managers along with the SRU Board Members, NSWRU Judiciary and the Referees, all contribute a significant amount of time and effort to ensure that Sydney Club Rugby continues to provide players with a huge variety of rugby opportunities. The Union would like to take this opportunity thank all the volunteers, who selflessly give their time year in year out. Without the assistance of these people both on match day and behind the scenes our competition would not be possible. The Union would also like to thank the Competition s main sponsors Magners Irish Cider, Mitre and the Rugby Club

12 NSW Suburban Rugby MARK GREEN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Challenging times in 2014 which saw a drop in team and club numbers again, coupled with an increase in send offs and a very wet finals series. Pleasingly our operating deficit was reduced significantly; sponsorship increased and so did overall members equity. Congratulations to all our Club Champions including St Patricks (Bruce Graham Shield ), Brothers who won the Reliance Shield and earned promotion to Division One, Hills who won the Doc Harris Shield for Division Three and Redfield who continued their winning ways taking out the Herlihy Shield for Division Four making it their fourth club championship title in a row. All those clubs went on to take out their respective first grade premierships with Brothers sharing their Barraclough Cup with Newport. With the assistance of BarTV 2014 saw the Kentwell Cup Grand Final streamed live on the internet for the first time. Suburban Rugby introduced a Colts Sevens representative team for the first time. The team, who participated in the opens competition, performed admirably at both the Queanbeyan 7s in February and the Southern Highlands 7s in Bowral in October. Our sincere thanks to Gerard McLenaghan for the time and effort he put in with team selection, training and coaching. After an absence of over a decade the Suburban 7s tournament returned. There were 17 teams contesting the only Suburban 7s event at Wills Ground in March. Congratulations to St Patricks who won the Cup over Balmain and Petersham who defeated Old Ignatians in the Plate. Hills Rugby Club capped off a stellar year with Mick Donaldson and Shawn Howell taking out the Coaches of the Year Award as well as the overall Club of the Year Award for their on and off field efforts. Marilynn Buchanan (Knox) was presented with the Peter Kelly Medal for her service to the game. Whilst representative team captain Dan Kelly won the prestigious Kentwell Medal. The Union welcomed new sponsors Unified Security and Magners. Refreshingly Magners St Pats and Colleagues slog it out during a particularly wet semi final day took on an all of rugby approach sponsoring below Division One was implemented with Suburban Rugby, Shute Shield and the all teams in Division Three, Four and Six Waratahs. Thanks to all our new sponsors and (two competitions) playing in an eight team our long term partners Coca-Cola (20 years), competitions. In some Divisions the usual Interfuse and Gilbert (both 18 years), Leuko/ promotion and relegation rules were put on Elastoplast (16 years), Icons of Sport (10 hold to accommodate this change and we years) who all assist in defraying the cost of thank clubs for their patience and a smooth playing Suburban Rugby. transition during this time. Over 1600 tickets were purchased by Much work was also aimed at the Union s Suburban Clubs for the afternoon Test against Amateurism policy which will be enforced France at the Sydney Football Stadium. With from 1 January with rules and regulations our representative team playing the curtain formulated and rolled out during the course raiser against Queensland Suburban for the of the year. An esteemed Integrity Committee Barraclough Shield. The NSW Suburban team has been appointed headed by Graham easily retained the Shield for the sixth year in Gorrie as its Chairman. Whilst the impact and a row. This followed a narrow loss to Country necessity to introduce these new policies may earlier in their campaign and a strong win not seem immediately apparent or required mid-week under light at Rawson Park against it is hoped that these will alleviate some of Australian Services for the Dasher Wheatley the problems the Union has had and may VC Shield which had not been contested for encounter in the future had these actions not 8 years. Our thanks to representative coach been taken. and management team Paul Hardwick, Greg My thanks to Tim Richards, the Union s Michell, Dennis Nothdurft and Brenden Competition Manager for his dedication Fogarty. during the season. Tim together with Matt Some major policy decisions were Holding ensures the Union is running introduced in The desire to reduce the efficiently and professionally. Through the competition size to eight clubs per division Union s service agreements with NSW Rugby

