Chairman's Report - 2022 Annual General Meeting
‘Sharing the Spirit of the Game’
In advancement of the Foundation’s strategic vision of ‘Sharing the Spirit of the Game’, the Board of Directors (Board) is resolutely implementing the Foundation’s 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).
The Board continues to recognise that the Members of the Foundation are uppermost amongst the key Rugby stakeholders with whom it must engage in order to develop the Foundation’s future strategies and programs.
Recognising that all Foundation stakeholders are genuinely interested in the programs which are being undertaken by the Foundation, the Board engages proactively with the wider Rugby community and with the administrators of the game. Such interaction is directed at achieving the successful outcome of the initiatives which the Board and its Committees are striving to implement for the benefit of grassroots Rugby.
It is also appropriate that I reiterate the following statements made in the Directors’ Report which forms part of the Foundation’s 2022 Financial Report.
Objectives of The Rugby Club Foundation
Following its transition from registered club status to ‘not-for-profit’ status, the Foundation’s immediate or short-term objective has been to establish and implement the structures, procedures, protocols, and relationships which are required to achieve the below mentioned primary (and long term) objective of the Foundation and to generally assist the promotion and propagation of the game of Rugby Union football.
The Foundation’s long-term objective continues to be 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 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.
Strategy for achieving the objectives
The principal strategies which the Foundation continues to implement 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 Primary Object, and the strategic vision of ‘Sharing the Spirit of the Game’.
Principal activities
The principal activity of the Foundation (as a not-for-profit entity) during the course of the financial year ended 30 June 2022 has been to actively pursue the Primary Object through the support and promotion of grassroots Rugby in NSW and elsewhere, including grade, suburban, country, women’s and junior Rugby and Rugby referees. During the last financial year, there were no significant changes in the nature of the activities which are directed at generating the revenue required to achieve the Primary Object, and thus promote and propagate the game of Rugby generally.
Foundation Grants Program
The Rugby Club Foundation was both gratified and proud to announce that, during the financial year ended 30 June 2022, its Grants Program provided more than $500,000 in support of 36 grassroots Rugby endeavours across the eastern seaboard of Australia.
The beneficiaries of the Foundation’s 2021–2022 Grants Program included the NSW Junior State Championships, Queensland Rugby Development Tournaments, Wheelchair Rugby Australia’s National League, the Western Plains Schools program, Rugby Victoria’s Rebel Shield Schools Competition, Illawarra District Rugby Union U18s program, referees’ development, first aid and safety resources, and assistance for the flood affected Rugby programs and communities on the Far North Coast of NSW.
Since the inception of its Grants Program in 2017, the Foundation has now assisted 116 grassroots Rugby projects with grants totalling more than $1.75 million.
At the time of announcing the 2021–2022 financial grants, Paula Ward, Chair of the Foundation’s Grants Committee, said:
“Given the performance of the Foundation’s investment fund over the last 12 months, we are delighted to have, once again, been able to increase the amount of grant funding available for investment into grassroots Rugby. The provision of over half a million dollars is a significant milestone for us, and one we are so pleased to have achieved.
“This increased amount has enabled us to continue to invest in the NSW Rugby community as well as expand our reach over the borders. For the first time, we have provided financial support to grassroots Rugby within Victoria, Queensland, and the ACT. It is an exciting expansion for the Foundation and one we hope will continue to grow year on year.”
As Chairman of the Foundation, I said:
“I 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.
“Impressed and inspired by the number and variety of applications that were made during this year’s grants process, the Board of the Foundation looks forward to continuing to make decisions which will support grassroots Rugby through ‘Sharing the Spirit of the Game’.”
The impact of the Foundation’s support is being widely appreciated within community Rugby, and the Board thanks all grant recipients for their ongoing messages of gratitude and encouragement. The following remarks made on behalf of some grant recipients reflect the overall response from the Rugby community.
Sydney Junior Rugby General Manager Ben Gregory said:
“On behalf of the NSW Juniors Board, all the various Zones and Districts within NSW and the external teams participating from interstate, we would like to thank The Rugby Club Foundation for their generous support of the State Championships with this grant.
“These funds will allow all the teams to enter without the added burden of an entry fee which will allow them all to reduce the costs to their players … It is also vitally important for us to be able to use this grant to facilitate a consistent standard of first aid at all of the State Championship venues…The message this sends about our combined commitment to player welfare will be strong and a fantastic vehicle for promoting the junior game and our commitment to safety.
