ANNUAL REPORT AND STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS 2015 · 2015 Wellington Rugby Award Winners Junior Merit...

ANNUAL REPORT AND STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS

2015

Contents

List of Officers 2

Honours and Awards 3

Balanced Scoreboard 4

Chairman’s Report 5

Rugby Board Report 8

Team Reports: Hurricanes 9

Wellington Lions 13

Wellington Pride 17

Wellington Men’s Sevens 20

Wellington Women’s Sevens 20

Wellington Development 21

Wellington U19 22

Wellington Men’s U18 23

Wellington Women’s U18 23

Wellington U16A 24

Wellington U16 Development 24

Wellington Maori 25

Wellington Samoan 25

Wellington Secondary Schools Rugby 26

Junior Rugby Advisory Board 28

Wellington Rugby Referees’ Association 29

Club Competitions: 2015 Grade Winners 30

Men’s and Women’s Club Champions 31

Obituaries 32

Financial Report 33

Wellington Rugby Football Union (Incorporated) Annual Report 2015 1

Wellington Rugby Football Union (Inc.)

President: Mr M. Reedy

Vice Presidents: Messrs M. Tocker, G. Griffith, B Gard’ner, T Thomas

Immediate Past President: Mr K. Phelan

Rugby BoardP. Scott (Chairman), J. Willis (Deputy Chairman, Oriental-Rongotai),

G. Gosper (Avalon), I. Cuff (College Old Boys-Victoria University),

M. Blackham (Eastbourne), T. Clout (Hutt Old Boys Marist),

J. Smyth (Johnsonville), B. Tietjens (Marist St. Pat’s),

R. Wood (Northern United), J. Gray (Paremata-Plimmerton),

J. Cleland (Petone) G. Blaikie (Poneke), G. Nixon (Stokes Valley),

K.Pulley (Tawa), D. Painter (Upper Hutt), K. Anderson (Wainuiomata),

J. Judd (Wellington), T. Walsh (Western Suburbs), M. Dilnott (WRRA),

M. Isberg (WSSRU), S. Surujpal (JRAB)

Board of DirectorsI. Potter (Chairman), R. Poole (Deputy Chairman), K. Laban, D. Banks,

R. Jamieson, P. Scott, J. Willis, S. Paku (from September 2015)

Life MembersG.W.J. Atkin (1991), B.T. Frederikson (2005),

A.R. Leslie (2008), J. Oldershaw (1993), E.J. Tonks (1991),

G.C. Williams (2008), M.J. Usmar (2012), N.W. Hughes (2012),

P.B. Quinn (2012), R.M. Barlow (2014), D. Evans (2015)

Staff as at 31 December 2015S. Rogers (Chief Executive Officer)

A. Betts (Office Administrator), S. Binnie (Sponsorship Manager),

D. Boyd (Marketing Manager), W. Caccia-Birch (Community Rugby

Manager), G. Cooper (Girls Rugby Development Officer),

E. Crawford (Academy Manager), Dr T. Dorfling (Wellington Lions Team

Doctor), M. Evans (Chief Operating Officer),

R. Henderson (Accountant), S. Kershaw (Events & Match Manager),

M. Langley (Club Rugby Administrator), T. Mannix (Rugby

Development Administrator), J. McKee (Assistant Accountant),

P. Minehan (Baggage Man/Masseur), M. Poutoa (Club Development

Officer), J. Ross (Video Analyst), L. Santos (Wellington Lions

Physiotherapist), C. Shaw (Wellington Lions Physiotherapist),

S. Symonds (Professional Development Manager), C. Tye (Caretaker,

Training Centre), E. Va’a (Wellington Lions Coach), D. Walsh (Referee

Education Officer), R. Watt (Wellington Lions Assistant Coach),

R. Whatarau (Rugby Development Manager), D. Wildash (Wellington

Lions Strength & Conditioning Coach).

2 Wellington Rugby Football Union (Incorporated) Annual Report 2015

Honours and Awards

Representative Team CoachesWELLINGTON LIONS: Earl Va’a, Richard Watt & Darren Larsen

WELLINGTON PRIDE: James Porter, Fa’avae Tuma’ai & Matt Poutoa

DEVELOPMENT: Matt Lee, Kas Lealamanua, Riki Flutey & Filo Tiatia

U19: Ray MacDonald, Paddy Gough & Ian Tulloch

U18s: Justin Gray, Tane Tuipulotu & Zak Feaunati

U18s Girls: Norm Broughton & Findlay Siania

U16A: Justin Wilson, Rodney So’oialo & Willie Leota

U16 DEV: Mason Malagama’ali’i & Gary Archer

MAORI: Andrew Wharakura & Paul Wharakura

SAMOAN: Alex Tai-Weimar, Stratford Adams, Stuart Holden, Dan Pavihi

CITY: Kas Lealamanua & Jeremy Little

SUBURBS: Ross Bond

MEN’S SEVENS: Scott Waldrom & Sam Rasch

WOMEN’S SEVENS: Charles Aliva & Fa’avae Tumai

AuditorsErnst and Young

HonoursNEW ZEALAND: Dane Coles, Ma’a Nonu, TJ Perenara, Julian Savea,

Conrad Smith, Jeremy Thrush, Victor Vito.