13 Vinny Byrne (Brothers) and Neil Glassie (Newport) claim the shared spoils after an epic Barraclough Cup Grand Final failed to separate the two champion teams Lisa Kane returned from maternity leave earlier this year and continued to run the Premiership Competition, whilst Kerry Brady and Matt Kellahan administered the Sydney Junior Competition. Thank you to these staff members that do a wonderful job and provide excellent service to their constituents. Sadly Bruce Lycett a long time Hunters Hill man passed away in October. Bruce was a great supporter of Suburban Rugby and was the winner of the NSW Rugby Lifetime Service Award in 2014 following on from his Australian Sports Medal in Barry Killham, the former Sydney Junior Rugby Union President and NSW Board members and a good friend of Suburban Rugby passed away in July. Toby Crisp passed away in a Judd Cup match for Balmain against Mosman on 3 May. Rugby rallied behind Toby and over $35K was raised with funds going towards purchasing heart defibrillators and first aid courses for rugby clubs. The Union s thoughts and condolences are with all those families. Thank you to each of the Board members for their commitment over and above their own club commitments. Of particularly mention is Paul Timmins who not only chaired the Suburban Rugby Union again but is also a member of the Waratahs and NSW Board and sits on numerous rugby sub-committees. Thank you Paul for your time. Also thanks to Judiciary Chairman Mark Groom deputy Chairman Geoff Cramp and the entire Judiciary Committee for their service. I wish to note that Mick Kennedy (Mosman) has chosen not to stand as President for Mick, a stalwart of Suburban Rugby, has been the President for the last four years and a member of the Suburban Board since A very well respected member of the Suburban Rugby fraternity his involvement on the Suburban Rugby Board will be sorely missed and we wish him well. Thanks to NSW Rugby for the provision of referees during 2015 and thanks to those clubs that supported Referee Awareness Week with almost 50 new Suburban referees undertaking the course in the later stages of the season. Finally, thank you to all clubs for your support during the last year. Much work was also aimed at the Union s Amateurism policy which will be enforced from 1 January

14 NSW Country Rugby BARRY RUDDY, PRESIDENT I am pleased to submit my President s Report on behalf of New South Wales Country Rugby Union for The union is in a sound financial position even though our audited results show the union has recorded an operating loss of $65,381.00, which can be attributed to the Overseas Development Tour. The tour was four years in the making, with the cost, which came in under budget, having been factored into the budget for the year. Phil Payne is the Director who oversees our financial position, and he along with our Executive Office Terry Woodward has again managed the Union s finances in a professional manner. We will continue to look forward to ensuring the Union stays financially strong and the budgeting for 2015 will be strong and robust as usual. The Country Championships hosted in Mudgee at the magnificent Glen Willow Sports Complex was undoubtedly the most successful on record since the current format was introduced. Central West is to be congratulated on taking out both major titles, Caldwell Cup and Rowlands Colts Cup, while Central Coast and Central North claimed the Richardson Shield and NRMA Colts Shield. Newcastle Hunter s six year reign as Caldwell Cup champions came to an end, but they are to be congratulated on such an amazing achievement, which will be very hard to replicate. The standard of rugby on display during the championships was very high, and all zones are to be congratulated on the performances and presentation of their teams. The representative teams all performed well throughout their programs, with the Cockatoos retaining the Maher/Ross Cup over Subbies, together with claiming the inaugural Geoff Richardson Cup over Australian Services and recording a record win over South Australia. The Colts pathway has now been clearly defined with participation in the Southern States Championships in Adelaide becoming an annual event, which places our players before the ARU U20 selectors. Our Women rounded off their season with a record breaking victory over the ACT, which then saw three players go onto the RWC2014 in France, which was a great achievement. The Overseas Development Tour was an outstanding success, which enhanced the Union s name and reputation internationally, and provided each of the touring party with lifelong experiences both on and off the field. Tour coordinators International Sports Tours Pty Ltd, Terry Woodward and Peter Sarroff are to be congratulated on putting together such a wonderful tour itinerary. The Board remains strongly committed to providing opportunities and pathways for Country Players, Coaches, Management, Referees & Volunteers to achieve the highest levels of performance and representation they wish to seek. Our sponsors and supporters continue to provide ongoing and unwavering support and commitment to NSW Country Rugby Union, thank you. To the Board of Directors of NSW Country Rugby Union, thank you for your efforts in To Phil Payne (2008) and James Quinn (2010) who are both stepping down, thank you for your involvement over the last six and four years respectively, your input, commitment, work ethic and humour will be missed. Last but no means least, thank you to our Executive Officer Terry Woodward, who wears many hats (NSWCRU, NSWRU & Waratahs) and represents us extremely well in Sydney and around the state as required

