Chairman's Report - 2023 Annual General Meeting
‘Sharing the Spirit of the Game’
The Foundation’s Board of Directors (Board) continues to pursue the Foundation’s strategic vision of ‘Sharing the Spirit of the Game’, and its constitutional Primary Object, namely “to encourage the sport of Rugby in the State of New South Wales and elsewhere at a grassroots level of Rugby” (Primary Object).
Through its ongoing interaction with the wider Rugby community and with the administrators of the game, the Board continues to implement initiatives and achieve outcomes which will attain the Primary Object and thus benefit grassroots Rugby.
In doing so, the Board is cognisant of the fact that the Members of the Foundation continue to be the key Rugby stakeholders in the development and implementation of the Foundation’s strategic programs.
Objectives and Strategies of The Rugby Club Foundation
I reiterate the following information contained in the Directors’ Report which forms part of the Foundation’s 2023 Financial Report:
Objectives
The Foundation’s short term objectives have been directed at establishing and implementing the structures, procedures, protocols, and relationships which are required to achieve the below mentioned primary (and long term) objective of the Foundation and to assist generally in the promotion and propagation of the game of Rugby Union football.
The Foundation’s long term objectives are to enhance and maintain the Foundation’s financial position so as to generate sufficient funds annually in order to successfully and indefinitely fund its primary objective which is “to encourage the sport of Rugby in the State of New South Wales and elsewhere” (Primary Object) and, in furtherance of the Primary Object, to do anything incidental to maintaining a strong and supportive Member base, which is regarded by the Board as being essential to the optimum level of achievement of the Primary Object.
Strategies for achieving the Objectives
The principal strategies which the Foundation is implementing to achieve the Objectives include the following:
Investing and managing the Foundation’s funds in a manner which preserves the real value of capital, maximises the investment return on capital for an agreed level of risk, and ensures a reasonable level of investment return stability, in order to fund the pursuit of the Foundation’s Objectives over the short and long terms.
Maximising advantage from marketing and promotional opportunities attaching to the Foundation’s heritage and brand.
Organising activities and events for the Members of the Foundation and supporters of Rugby generally, in pursuit of the Primary Object.
Applying those strategies to pursue the Foundation’s Primary Object, and its strategic vision of ‘Sharing the Spirit of the Game’.
Principal activities
The principal activity of the Foundation (a not-for-profit entity) during the course of the financial year ended 30 June 2023 was to actively pursue the Primary Object by supporting and promoting grassroots Rugby in NSW and elsewhere, including grade, suburban, country, women’s and junior Rugby and Rugby referees. There were no significant changes in the nature of these activities during the relevant period.
Foundation Grants Program
Paula Ward, Chair of the Board’s Grant Committee will be addressing you in relation to the outcomes of the Foundation’s Grants Program. Without wishing to ‘steal Paula’s thunder’, I make the following comments on these outcomes.
It was extremely satisfying for the Foundation to announce that, during the financial year ended 30 June 2023, its Grants Program provided more than $500,000 in support of 25 grassroots Rugby endeavours across Australia’s eastern seaboard and, for the first time, in South Australia.
Since it launched its Grants Program in 2017, the Foundation has now assisted 141 grassroots Rugby projects with grants totalling more than $2.2 million.
The beneficiaries of the Foundation’s 2023–2024 Grants Program include the NSW Suburban Rugby Union, NSW Junior State Championships, Wheelchair Rugby Australia’s National League, South Australian Rugby Union Referees Association, Central West Rugby Union, and Rugby Victoria’s Youth Girls Competition, in respect of a diverse range of programs including junior player recruitment and retention, volunteer coach education, referees’ development, and first aid and safety resources.
When announcing the financial grants, Paula Ward said:
“We are delighted to have been able to, once again, provide over half a million dollars to initiatives directly benefiting grassroots Rugby.
“Our funding has had the greatest impact in NSW, although we have grown our support outside the State to again include Victoria as well as expand into South Australia. We've also provided direct support to Wheelchair Australia's National League to encourage more players to have the opportunity to engage in our great game.
“Our Board is immensely proud that we continue to be able to deliver meaningful financial support to grassroots Rugby which so clearly makes a tangible difference to growing the game.”
As Chairman of the Foundation, I said:
“I again thank all Directors of the Foundation for the ongoing commitment and passion they bring to fulfilling their significant role in strengthening Rugby at the grassroots community level.
“As we approach the imminent 2023 Rugby World Cup, it is wonderful to observe a resurgence in the level of support for Rugby in Australia. This level of support should continue to expand as we approach the 2025 British & Irish Lions tour and the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
“Whilst it is extremely gratifying to witness this uplift in public support for the elite level of the game, it is imperative that this enthusiasm and commitment is also directed at increasingly generating the desire amongst all Rugby supporters to be involved in the nurturing and expansion of the game at a grassroots level.