NEW ZEALAND MAORI: Matt Proctor, Ben May

NEW ZEALAND BARBARIANS: Cory Jane, Bradley Shields,

Reggie Goodes, Mark Reddish

NEW ZEALAND UNDER 20: James Blackwell, Luke Campbell,

Wes Goosen, Henry Stowers

NEW ZEALAND SECONDARY SCHOOLS/BARBARIANS: Asafo Aumua, Alex Fidow, Losi Filipo, Kemara Hauiti-Parapara ,

Xavier Numia , Ben Power , Peter Umaga-Jensen ,

Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Joshua Brown

ALL BLACK SEVENS: Ambrose Curtis, Lote Raikabula, Murphy Taramai,

Hayden Schrijvers, Max Pearson

NEW ZEALAND WOMENS SEVENS: Kat Whata-Simpkins

MANU SAMOA: Motu Matu’u

MANU SAMOA 7s: Greg Foe, Belgium Tuatagaloa, Tomasi Alosio,

Greg Lealofi, Danny Tusitala

FIJI: Taniela Koroi

2015 Wellington Rugby Award Winners

Junior Merit Award Trophy: Petone RFC

AJ Griffiths Memorial Trophy: Petone RFC Premier Reserve

Sir William Perry Memorial Trophy: Stokes Valley RFC

Dewar Shield: College Old Boys-Victoria University RFC

Club Coach of the Year: Jeremy Little (College Old Boys-Victoria

University RFC)

Club Team of the Year: College Old Boys – Victoria University Premier

Billy Wallace Memorial Trophy: Adam Deck (Wellington FC)

& TJ Fermanis (Tawa RFC)

Wellington Rugby Supporters Club Award: Cory Jane

(Upper Hutt Rams)

Al Keown Memorial Cup: James Blackwell (Petone RFC)

Ken Comber Memorial Cup: Joshua Robertson-Weepu

(Wainuiomata RFC)

Most Promising Player of the Year: Leni Apisai (Northern United)

Women’s Player of the Year: Jackie Patea (Wainuiomata RFC)

Mens Sevens Player of the Year: Hayden Schrijvers

(Upper Hutt Rams)

Womens Sevens Player of the Year: Kat Whata-Simpkins

(Avalon Wolves)

WRFU Volunteer of the Year: Vio Ugone & Tania Karaitiana

(Stokes Valley RFC)

Referee of the Year: Richard Gordon

Representative Coach of the Year: James Porter (Wellington Pride)

Representative Team of the Year: Wellington Pride

Player of the Year: Ardie Savea (Oriental-Rongotai)


Balanced Scoreboard

Game/Club Development 25% Target Actual

PLAYERS• Increase girls/women’s registered participation by

10% • Retain 75% of 2014 junior registered players now at

secondary school • Retain a minimum of 45% of secondary school

leavers entering senior club rugby

8% 6%

COACHES• Registered and accredited coach numbers reflect

an average of at least 2 coaches per team across all competitions

• Increased focus on teenage coaching with dedicated college-club coaches connection, including coaches session during college-club week

8% 6%

REFEREES• Increase the number of active registered referees

and secondary school students refereeing U13 rugby

5% 5%

CLUB DEVELOPMENT• 70% of clubs post a positive financial result • All clubs to have a volunteer plan implemented

4% 1%

25% 18%

Competitions 5% Target Actual

• Wellington Rugby will run competitions that address health and safety by ensuring minimum standards are adhered to in all club facilities and that those hosting premier fixtures abide by the minimum standards for playing fields, including adherence to the technical zone requirements on all club number one grounds.

• Adherence to Age Grade Eligibility criteria (premier grade only).

3% 2%

• Wellington Rugby will ensure they manage credible competitions by providing accurate draws and points tables, enforcing all WRFU by-laws and providing referees to 90% of games under their jurisdiction.

• Wellington Rugby will deliver community Sevens competitions accommodating the needs of both secondary schools and clubs aligned with the High Performance programme

2% 2%

2015 COMPETITION DELIVERY AND PROMOTION• Wellington Rugby will work with clubs to promote

and deliver new premier competition to ensure wide awareness within rugby community.