15 NSW Women s Rugby Union KERRY CHIKAROVSKI, CHAIRPERSON Much still needs to be done in normalizing and prioritising Women s rugby It gives me great pleasure to submit my third annual report on behalf of NSW Women s Rugby following our reformation in March Following the disappointment of NSW not making the 7s Nationals Cup qualifiers in 2013 planning for the s Nationals started immediately with the appointment of coaches and a more structured program. Pleasingly the NSW Blue performed admirably going down to QLD Red in the final at the AIS in Canberra Whilst NSW White took out the Bowl Final defeating Australian Services Thanks to our coaches Peter Hammond who was capably assisted by Nathan McMahon and Jed Hogan as well as managers Lucy Hanrahan and Amanda Ferguson. With the Womens 15 aside Rugby World Cup in France in August the Wallaroos prepared with a tri-nationals tournament in New Zealand against the hosts and Canada in June. I had the pleasure of attending the All Blacks match in NZ as well as the RWC and whilst the team lacked genuine international experience with no Test Matches played since the last RWC in 2010 the team played well. Nine NSW players were selected in the RWC squad where the team finished seventh. Pleasingly the Nationals are once again being contested on a yearly basis from 2015 and this will hold us in good stead for future RWCs. Though it is important that our players are exposed to more Test rugby in between Rugby World Cups. Our competiveness at these tournaments will not improve if we don t play more International rugby. The Youth 7s Nationals were not held in 2014 with their Nationals realigned to precede the senior Nationals in March As such we retain the Youth Girls trophy until it is next contested. With the ongoing assistance of Adam Crane (ARU) much work is being done in the area of school girl development through the introduction of competitions, gala days and talent identification opportunities. Thanks to the Waratahs for promoting the Volvo half-time women s challenge which saw Women s 7s teams play during the half-time interval at all home matches. This was a good promotion for our sport and was well supported at all games. We look forward to 2015 with two women s and girls teams again participating at the National 7s Championships and a National 15s women s Championship scheduled for June. I would like to thank my fellow Committee members Larry Thompson, Pam 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 prioritising Women s rugby not only externally but internally within rugby. Financially it has been difficult to raise sponsorship and funding for girls and women s rugby and I will continue to work with all stakeholders to improve this position. I look forward to continuing to work with the Committee, ARU, NSWRU, staff and participants to grow and advance the game of Women s rugby

16 NSW Schools Rugby Union COLIN MURRAY, PRESIDENT It is always pleasing to be able to open an Annual Report with accounts of success. Naturally I refer to the deeds of the two NSWSRU teams that participated in the ASRU Championships. For the third consecutive year the NSWSRU Firsts won the Championships and for the second successive year the NSWSRU Seconds were the runnersup. Another noteworthy fact is that the three winning teams have been coached by three different sets of coaches. To achieve these Championship successes requires the input of many people prepared to work co-operatively. Firstly, there are the various Association Coaches and Convenors who must be thanked for their support throughout the year. Secondly, there is our astute band of Selectors, under the uncompromising leadership of Geoff Melville, who gave every player fair consideration. They received valuable information and advice from HPU personnel, Manu Sutherland and Hugh Carpenter. And it goes without saying that our final trials days at Knox were once again superb due to the dedicated work of Chuck Ardron and his band of assistants. Chuck also secured our major sponsors, Macquarie Group and Sony Music. The Coaches coached superbly, the Managers managed expertly, the Physios performed their usual miracles and the players responded accordingly. Congratulations and thanks to one and all. We are also heavily indebted to the NSWRU and in particular, Mark Green and Michael Doyle, for the support that they have given throughout the year. Prior to the commencement of the Championships our tie presentation evening