“The same goes for our referee brethren and the ability to make sure our officiating will be of the highest quality over the weekend. Once again showing a wonderful commitment to the junior game.
“I will be broadcasting our appreciation for your generous support far and wide and can’t tell you how fantastic it is to have your support.”
Matt Want, President of Jindabyne Rugby Union Club, said:
“On behalf of Jindabyne Rugby Union Club, I wish to express our sincere thanks to the entire Rugby Club Foundation.
“This support will have an enormous impact on this club and community over the next 12 months and beyond. The equipment and accreditation training will provide a legacy for many years.”
Victorian Rugby Referees Association President Andrew Schwilk said:
“The VRRA is extremely grateful to The Rugby Club Foundation for providing the grant which has enabled us to purchase communications sets to ensure all senior 1st XV matches have full teams of three with operational communications sets. We have also been able to purchase a number of coaches sets to provide even more of our younger and less experienced referees with the best coaching tools possible.
“The match sets will improve the quality of the communications between the referee and ARs and lead to better outcomes for these games, ensuring the players will be provided the best match experience possible.”
Chris Nay, Wheelchair Rugby Australia’s CEO, said:
“Our sport is really growing, and the support of The Rugby Club Foundation is a huge factor in this. It is a relationship we truly cherish.”
NSW Rugby Union Development Officer Program
In September 2022, NSW Rugby announced that its ongoing partnership with the Foundation had been extended for a further 12 months.
In thanking the Foundation for its ongoing support, NSWRU Chief Executive Officer Paul Doorn said:
“On behalf of NSW Rugby and our community I’d like to thank The Rugby Club Foundation for their continued support of helping to grow our great game.
“We have seen our programs right across New South Wales grow and benefit from the Foundation’s support.
“Their commitment to investing in the game will ensure that we are able to continue to best nurture grassroots and community rugby union in New South Wales.”
In the context of the Foundation’s support of the NSW Rugby Union Development Officer Program Paula Ward said, inter alia:
“Supporting NSWRU in its grassroots endeavours, from the beach to the bush, to assist players, coaches, officials, volunteers and parents to experience our great game as more accessible, more sustainable and more fun, is core to our objective of Sharing the Spirit of the Game.”
Strategic planning
Whilst formulating strategies which embrace objectives and policies directed at creating greater benefits for Rugby in general, the Board also recognises that any strategic plan must be devised and implemented in a way which also benefits the strong and supportive membership base which is so essential to achieving optimum outcomes in respect of the Primary Object of the Foundation.
As I have previously advised, the Board’s current strategic plan encapsulates the following two key interactive components.
Firstly, the ‘Community Hub’ through which the Foundation can function as a central and pivotal platform for the long-term sustainability and success of community Rugby, by providing strategic direction, advice, and access to resources in support of the development of grassroots Rugby.
The Foundation and the NSW Rugby Union are collaboratively developing a suite of digital resources to assist with the operation of grassroots Rugby Clubs. This program will enable club volunteers to more effectively access a variety of resources covering all facets of administering a grassroots Rugby Club, thereby making the performance of their tasks easier, and improving the experience for all participants.
The Board is particularly grateful to Stuart Dickinson and Lisa Kane for the sterling work which they are performing in relation to the ‘Community Hub’.
Secondly, the Board is developing a ‘Commercial Arm’ through which the Foundation will endeavour 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 is grateful to Peter Whittington and Stuart Dickinson for their endeavours in seeking to develop a sustainable ‘Commercial Arm’ of the Foundation through their liaison with NSW Rugby and other stakeholders.
The Board believes that by developing these strategic initiatives in collaboration with key stakeholders and the administrators of the game, it is better positioned to establish the programs which it is seeking to implement for the benefit of grassroots Rugby and the wider Rugby community.
Rugby News Digital Archives Project
In pursuing its strategic vision, the Foundation undertakes activities and provides financial support directed at preserving and promoting the history of the sport of Rugby and providing Rugby supporters with the opportunity to relive and celebrate important moments in the history of the game.
The publishing masthead known as Rugby News has since 1923 played a significant role in promoting and chronicling grassroots Rugby, and the longevity and reputation of Rugby News is testament to its value to grassroots Rugby.