1% 1%

6% 5%

Representative (High Performance) Teams 38% Target Actual

The Wellington Lions will win the Championship ITM Cup in 2015

• If they win final. (10%)• If they win semi (6%)

16% 6%

All other Provincial teams meet WRFU minimum standards of proficient management and achieve their agreed performance targets (i.e)

• Under 19 Team – National Tournament: Qualify for top 8. 2%. Make Final. (1%)

• Under 18 Team - Meets Talent ID and player Development goals. Wins 70% matches (1%)

• Under 16 Team - Achieves Talent and ID and Player Development goals wins tournament. (2%)

• Sevens – Makes Cup semi finals National Sevens. (5%) Wins National Sevens (2%) – this relates to January 2015 tournament

• Establish integrated representative Sevens programme, encompassing school and regional rugby. (2%)

15% 12%

• There will be no fewer than 18 players from WRFU represented in higher level teams. (All Blacks, NZ Maori, NZU20, NZ Sevens, NZ Schools, NZ Schools Barbarians, NZU17) (2%)

• 75% of the current Wellington Lions squad have been, or are members of the Wellington Academy. (3%)

• The Wellington Academy (Player Development Programme) meets its stated goals. Scores 75% or more in NZRU Survey. (2%)

7% 7%

38% 25%

Governance and Financial – 32% Target Actual

The operating result for 2014 (excluding income from Sevens Wellington, Hurricanes and Test) will match or exceed the budget.

12% 4%

WRFU will continue to enhance its expertise and reputation as an event manager by:

• Managing the Hurricanes franchise efficiently and effectively by achieving Board approved financial target and meeting KPI’s

• Managing the 2015 NZ Sevens efficiently and effectively and achieving Board approved financial target for the event

5%

6%

4%

4%

WRFU management of sound Governance through strong and effective policy and procedure

8% 8%

31% 20%

Game Development 18 / 25%

Representative (High Performance) Teams 25 / 38% 68% / 100%

2014 = 56%Competition5 / 6%

Governance and Financial20 / 31%


Chairman’s Report 2015

Executive SummaryThere is no doubt 2015 was a hugely challenging year off the field.

We cannot hide from the bottom line and the stark reality is a $1.5

million financial loss, nor that we continue to face a changing and

challenging environment in the coming year. We will need the

collective power of our rugby community to help us rebuild and

develop over the coming years.

But that should not entirely cloud the fact that there were some major

positives on the rugby field and some encouraging signs that the

finances will paint a brighter picture during the next two years.

Under first year coach Earl Va’a, the Wellington Lions demonstrated

considerable pride in the jersey with a season that fell short only at the

final hurdle. Promotion to the first division must remain, and will be, a

major goal of the union, but in reaching the final of the Championship,

2015 represented a major improvement on the previous season and

provided reason to be positive for the next.

Like the men’s team, the Pride had a very successful season in reaching

the women’s final before losing to perennial champions Auckland.

Our women’s game is in good health, as is our age grade system where

we continued to over-achieve. Wellington provided 13 players across

the New Zealand Secondary Schools and Under 20s squads to again

highlight the strength of our talent development programmes.

And that was seen at the highest level too with Ma’a Nonu, Conrad

Smith, Julian Savea, TJ Perenara, Victor Vito, and Dane Coles part of the

All Blacks World Cup winning squad. Those players’ achievements are

something Wellington rugby can be collectively proud of. They came

from our community game and it’s there that we placed a strong focus

in 2015.

It was a year of change as we implemented a new 14 team premier

club competition format on the recommendation of the review

processes the previous year. Player numbers remained static,

with a small decrease in registered senior men’s players, but it

was encouraging to see clubs like Paremata-Plimmerton and the

Wellington Axemen field competitive teams throughout the grades.

And there was a major win in the women’s game where registered

player numbers grew by more than 20 per cent, a trend that appears to

be continuing on into 2016.

Outside the white lines we made changes too.

We underwent a major restructure including splitting the roles of

the Wellington and Hurricanes chief executive officers and there are

already encouraging signs.

It was never going to provide an overnight fix, but new WRFU CEO

Steve Rogers has been able to place a greater emphasis on the

community game. His recent work with the Wellington City Council

on building a positive relationship around social messaging and

an increasingly positive relationship with the clubs are two early

barometers.

We continue to have to work hard to balance the books, but we

believe there are better days on the horizon.

Many of the complexities around the Wellington international sevens

tournament have been tidied up. There is no longer any financial risk

nor great return for us from the event but it remains a bright spot on

the city’s sporting calendar.

New Zealand Rugby’s financial support has provided a welcome

boost to revenue from 2016 with their great work at growing

revenue cascading down to provincial unions and a new distribution

methodology benefitting Wellington.