was held at Waratah Headquarters and the guest presenter was last year s NSWSRU Firsts Captain, Andrew Kellaway. Michael Cheika also addressed the players and parents. The event can be adjudged a huge success given the number of favourable comments from both parents and players at the end of the evening. There are, however, significant losses that must be reported. The first is the decision of Secretary, Chris Hicks, to not stand for re-election for When elected to the position Chris brought the Union into the 21st century with its first ever web site. Nothing escaped his attention and every minute detail was scrutinised, evaluated and dealt with as required and those directly involved appreciate the magnitude of his contribution. His decision is completely understandable. He has four young boys playing, he has recently taken up a demanding promotional position at his school and he is heavily involved with Penrith JRU. It is fitting that he was named the winner of 2014 ARU HSBC Volunteer of the Year. An outstanding and deserved honour. Congratulations and thank you most sincerely, Hixxy. Another monumental loss is the demise of the NSW Country Schools Rugby Union. This Union was formed in 1977 to provide boys at country schools with a pathway to NSW selection. The founding fathers were Bernie Mc Grane and Don Wiburd and it is impossible to calculate the impact that these two gentlemen had on Rugby in the country regions of the state. Despite the best efforts of current President, Matt de Dassel, the Union has come to the conclusion that it can no longer operate as a viable entity. Sincerest thanks to all of those who have made a contribution to NSWSRU over a period of 37 years. It will be most disappointing if CHS, CCC and ACIES do not become stronger as a consequence of this development. There have been other disappointments as well. The decision of the ARU to discontinue with the Under 16 Championships was a bitter blow. For most of our players this was the first opportunity to participate in a National Championship and the experience Coaching and managing staff Firsts Seconds Coach Andrew Maloney Brad Gill Assistant Coach Luke Bower Greg Thompson Manager John Guy Saxon Bowles Physiotherapist Narelle Veverka Tom Lombardo gained manifested itself in that the majority went on to represent the state at the Opens level. Credit must be given to the NSWRU for keeping our Under 16 team alive by inviting Schools, City and Country Juniors to participate in a round-robin tournament. The NSWSRU Under 16s won this tournament and congratulations must be extended to the players and the Management Staff --- Coach, Tom Hart: Assistant, Rod Tuynman: Manager, Jim Pennington: and Physio, Justine McCarthy. Equally disappointing is the failure to attract more of the traditional Rugby Schools to the Waratah Shield and Cup Competitions despite the hard work by a very dedicated sub-committee. Congratulations to the winners of these Competitions: St. Augustines in the Waratah Shield and Epping BHS in the Waratah Cup. Epping completed a rare double with its success in the Buchan Shield. There continues to be some interest in including Juniors in School Competitions but this will be a long and arduous task with the vested interests of so many organizations having to be taken in to consideration. As stated in last year s report some form of drastic action needs to be taken to attract more players to Rugby. The competition from the other three football codes is enormous. No Report would be complete without acknowledging and thanking the Executive, Chris Hicks (Secretary), Geoff Melville (Treasurer), John Papahatzis (Vice President), general members of the Committee and the various Convenors for the enormous amount of time and effort they contribute to the running of this organization. In most instances their efforts are not significantly or sufficiently recognised. Congratulations must also be extended to Matt Lewis and his band of helpers for the success of the NSW Primary Schools team in the Australian Championships. Well done lads. Finally, congratulations to CHS Convenor, Paul Ridgway, on being nominated as the NSWSRU Volunteer of the Year. Paul has revitalised CHS Rugby since his appointment. One of his major achievements is that CHS now has a very competitive Under 16 team