“Impressed and inspired by the number and variety of the applications made during this year’s grants process, the Board of the Foundation is extremely proud to be playing a significant role in developing Rugby at a community level, and looks forward to making further important decisions which will support grassroots Rugby through the Foundation’s ongoing vision of ‘Sharing the Spirit of the Game’.”
The messages of gratitude and encouragement conveyed to the Foundation by all grant recipients constitute tangible evidence of the fact that the Foundation’s support continues to be widely appreciated within community Rugby.
NSW Juniors Vice President Ben Gregory said:
“I would like to pass on the thanks of NSW Juniors for your generous and continued support of grassroots junior Rugby.
“The 2023 NSW Junior State Championships, proudly supported by The Rugby Club Foundation was the largest since its inception in 1958. Boys and Girls from 200 teams ranging from U10 to U18 participated in this year’s tournaments. The quality of our referees and first aid this year was better than ever and this can be attributed directly to your support.
“The feedback from what was very large crowds at all venues was fantastic. Everyone was positive about the game and enjoying rugby in the manner it should be played. A number of patrons came up and thanked us on your behalf for your amazing support. It was wonderful to see the rugby population appreciating what the Foundation does for the game.”
David Gunning, President of the South Australian Rugby Union Referees Association, said:
“On behalf of South Australian Rugby Union Referees Association I wish to express our sincere thanks to the Rugby Club Foundation.
“We are delighted to accept this grant and be partnering with you in Female and Youth Match Official Development going forward.”
NSW Suburban Rugby Union’s Executive Director Tim Richards said:
“Suburban Rugby’s initiatives with match officials and coaches simply would not exist without the Foundation’s generosity. The Foundation’s focus on funding practical measures to help community rugby is very much appreciated.”
I cannot praise too highly the invaluable role which Paula Ward [Chair], Rob Bradley, Stuart Dickinson, Owen Finegan and James Maxwell fulfil as members of the Board’s Grants Committee. The tireless effort, expertise, and meticulous attention which they each apply to reviewing and determining the various grant applications ensures that the Foundation’s funds are received by the most deserving of applicants and, consequently, the best possible outcomes for grassroots Rugby. I and the other members of the Board therefore sincerely express our and the Foundation’s gratitude for their direct contribution to achieving the Foundation’s Primary Object.
NSW Rugby Union Development Officer Program
The Foundation and the NSW Rugby Union (NSWRU) have extended their partnership in relation to the NSWRU’s Development Officer Program for a further 12 months.
The Foundation places significant value upon the mutually rewarding relationship which it has maintained with the NSWRU during the past six years.
Consequently, and provided appropriate and innovative strategies can be developed in the future by the NSWRU, the Foundation wishes to continue partnering with the NSWRU in relation to grassroots Rugby initiatives in furtherance of the Foundation’s Primary Object and its mission of ‘Sharing the Spirit of the Game’.
NSWRU Chief Executive Officer Paul Doorn thanked the Foundation for their ongoing support by saying, inter alia:
“NSW Rugby Union (NSWRU) appreciates the ongoing support of The Rugby Club Foundation (TRCF) and we also place significant value upon this mutually rewarding partnership. Through TRCF’s generosity several staff have been employed and their contribution to growing the Game has been immense. Be it via new competitions, incursions into schools, educating and upskilling coaches and match officials, hosting Gala Days and visiting local clubs. These staff have become “Mr and Mrs Rugby” within their local rugby communities and are an invaluable resource.
“Furthermore, we note TRCF’s support of community rugby, specifically in NSW. TRCF provides invaluable support to a number of our affiliates and sub-affiliates for wonderful projects across a range of activities such as coaching, match officiating, first aid and tournament subsidies. All these projects ensure that the game grows and demonstrates continued improvements. The Club Hub project continues to evolve, and with the assistance of Rugby Australia and Rugby World Cup Legacy funds, this project has grown and will shortly roll-out nationally in recognition of TRCF’s vision and support of this valuable resource.
“NSWRU looks forward to working with TRCF on other exciting initiatives for the 2024/25 season and we will seek your counsel over the next 12 months in an effort to ensure that these initiatives align with those of the TRCF in fulfilling its strategic mission of “Sharing the Spirit of the Game”.”
Centralisation of Rugby
NSW Rugby recently announced its support for the centralisation of the professional game. As this may have a significant and positive impact upon grassroots Rugby, and thus the Foundation’s Primary Object, it is appropriate to note the following extracts from NSW Rugby’s recent media release:
“Lately you would have heard and read a lot about the concept of centralisation, an initiative from Rugby Australia to align the five Super Rugby Clubs in a collaborative way, to improve the standards and success of rugby at all levels of the game.
NSW Rugby and Rugby Australia (RA) have been working in collaboration for many months to agree a new fully integrated model for the delivery of professional rugby. This includes a new contracting model for players through to improving our pathways and player development programs.
NSW Rugby is taking the lead in delivering this new model for Rugby in Australia. We are working with RA as part of the strategy to unite and act collectively to create a vision for the game and build a new structure that will deliver improved results both on and off the field.
