Chairman's Report - 2025 Annual General Meeting
My following 2025 Chairperson’s Report includes some statements made in my previous reports because they encapsulate the objectives and strategies which the Foundation continues to pursue in furtherance of benefitting grassroots Rugby through its strategic mission of ‘Sharing the Spirit of the Game’.
THE RUGBY CLUB – 80th ANNIVERSARY
It is historically significant that 29 August 2025 was the 80th anniversary of the incorporation of The Rugby Club (the Club).
The concept of establishing the Club first surfaced on 9 October 1943 when the New South Wales Rugby Union appointed a provisional committee to investigate whether the idea was feasible and moved as swiftly as wartime privations allowed.
On 14 February 1944 the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Club were finalised.
Prospective members were to be offered two kinds of membership, namely Foundation Members and Foundation Life Members.
In June 1944 Judge Leslie Herron (later Sir Leslie Herron, Chief Justice of New South Wales) issued a letter which was circulated to all Rugby enthusiasts in New South Wales regarding the formation of the Rugby Club of New South Wales under the direction of the New South Wales Rugby Union. The letter opened by stating:
"In the years during which the Union has been in existence, there exists no place to mark the headquarters of the game in New South Wales and it has therefore been decided to establish a clubhouse for the New South Wales Rugby Union. The decision is not a hasty one but the result of much consideration. It results from a desire to have a permanent, central meeting place for supporters of the amateur game and to provide congenial surroundings where Rugby enthusiasts may forgather.
Many feel also that the present administrative offices of the Union are below the standard required by the status of the game in this State and of the officials who transact your business there and it is hoped to combine the necessary offices and rooms for the sporting and social activities of the Club under the one roof. To have a centre at which our country and interstate visitors and overseas Rugby representatives can meet us is thought to be most desirable".
Judge Herron also noted that the Club would "be a worthy memorial to our members who have made the supreme sacrifice for the Empire and to past generations of players and officials".
By August 1945, 157 people had joined as Foundation Members and 81 as Life Foundation Members, which was a sufficient number to enable the committee to take the final step and bring the Club into being.
Incorporation of the Club
On 29 August 1945 the Club was incorporated as Rugby Union Club, a company limited by guarantee under the New South Wales Companies Act.
The first General Meeting of Members commenced at 7.45 pm on Monday 15 October 1945 in the Chamber of Manufacturers’ Office in O'Connell Street, Sydney.
Original objects of the Club
The original objects for which the Club was established included:
(a) To promote social intercourse and good fellowship amongst players of, and persons interested in, Rugby Football.
(b) To consider and discuss and when deemed advisable to take an active part in any question affecting the wellbeing of the Game of Rugby Football and the literary, artistic and scientific and educational interests thereof.
(c) To render financial aid either by gifts or loans to other Rugby Unions and/or Branch, Sub-District, Junior or other Unions; Rugby Clubs or any Rugby body or association affiliated to, associated with, or recognised by the New South Wales Rugby Union.
At a Special General Meeting held on 19 September 1969, the Members resolved to change the name of the Club from "Rugby Union Club" to "Rugby Club". The change of name was registered on 13 February 1970.
On 14 July 1982, the Club changed its name to "Rugby Club Limited".
The Rugby Club premises
In early 1946 the Club negotiated to buy premises at 18 – 20 York Street. When that deal later fell through, the Club established itself at Lambs Building, 32 Jamieson Street.
Pursuant to Transfer No. 785388 dated 15 December 1952 the Club purchased Bacon’s Building in Crane Place from T A Field Pty Ltd for £30,462 and then spent another £13,000 on renovations and equipping the 3rd floor as Club rooms. Consequently, in 1953, when the Club membership stood at 645, the Club had finally found a permanent home.
By a Deed made on 10 January 1996 the Board of the Club resolved to change the name of the laneway in which the Club’s premises were situated from “Crane Place” to “Rugby Place”. The Deed was registered in the Land Titles Office on 25 January 1996, and the change of name was duly recorded with the Council of the City of Sydney.
"The Home of the True Spirit of Rugby"
Towards the end of 1953 the Club’s President, Charles (later Sir Charles) Moses, declared to members:
"This coming year will see us well settled in our new home. Let’s all join in our determination to make it a real, vital headquarters of the true spirit of Rugby".
Thereafter the Club operated as a licensed club on the property situated at Rugby Place, off 31 Pitt Street, Sydney (the Property).