17 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 in CHS schools. NSW CHS Rugby Union 2014 NSW CHS Rugby held its 2014 State Championships in the Hunter Region in Newcastle at the home of Hamilton Rugby Club, Passmore oval. It was a closely fought tournament with the spoils going Sydney West 24 beating Hunter 22 in the Final. The 2014 player of the carnival went to Hunter player Phillip Bradford a player who has played in the opens for the past two years and was a member of our 16s squad and 2013 touring team to New Zealand. Our NSW Schools program was one of mixed results. The 1st XV were successful against CCC with a 17-7 win at Forshaw Rugby Park, before following up with a frustrating loss against CAS at Cranbrook College. ISA proved too strong, systematically broke down our defence winning The GPS fixture was a reflection of the hard work led by our coaching staff to continue to improve and work together as a team. In what was a high paced and skilled game GPS got away with a one point win scoring 21 points to 20. At the selection table the following were successful; NSW Schools 1st XV Phillip Bradford, Ed Craig, and Andrew Vatuvei NSW Schools second XV Will Finley, Harry Johnston-Holmes and Jayden Wright Australian Combined States Peter Ivic, Keiren Bonin, Josh Thorndyke Again in 2014, 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. The Discovery Days followed by the final selection trial for the 16s squad was very positive Xxxxx experience for all involved seeing our biggest number of students trialling grow to 260 players. This was a successful initiative that continues to allow CHS to select a very competitive 16s team. Of this group of players the following were selected to represent the NSW Schools Under 16 squad; Blake Schoupp and Matthew Driti. In the knockouts, St Augustine's College again played Oakhill College, which in extremely challenging conditions was high level game and a fantastic contest going down to the wire with St Augustine s proving to be too strong for Oakhill again this year. Epping Boys got the double by winning the Waratah Cup and the Arthur Buchan against Brisbane Waters Secondary College. and Griffith HS respectively Shield. Hunter Sports high showed the strength of development in their girls program winning both the Richard Shaw and Glen Clayton shield by beating Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College

18 and Wauchope respectively saw the introduction of the NSW CHS satellite development program. 45 players from across the state were chosen from the under 16s and opens 2014 programs. Each of these players has proceeded to attend satellite training sessions in Sydney East, North Western Sydney, and the Hunter and Griffith regions. Players are coached by Matthew Hewett, Andrew Fitzgerald, Mark O Brien and Andre Boon in a program that runs parallel with the ARU Junior Gold program. We have worked closely with the ARU development staff, in particular Manu Sutherland to mirror their program in an effort to allow the chosen players to continue to develop core skills and move toward further CHS and higher selection the following year. It has allowed our players to have continual high level coaching and has also served as a very strong development program for our coaches with the mentoring offered through the links with the ARU development staff. The development program culminates with a tour to South Africa in April Paul Ridgway Convenor, NSW CHS Rugby GREATER PUBLIC SCHOOLS (GPS) 2014 saw a very exciting season in GPS Rugby. The early rounds of the competition were played in dry conditions and saw open attacking Rugby played. The later rounds were held in wet conditions and forced schools to adjust accordingly and provided close results. The First XV competition saw The Scots College crowned as GPS Champions after an undefeated season accumulating the impressive results of 487 points for and 187 points against. St Ignatius Riverview was placed second and St Josephs College third. The Second XV provided a close competition with the final round results crucial to the outcome. The Kings School were crowned Premiers with St Josephs placed second and The Shore School placed third. Once again the Third XV proved to be an exciting competition with the eventual outcome of three schools sharing the Premiership: Sydney Grammar School, The Armidale School and The Scots College. In Representative Rugby we had the introduction of two GPS teams at the thirds level: GPS White and GPS Blue. These teams played each other prior to the GPS v CAS fixtures on Tuesday 17 June. In a well balanced fixture GPS Blue eventually defeated GPS White At the NSWSRU Carnival on Friday 20 June GPS Blue played ISA2 achieving a strong victory GPS White played CCC and were defeated The traditional fixtures saw GPS play CAS on Tuesday 17th June. The GPS second XV played very well to win In the First XV fixture GPS eventually triumphed over CAS On Friday 20 June GPS played CHS. In the Second XV GPS won In a tough First XV match GPS held on to win A number of GPS players were rewarded with selection in NSWSRU teams with 12 players in NSW 1 and 14 in NSW 2 teams with a further three players selected in the Combined States team. Additionally four GPS players were selected in the Australian Schools squad for I would like to thank the GPS coaches for their expertise and commitment: First XV Mr Marcus Blackburn and Andrew Cleverley; Second XV Messrs Stephen James, Greg Mumm and James Hilgendorf; GPS Blue Mr Lachlan Fear and Mr Darren Coleman and GPS White Mr Greg Thompson and Mr AJ Whalley. They provided great guidance and assistance to the boys in their charge. Also sincere thanks to the GPS Selection