In order to take advantage of the benefits offered by digital technology, the principals of Rugby News have undertaken a digital archives project directed at digitising all Rugby News archived publications and records.
In furtherance of its Primary Object and recognising that it would mutually benefit both parties and the sport of Rugby in general, the Foundation provided funding to assist the principals of Rugby News in undertaking the digital archives project.
Future aspirations
Under the diligent leadership of our financially astute Treasurer, Stirling Mortlock, ably supported by our equally astute Deputy Chairman, Peter Whittington, the Board’s Investment Committee assists the Board in continuing to ensure that the Foundation’s Investment Fund is being prudently managed through Escala Partners. Notwithstanding the volatility which is being experienced by global financial markets the Board remains confident that similar levels of funding for grassroots Rugby can and will be maintained in the short to medium term on an annual basis.
It has been gratifying to observe the degree of resilience and recovery exhibited by grassroots Rugby as we have emerged from the ‘COVID-19’ years of 2020-2021. The Foundation is proud that the passion and commitment which it applies to pursuing its strategic vision of ‘Sharing the Spirit of the Game’ has contributed to strengthening the grassroots Rugby community during recent challenging times.
As normality has returned within society, the game must continue to be nurtured by the Foundation and its Members, and by all Rugby supporters. Through the initiatives implemented by Lisa Kane, our wonderful and passionate Business Operations Manager, the Board is endeavouring to revive and enhance the benefits of membership of the Foundation. For example, it was terrific to see so many Foundation Members and their guests again attend the pre-match functions which Lisa organised so professionally in conjunction with the Test matches against England and South Africa.
There was no greater example of the resurgence in gathering in the name of Rugby than the function which preceded the Test against South Africa at the then newly opened Allianz Stadium. The spirit and enthusiasm exhibited by our Members and guests on this occasion was electrifying and will inspire Lisa and the Board in planning and conducting similar events during the 2023 Rugby season.
The Board recognises that by actively participating in Foundation functions and events, the Members can meaningfully contribute to implementing the Foundation’s strategic vision and achieving positive outcomes for the game we all respect and love.
The promotional opportunities offered by the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, and then Australia’s hosting of the 2027 Rugby World Cup, should generate an enhanced impetus for the game in Australia. The Foundation is well-equipped to deliver a unique level of tactical and financial support directed at embracing this renewed impetus within the game, and thus strengthening its position within the Rugby community.
Board of Directors
I continue to feel fortunate and privileged to lead a passionate and talented Board of Directors which currently comprises the following persons:
Deputy Chairperson: Peter Whittington
Treasurer: Stirling Mortlock AM
General Directors:
Robert Bradley AM
Stuart Dickinson
Owen Finegan
Adam Freier
James Maxwell
Paula Ward
I express my sincerest admiration for and gratitude to our Deputy Chairman Peter Whittington, to our Treasurer Stirling Mortlock, and to all other Directors for the diligent and passionate professionalism which they all continue to exhibit in fulfilling their important roles as Directors of the Foundation.
Business Operations Manager
Lisa Kane continues to fulfil her invaluable and indispensable role in assisting the Board in implementing the Foundation’s strategic vision of ‘Sharing the Spirit of the Game’.
Regrettably, Adam Freier cannot be present at this meeting. When tendering his apology Adam could not have summed up Lisa’s contribution more accurately when he stated:
“To Lisa Kane – I would say she is an unsung hero of our sport, but anyone who knows Lisa and has the pleasure of working with her knows her quality, and that it is of no surprise that the success of the Foundation is achieved through her passion, professionalism and diligence towards this game we all love – something with which I am sure the entire room would agree”.
The 2023 Rugby season will once again allow Lisa to undertake a task which is dear to her heart, namely, to create and promote the level of membership camaraderie, participation and interaction which has been so sadly lacking due to circumstances beyond her control.
On behalf of the Board and the Members, I sincerely thank Lisa for the diligent and passionate service which she continues to provide as the Foundation’s Business Operations Manager.
Professional advisers
The Board is grateful to Chris Allen and his audit team at Boroughs Assurance for providing the level of professionalism and experience which is so essentially supports the future objectives and activities of the Foundation.
The Board also thanks Denis Cheetham for discharging his duties as the Foundation’s independent accountant with the level of integrity, acumen, and efficiency which is crucial to the day-to-day operations of the Foundation.
Conclusion
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’.