At a General Meeting of the Club held on 16 September 2014, the Members passed a Special Resolution approving the sale of the Property.
On 17 September 2014, the Club entered into a Contract for Sale for the sale of the Property, and on 17 September 2015, the Club completed the sale of the Property.
At the expiration of a lease back arrangement with the purchaser, the Club vacated and ceased trading as a licensed club from its Rugby Place premises on 23 December 2016.
At the General Meeting held on 16 September 2014 the Members also passed an Ordinary Resolution empowering the Board to establish a Foundation having objects that conformed with the objects for which the Club was established and benefit the game of Rugby in general and to pay the funds received from the sale of the Property into the Foundation.
PRIMARY OBJECT AND ‘SHARING THE SPIRIT OF THE GAME’
The Board recognised that it was charged with a massive responsibility to preserve and enhance the Club’s capital in a way which would ensure that it could in the future be applied in a manner which was in the best interests of the Club, its Members and Rugby in general.
The primary strategic objective of The Rugby Club Foundation (the Foundation) continues to be directed at sustaining a financial status which will continue to annually generate sufficient funds to productively and indefinitely promote and support the Foundation’s primary objective which is “to encourage the sport of Rugby in the State of New South Wales and elsewhere” (the Primary Object) and, in furtherance of the Primary Object, to do anything incidental to maintaining the Foundation’s supportive membership base which the Board of Directors (the Board) regards as being a crucial component of its strategies associated with the Primary Object.
Clause 1.1 of the Foundation’s Constitution defines ‘grassroots level of Rugby’ as follows:
“grassroots level of Rugby means the grassroots community levels of Rugby which are reasonably determined by the Board as being the appropriate beneficiaries of the Primary Object from time to time.”
The Foundation’s strategic vision of ‘Sharing the Spirit of the Game’ is directed at developing and implementing appropriate strategic programs for the benefit of its key Rugby stakeholders.
Although the Members of the Foundation remain foremost amongst these key Rugby stakeholders, positive collaboration with the broader Rugby community and the administration of the game is essential if outcomes advancing the interests of grassroots Rugby are to be achieved.
FOUNDATION GRANTS PROGRAM
The Foundation has again demonstrated its commitment to community Rugby in announcing its funding of 26 programs in 2025 that support the game at the grassroots level. From remote communities to bustling cities, from minis to seniors, this latest round of financial grants will help grow participation, strengthen community ties, support mental wellbeing, and drive inclusion across every level of the game of Rugby.
The Foundation has continued to annually grant in excess of $500,000 in funding for community Rugby initiatives. Since it launched its Grants Program in 2017, the Foundation has now assisted 191 grassroots Rugby projects with grants totalling more than $3.2 million.
The beneficiaries of the Foundation’s Grants Program this year include NSW Junior Rugby Union, Lloyd McDermott Rugby Development Team, Wagga Wagga Junior Rugby Union, Orange City Rugby Club, Australian Deaf Rugby Union, Sydney Women’s Rugby Union, Wauchope Rugby Union Club Juniors, Australian Barbarians Rugby Club, NSW Suburban Rugby Union, NSW Rugby Referees Association, Wheelchair Rugby Australia and ARKS Rugby Union Club.
When the 2025 grants were announced, Paula Ward, Chair of the Foundation’s Grants Committee, said:
“These programs truly embody the heart and soul of rugby, as they are inclusive, resilient, and community driven. We’re especially proud to support the Northern NSW Grassroots Rugby Project, which brings four regions together to strengthen regional rugby from the ground up. What’s special about these grants isn’t just the funding – it’s the real-life stories that come from them. These programs create safe spaces, forge lifelong friendships, and change lives. They grow participation but they also grow communities. The ‘good news’ stories we continue to hear remind us just how valued this support is across the rugby community.”
The funding grants have been acknowledged as being pivotal in supporting the initiatives and programs being undertaken by the various grant recipients.
Luke McCormack, a Director of the Lloyd McDermott Rugby Development Team, said:
“The support provided by the Foundation greatly assists Lloydies in providing opportunities to young Indigenous players. We appreciate all that you do for the game and look forward to future collaborations.”
Bev Edwards, Juniors Committee Member of the Wauchope Rugby Union Club, said:
“The Rugby Club Foundation’s investment in grassroots Rugby is helping us build the next generation of players. The grant has enabled us to launch our ‘Tots to Tag to Tackle’ initiative which is already popular amongst players, coaches and parents alike. We thank the Foundation for believing in our young players and supporting Rugby development in our community.”