Committee of Shane Serhon, John Warr Matt Rollo, Edward Morgan, John Meakin, Lachlan Fear, David Drain and Phil Barlow for their professionalism and willingness to act in the best interests of GPS Rugby. NSW Country Schools Rugby Union Report End of an era for NSW Country Schools Rugby Union It was with great regret that we announced in 2014 the imminent winding up of our foundational schoolboy rugby association. This decision, not taken lightly, is a result of the changing landscape of schoolboy rugby union in NSW. NSW Country Schools was set up in 1977 specifically to address the lack of opportunity for regionally based players to gain access to NSW Schools representative teams. These opportunities have improved through other pathways in the ensuing years with the Independent Schools Association (ISA), Combined High Schools (CHS), Combined Catholic Colleges (CCC) and more recently the Association of Independent Co- Educational Schools (AICES) all offering pathways for boys in regional schools. Despite the ongoing success of the Country Schools Championships as both a pathway to higher representative honours and a representative experience in itself for regional players, it has become unviable to continue as a pathway to NSW Schools with the regional development of these other pathways. Highlights from the 38 year history of Country Schools include: 37 Championships at venues from Bathurst to Narrabeen, Tamworth and Armidale 14 players who have gone on to represent Australian Schools 9 players who have gone on to represent the Wallabies Hosting of 14 international matches against touring national schoolboy sides from England, Fiji, Ireland, Tonga, Samoa and Japan in venues including Nowra, Parkes, Wagga Wagga, Singleton, Newcastle, Maitland, Campbelltown, Tamworth, Tweed Heads, Lismore and Armidale 11 international development tours to South Africa, New Zealand, Western Samoa, Canada, It has allowed our players to have continual high level coaching and has also served as a very strong development program for our coaches

19 The performance of both the teams was creditable and again highlighted the growing strength of CCC rugby Fiji, USA, Hong Kong and Singapore 3 staff members have managed NSW Schools sides and 1 at Australia A Schools. The vision of our founders Bernie McGrane and Don Wiburd has borne much fruit! 2014 saw a successful final championship and the conclusion of the long tradition of Country Schools Teams representing at the NSW SRU selection trials. Managers First XV Jim Pennington, U16 Rick Walker, Coaches First XV Alan Jones, U16 Craig Beare and Assistant Coaches First XV Jason Lincoln, U16 Harry Wood prepared the their teams well and ensured another golden representative rugby experience for our young rugby charges. The Development Tour returned in 2014 with a most successful trip to the USA during the 2014 Easter School holidays. Special thanks to Tour Manager Mick Merlino and coaches Jamie Moore and Stephen O Brien for ensuring its success. Planning is complete for the 2015 final tour to Singapore and Hong Kong and the players and staff are looking forward to this final hurrah for the NSW Country Schools Rugby Union. This final report would not be complete without a vote of thanks to all those who have administered, coached, managed, played for, supported, sponsored, parented, or just watched Country Schools in action over the years. Of particular note has been the ongoing financial support of the NSW Country Rugby Union, which has kept us viable this long. In turn we are indebted to the NSWRU, ARU, ARFSU and our great college of friends at NSW Schools Rugby Union. Matt de Dassel President - Country Schools Rugby Union of NSW NSW CCC 2014 RUGBY REPORT This year saw the introduction of a new format for the trials and although there were initial doubts over the number of players who would be involved, we did end up with good numbers for both trials (around 100 for the 18s and 120 for the 16s). Part of the reason for this was due to Dioscen Reps and former Dioscen coaches taking an active role in recruiting students and in some cases, having their own trials. I thank them for their efforts here, as they were crucial in ensuring that the trials were well attended. Such efforts need to be encouraged in future years. The feedback from the trials was very positive and I thank the ARU for their help that enabled the selection process to be as transparent as possible. It was great to see some extra CCC people on board this year and hopefully they will also get involved next year. Some lessons learnt for future years: Have a bigger gap between the trials and first game (see later point) The CCC Convenor cannot be a selector Less teams and have reserves Each team should have an allocated coach and the correct numbered jerseys ARU skills session on Day 1 essential, but have permanent pens to number students for ease of identification Have a 10 minute break between games for selectors to discuss selections Camp to occur prior to first