We believe this reform is in the best interest of NSW Rugby, the NSW Waratahs and rugby in Australia.
NSW Rugby will continue to take full responsibility for the community game and for delivering programs to grow the game, to attract more participants, to improve pathways and create an environment for more people to become involved in rugby.
In prioritising the community game, NSW Rugby will be able to focus all of its resources into supporting the game, players, coaches, officials and volunteers.”
The potential impact of centralisation upon grassroots Rugby is also reflected in recent statements made by Paul Doorn as CEO of the NSW Rugby Union, when he said, inter alia:
“This reset will help reduce our costs, remove duplication and streamline where we can spend our income for better results and improved engagement and growth of the community game including our growing women’s teams.
“We are looking forward to working together with Rugby Australia to achieve greater success in Super Rugby which will lead to better outcomes for the national team, but at the same time, growing and investing in our connection with the community game.
“The NSWRU will continue to be responsible for the delivery of grassroots rugby and we’ll focus on creating a sustainable future for the game in New South Wales and this reset will create the best opportunity for the code to thrive long term.”
Those particular statements reflect the importance of the Foundation’s continuing collaboration with NSW Rugby in developing appropriate and innovative grassroots Rugby initiatives and strategies in furtherance of the Foundation’s Primary Object and its mission of ‘Sharing the Spirit of the Game’.
The Foundation remains uniquely positioned to maintain its status as an important and resilient guardian of the game. Consequently, whilst recognising the opportunities offered by the aforementioned developments within Australian Rugby, the Board emphasises that the Foundation will continue to function in a manner which remains totally independent of the various Rugby stakeholders with whom it is interacting.
Future aspirations
The diligence and acumen which our Treasurer, Stirling Mortlock, and our Deputy Chairman, Peter Whittington, each apply to their key roles as members of the Board’s Investment Committee, ensures that the Foundation’s Investment Fund continues to be prudently managed through Escala Partners. Notwithstanding the volatility associated with global financial markets, the Board is confident that similar levels of funding for grassroots Rugby can and will be maintained in the short to medium term on an annual basis.
As Members of the Foundation, you can all be proud that the passion and commitment associated with pursuing its strategic vision of ‘Sharing the Spirit of the Game’ has contributed to strengthening the grassroots Rugby community during recent challenging periods.
The game itself must continue to be nurtured by the Foundation and its Members, and by all Rugby supporters. Our wonderfully enthusiastic Business Operations Manager, Lisa Kane, continues to create opportunities to enhance the benefits of membership of the Foundation. It was pleasing that so many Foundation Members and their guests could again attend the pre-match functions organised so thoughtfully and professionally by Lisa during the 2023 Rugby season.
Through your participation in Foundation functions and events, Members can meaningfully contribute to implementing the Foundation’s strategic vision and achieving positive outcomes for the game we all love and enjoy.
Although the professional game may not have attained the outcomes during 2023 which it and we as Rugby supporters may have desired, this should not have a deleterious impact upon grassroots Rugby. Indeed, it is to be hoped that it will have the opposite effect because the promotional opportunities offered by the 2025 British & Irish Lions tour, and then Australia’s hosting of the 2027 Rugby World Cup, should uplift support for the game in Australia.
As it is well-equipped to deliver a unique level of tactical and financial support directed at embracing this renewed impetus within the game, the Foundation will augment its position within the Rugby community.
Business Operations Manager
When Lisa Kane commenced as the Foundation’s Business Operations Manager in April 2017 the Board was well aware of her enthusiasm and passion for the game, her general abilities, her work ethic, and her caring nature in relation to many spheres of NSW Rugby.
Lisa continues to deliver these personal attributes to the highest possible degree by virtue of being an enthusiastic and passionate custodian and advocate of the Foundation’s vision of ‘Sharing the Spirit of the Game’ and by reinforcing and enhancing the desired positioning and image dimensions of the Foundation.
During the 2023 Rugby season Lisa has again created and promoted the level of membership camaraderie, participation and interaction which is so important to our Members.
On behalf of the Board and the Members, I sincerely thank Lisa for the diligent and loyal service which she continues to provide as the Foundation’s Business Operations Manager.
Professional advisers
The Board remains grateful to Chris Allen and his audit team at Boroughs Assurance for providing the level of professionalism and experience which is required in relation to auditing the Foundation’s annual financial statements.
The Board is also indebted to Denis Cheetham for fulfilling his role as the Foundation’s independent accountant with the level of acumen, care and commitment which is essential to the day-to-day financial operations of the Foundation.
Board of Directors
I am personally grateful to, and I applaud our Deputy Chairman Peter Whittington, our Treasurer Stirling Mortlock, and all other Directors for the passion and professional diligence which each of them brings to their key roles as Directors of the Foundation.
Members
Finally, I again express the Board’s gratitude to all Members for your ongoing support of the Board’s strategic initiatives, your continuing loyalty to this Foundation and to Rugby in general, and your invaluable contribution to fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of ‘Sharing the Spirit of the Game’.