Johanna Plante, Secretary of The Australian Deaf Rugby Union said:
“The Rugby Club Foundation grant allows increased opportunities for participation across the country including regional and remote areas. Regular training and game experience are vital for sustaining and growing Deaf Rugby and we are grateful to the Foundation for their support.”
As the Foundation’s Chairman, I said:
“The Foundation’s annual Grants Program remains a cornerstone of our mission to ‘Share the Spirit of the Game’.
It is once again incredibly rewarding for the Board and Members of the Foundation to deliver meaningful support to the grassroots level of our game. The tangible impact of these grants continues to reflect the very heart of our primary object.
I extend my sincere gratitude to Paula Ward, Chair of the Grants Committee and to each Grants Committee member for the astute diligence and thoughtful care they have once again brought to the review of this year’s grant applications. Their continued commitment ensures that every dollar awarded delivers maximum impact to our Rugby communities.
I also wish to thank all Directors of the Foundation for their unwavering passion and dedication. Their sustained efforts are instrumental in driving our mission forward, enhancing and enriching Rugby at the grassroots level across the country.”
All Members of the Foundation can be proud of the positive outcomes flowing from the Foundation’s Grants Program. Furthermore, all Members should be grateful for the diligence which Paula Ward [Chair], Rob Bradley, Stuart Dickinson, Owen Finegan and James Maxwell apply to their roles as members of the Board’s Grants Committee. Their business acumen and the conscientious approach which they each adopt in reviewing and reaching decisions regarding grant applications means that the Foundation’s funds are being received by deserving applicants and, consequently, that the best possible outcomes for grassroots Rugby are becoming a reality.
The other members of the Board therefore sincerely express their and the Foundation’s appreciation to the Grants Committee for their invaluable contribution to achieving the Foundation’s Primary Object.
NSW RUGBY REFEREES
For the third successive year, the Foundation has dedicated funding to the development of Rugby match officials through a funding grant to the NSW Rugby Referees Association (NSWRRA). The Foundation’s partnership with the NSWRRA is indeed an excellent demonstration of the Foundation’s pursuit of its Primary Object and its mission of ‘Sharing the Spirit of the Game’.
The role of the NSWRRA Match Official Development Officer (MODO) is vital in supporting and growing the NSWRRA match officials’ community across the NSW metropolitan area,
Following the departure of Mitch De Lorenzo, Divan Uys joined the NSWRRA as their new MODO in January 2025.
The NSWRRA recognises that Divan has brought extensive experience in refereeing, the law, and the commercial world, and has reported that Divan is already making his mark here in Australia by focusing on:
• Driving recruitment and retention strategies for match officials.
• Managing and developing the Sydney Youth Referee Academy, including participant selection, mentoring, and budgeting.
• Collaborating with stakeholders to strengthen relationships and broaden the NSWRRA match official community.
• Providing hands-on guidance and support for new referees, ensuring they navigate pathways, accreditation, and appointments with confidence.
• Enhancing engagement processes with the support of the NSWRRA Executive and Development and Appointments Committee.
The Board is most grateful to Stuart Dickinson, President of the NSWRRA and a Director of the Foundation, for conveying the following observations to me as Chairperson of the Foundation:
“On behalf of the New South Wales Rugby Referees Association, I would like to express our sincere thanks to you and The Rugby Club Foundation Board for your continued belief in, and support of, the development of match officials across New South Wales.
Thanks to the Foundation’s generosity, the Match Official Development Officer role has become a cornerstone of our capability-building efforts. The ongoing funding commitment has provided stability and momentum, enabling our Association to deliver meaningful development for both Match Officials (MOs) and Match Official Developers (MODs).
We are particularly grateful for the partnership that allows Divan Uys to be embedded within NSW Rugby Union at Daceyville. His presence has strengthened collaboration, improved alignment, and created genuine value for referees and competitions alike.
Your leadership and the Foundation’s ongoing investment are making a measurable difference — not only in the capability of our referees, but also in the culture and professionalism of refereeing across the game.”
CLUB HUB
The Board’s strategic planning initiatives continue to include the key interactive component comprising ‘Club Hub’.