trial against CHS (camp has been booked for this weekend) Have a first aider on both fields Booking a physio at Narrabeen essential Players still pulling out at critical times the day before The performance of both the teams was creditable and again highlighted the growing strength of CCC rugby. The 16s lost close trials to CHS 17-5, defeated AICES 44-3 and Country to take out the Bowl Championship. Manu Delahoya (St Pat s Blacktown) was selected in the NSW U16 team. The Opens also had some good results and for the first time in memory, went through undefeated with victories against CHS 1s and 2s 24-22, ISA 2s and GPS 3 s Unfortunately such great results did not show up in the selections, with only Francis Brown (MacKillop College Warnervale) being selected in the NSW 2 team as a reserve (he did play for Australia A in 2013). Two players were selected in the shadow squad, although we did then have two players selected to represent Combined States at the Australian Championships (James Wilkinson and Kirt Anthony St Edwards Gosford). Whilst we are developing as an association, we still face the problem of getting our players selected for further honours. We were certainly disappointed for a couple of them not to be considered for the NSW teams. It therefore reinforces the need to get CCC people more involved in rugby at this level. I would like to thank Sean Killian for his help with the U16s for the past three years and wish him the best in his new role at St Stanislaus College. I would also like to thank David Keen, Matt Barlow and Nick Lah for their outstanding efforts helping coach the teams this year

20 Steve Mitchell ISA (Independent Sporting Association) Playing numbers were healthy across both the ISA Division 1 and 2 Rugby competitions in Congratulations to Oakhill College (Division 1) and Chevalier College (Division 2) on their premiership winning efforts. St Augustine s College won the Division 1 Schools Championship Shield. The Waratah Shield final was a contest once again between two ISA schools, St Augustine s and Oakhill College. St Augustine s proved to be too strong defeating Oakhill to win the state wide knockout competition. The representative season was held at the conclusion of term 2 with matches played at Pittwater Rugby Park and Knox Grammar School. Two teams (ISA First XV and ISA Second XV) were chosen to represent ISA for the NSWSRU Under-18 trials. The ISA First XV was impressive at Pittwater rugby Park defeating CHS First XV and the ISA Second XV lost to CCC The ISA First XV carried their impressive form into the game against CAS and in an entertaining encounter, ISA were victorious The ISA Second XV lost to GPS Blue Third XV. ISA was again well represented with 13 boys selected in NSW and Combined States teams to compete at the National Championships and two boys went on to play for Australian Schools on their tour of New Zealand. AICES Rugby Union Overall the 2014 season was marred with an overarching feeling of frustration and disappointment of a missed opportunity to maximise the potential of the team and the individual players chances at selection. With a strong showing at the first trial, with narrow losses to CHS and CCC, the following weeks were plagued with numerous players making themselves unavailable and the results were reflective of the lack of depth presented. It is felt that the squad had a successful preparation for the first trial due to the valuable training session held at The Hills Grammar School. The day was well planned and run effectively, with all squad members receiving helpful instruction and an understanding of Team Strategy. The input of the ARU D/O was extremely helpful with a number of parents commenting on the professional approach of the day and how happy they were at what their boy had learnt from Steven (ARU D/O). Player s gear was distributed efficiently with gear laid out on tables and players walking around the tables in a line recording what they had taken at the end of the tables. The team s chances looked good after the first trial but in the weeks following numerous players pulled out primarily due to other commitments and injury. The remaining players that took to the field could not be faulted for their effort and flexibility in playing unfamiliar positions. The result of the above reductions in squad members left the team with 16 fit players for the second day of the Championships. When Niklas Gaal and Jack Donkin were concussed during the games, there were only 14 left. Only a handful of players were left playing in their position and it was a difficult situation for all. The recommendations that will be proposed centre primarily around the idea of developing connection between squad members, building team unity and increasing communication with squad members by Team management. Unfortunately, the squad was prevented from achieving their potential not due to a lack of effort but rather a lack of commitment. It is hoped that with the implementation of some of the above