Having evolved as a joint initiative between the Foundation and the NSW Rugby Union, and latterly Rugby Australia, ‘Club Hub’ presents a centralised pivotal platform directed at the long-term sustainability and success of community Rugby. ‘Club Hub’ offers a level of advice, strategic direction, and access to resources embracing all facets of administering a grassroots Rugby club, thereby enhancing the performance of volunteers and the experience gained by all participants in the game.
From a visitation and usage viewpoint the following observations can be made in respect of ‘Club Hub’:
• Active users have increased by almost 100% over the same time last year
• Webpage visits have increased by 150% over the same period last year
• The most popular pages visited in order comprise:
o Player recruitment
o Strategic planning
o Workforce and volunteers
o Position descriptions for clubs
• The ‘Club Hub’ website is promoted in every community newsletter
• Two Rugby Australia staff members are constantly adding to the site and are currently building out the content plan for 2026
HERITAGE AND HISTORY – MEMORABILIA
Sports Museums Network
In 2022, the Foundation was invited to participate in the Annual Conference of the Australian and New Zealand Network of Sports Museums. As a member of this network the Foundation derives benefits from the contacts established and the knowledge acquired from interaction with the leaders within the museum sector.
When she addressed the Sports Museums Network conference in Melbourne in July 2024, Lisa Kane referred to the history of The Rugby Club and the strategy which the Foundation is developing to preserve and enhance the heritage and history of Australian Rugby. Lisa commenced her address by stating:
“This is the story of The Rugby Club Foundation, its collection and why we believe we have an obligation to preserve the heritage and the history of the game…….”
The Board has resolved to pursue the opportunities which exist for the Foundation to formulate and implement a program in respect of the heritage and history of Rugby as a component of its ongoing strategic plan.
Michael Fahey [Australian Sports Memorabilia]
Working in conjunction with Michael Fahey (principal of Australian Sports Memorabilia) the Foundation is developing a Rugby Heritage Program encapsulating memorabilia and the heritage and history of the game (Rugby Heritage).
Michael Fahey has made the following observations:
• The Foundation is currently one of the major repositories of Rugby memorabilia and Rugby Heritage in Australia.
• The memorabilia collection is effectively hidden within Rugby Australia’s Archives.
• The Foundation is uniquely placed to provide support for Rugby Heritage because other Rugby funding bodies maintain rigid pillars for supporting particular programs that do not specify support for Rugby Heritage.
The purpose of the Foundation’s collaboration with Michael Fahey is:
• to determine how to best use the Foundation’s memorabilia collection and to broaden the Foundation’s support of Rugby Heritage; and
• to then adopt this as a template and springboard for other archives and memorabilia collections to be used and for new research and publications to be undertaken in respect of Rugby Heritage.
Michael has explained that the descriptive word ‘Heritage’ has been purposely adopted because it involves using the history associated with the game of Rugby Union, whether that be in the form of artifacts, memories, film, sound, or statistics to enhance the game.
Michael emphasises that in formulating and implementing any strategic plan, the Foundation must firstly align with its existing partners, and primarily:
• Rugby Australia
• NSW Rugby
• Classic Wallabies
• RUPA
This partnership relationship must then be extended to:
• Rugby historians, journalists, and statisticians
• New Zealand Rugby Museum
• Sports Museums Network
Rugby Heritage Program
The Board has resolved that the Foundation should take whatever steps are appropriate to develop and implement a Rugby Heritage Program which will ensure that Rugby Heritage remains a focus for the Rugby community and that the Foundation is acknowledged as both a custodian and beacon in this space.
The Board has created the position of Heritage Coordinator to undertake the role of formulating and implementing this Rugby Heritage strategy.
It was concluded that as there is no more qualified, connected or committed person who could fulfil this role, Michael Fahey has been appointed as the Foundation’s inaugural Heritage Coordinator.
It should be noted that Michael is a longstanding member of The Rugby Club and now the Foundation and that he has provided the Foundation with significant complimentary services over many years.
Lisa and Michael are currently initiating the following project directed at enhancing the Foundation’s role as a key custodian of Rugby Heritage.
Museum, Archives and Art Services (MAAS), a specialised business operated by Anthony and Amanda O’Carroll and contracted by Rugby Australia to manage the collections housed at Rugby Australia HQ, have recommended that a conservation and digitisation process be undertaken in respect of the Foundation’s memorabilia collection with the objective of:
• re-framing of items which are to be displayed;
• enhancing the ‘Spirit of Rugby Wall’ within RAU headquarters at Moore Park;
• establishing a mobile display plan for upcoming inbound tours; and
• assisting other Unions and Clubs with preserving and utilising their heritage.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Intellectual property encapsulating trade marks, registered business names and domain names remains an important asset of the Foundation.
In considering strategic options relating to the Foundation’s intellectual property the Board is actively exploring opportunities with prospective partners to leverage the value of the Foundation’s intellectual property.
The ‘Commercial Arm’ is the medium through which the Foundation is endeavouring to increase revenue by leveraging its brand and intellectual property, thereby strengthening its financial balance sheet, and exploiting opportunities to enhance its investment in the game. The Board continues to explore and exploit opportunities to establish appropriate agreements with third parties which will both enhance and protect the Foundation’s brand and intellectual property.
RUGBY EVENTS AND FUNCTIONS
The Foundation endeavours to create opportunities for its Members to ‘Share the Spirit of the Game’ because member participation in Foundation functions and events contributes directly to promoting the Foundation’s strategic vision and achieving positive outcomes for the game we all cherish and enjoy.
The Board thanks the Foundation Members (and their guests) for patronising the functions which Lisa has facilitated in her assured and charming manner during the 2025 Rugby season.
The ambience attaching to ‘The Wallaby Bar’ was enjoyed by Members and their guests as the Foundation jointly conducted the following events with the Classic Wallabies during the 2025 series against the British & Irish Lions:
• Pre-match event preceding Wallabies versus British and Irish Lions Test match in Brisbane at The Ginger Lion (Fortitude Valley, Brisbane) on 19 July 2025
• Classic Wallabies versus Lions Legends at AAMI Park, Melbourne on Thursday 24 July 2025
• Classic Wallabies versus Lions Legends at North Sydney Oval on Thursday 31 July
The spectacular success of the British & Irish Lions tour undoubtedly exceeded expectations from an Australian Rugby viewpoint.
It can be anticipated that the 2027 Rugby World Cup and the 2029 Women’s Rugby World Cup will attract an even greater level of interest within the Rugby community, particularly if the resurgence of the Wallabies’ on-field performances continues in its present vein.
By partnering with appropriate third parties, whether Rugby affiliated or otherwise, the Foundation will be endeavouring to create opportunities for the benefit and enjoyment of its Members and their associates.
CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS
The Board values and thanks all Members for the ongoing loyalty, faith and support which they continue to exhibit in relation to the Foundation.
Indeed, all Members of the Foundation can be proud that the Foundation’s dedicated and enthusiastic pursuit of its strategic vision of ‘Sharing the Spirit of the Game’ has contributed to strengthening the grassroots level of the game of Rugby.
If the game is to prosper, it must be increasingly embraced and supported by all Rugby stakeholders and supporters, including the Foundation and its Members.
The principal strategies which the Foundation continues to implement in pursuit of its Primary Object include the investment and management of the Foundation’s funds in accordance with principles and protocols which are directed at preserving the real value of capital, maximising the investment return on capital for an agreed level of risk, and ensuring a reasonable level of investment return stability at levels which will enable the levels of funding for grassroots Rugby which have been achieved during recent years to be maintained in the short to medium term on an annual basis.
Stirling Mortlock and Peter Whittington both continue to exhibit the highest levels of financial diligence and commercial acumen in fulfilling their roles as the key members of the Board’s Investment Committee. They thereby ensure that the Foundation’s Investment Fund continues to be managed appropriately by Escala Partners.
In her role as our brilliant and devoted Business Operations Manager, Lisa will continue seeking to create opportunities and implement actions to enhance the benefits of membership of the Foundation.
The Board of Directors currently comprises the following persons:
Chairperson:
Deputy Chairperson:
Treasurer:
General Directors:
Angus Bruxner
Peter Whittington
Stirling Mortlock AM
Robert Bradley AM
Stuart Dickinson
Owen Finegan
Adam Freier
James Maxwell
Paula Ward
I believe I speak on behalf of all Members of the Foundation when I say that Peter, Stirling and all other Directors cannot be admired too highly for the passionate, diligent and professional manner in which they each discharge their duties as Directors of the Foundation.
Governance practices which are accountable, transparent, and aligned with best practice are strictly embraced by the Board and our Business Operations Manager, thus ensuring that the optimum levels of decision-making and integrity are observed by them in the performance of their duties. This also ensures that the Foundation’s operations are financially sound and aligned to the strategy that will continue to build sustainable growth for Rugby.