And with two All Blacks tests at Westpac Stadium this year and the

British and Irish Lions arriving in 2017 the sun is just starting to break

through.

On field Performance

2015 Wellington Lions

The Lions did not reach their goal of winning promotion back to the

ITM Cup premiership and on that single measure the season could

not be judged a complete success for new coach Earl Va’a. However,

cast against the trials of 2014, the Lions made significant progress in

restoring pride in the Wellington representative jersey.

Earl and his assistant Richard Watt came into the season under some

pressure and it was a credit to them that they were able to bring the

team together and achieve wins against premiership rivals Taranaki

and Waikato. They also ran up big scores against Northland, North

Harbour and Southland as the team reached the Championship final

against Hawke’s Bay only to lose in the final stages.

Some young talent emerged with loose forward Vaea Fifita marking

himself as a player of great potential and first five Jonathan Bentley

making a big contribution after returning home from the United

Kingdom.

Wellington Representative Rugby

Once again our development programme continued to bear fruit with

a strong representation in the New Zealand Secondary Schools team,

the Under 20s and the All Blacks.

Our Under 19s did not successfully defend their Jock Hobbs Memorial

title, but again performed admirably with just one loss from three

matches at the national tournament.

Likewise the men’s sevens team could not reclaim the national crown,

but were a competitive unit in reaching the final for the second year

running.

The Wellington Development team lost just one match, while the

Under 16s were unbeaten.

And the Wellington Pride overcame injuries to make the final of the

national provincial championships before falling to the all-conquering

Aucklanders.


Club Rugby

Old Boys University won an historic Jubilee Cup victory in a thrilling

final against Marist St Pats to cap a quality season of premier rugby at

Porirua Park. It was the first time OBU had won the Jubilee Cup since

1966 and the scenes after the final whistle reminded us all how special

this trophy is to our clubs.

Congratulations to OBU coach Jeremy Little and captain Joe Beech for

a tremendous season.

But OBU were not the only club celebrating a positive 2015 with

Hutt Old Boys Marist taking out the Swindale Shield and Upper Hutt

winning the Hardham Cup.

Though premier new comers Paremata-Plimmerton and Avalon did

not win a match during the Swindale Shield, the lopsided score lines

some had predicted with the expansion of the premier competition to

14 teams didn’t eventuate.

Both clubs were competitive against established premier clubs at times

and, importantly, kept their top sides on the park for the duration of

the season.

Though playing numbers remain a challenge at senior level, there are

early signs that Paremata-Plimmerton will capitalise on their newfound

premier status in 2016.

None of the above would be possible without the loyal support of our

sponsors.

Ricoh were again front and centre on the Lions jersey, while apparel

sponsors BLK, Tui, Capital City Motors and the Interislander all helped

drive the ITM Cup campaign. And on the amateur front we continued

to receive valued support from NZCT and the Infinity Foundation.

I would also like to thank Will Caccia-Birch and his hard working staff

at Wellington Rugby for the hours and passion they put into the

community game.

In memoryWellington rugby lost three much loved men in 2015 with the sad

passing of former All Blacks Jonah Lomu and Jerry Collins as well as

popular Poneke prop Misiluni Moananu. I would like to recognise the

contribution of all three men to Wellington rugby both on and off the

field. Jonah and Jerry inspired a generation of young men to pull on

their boots. Jerry was a cult figure in the Porirua basin and the way

his common touch resonated with his community was evident in the

turnout for his funeral. Jonah, though only a Wellington Lion for a short

time, left a huge impact on the city. Both men passed away far too

young, but their legacy lives on.

Luni was the epitome of what we look for in our Wellington players.

His commitment to club and province was evidenced by the 200-plus

matches he played for the Poneke premier side, but he also made a

big contribution off the park as a coach of the women’s team, a Rugby

Development Officer and a champion of junior rugby.

A final noteI want to say thank you to the delegates on the Rugby Board and the

Board of Directors for their hard work during a difficult period. Tony

Duffin, Sir Paul Collins and Nigel Hughes left the Board during the

year and we thank them for their great service to the game. Paul was

a Board member since 2000, and Tony made a huge contribution as

chairman for many years.

Finally, I would like to formerly welcome Steve Rogers, our new chief

executive, and Avan Lee, who has taken the new role as chief executive

of the Hurricanes.

Together we share the common goal of making rugby an enjoyable,

safe and prosperous sport in the Wellington region.

Iain PotterChairman

Wellington Rugby Football Union


Rugby Board Report

Following the review of the Union’s activities, as alluded to in the Chairman’s report, 2015 was a year of significant change and transition. The administrative separation of Wellington Rugby and the Hurricanes will result in a sharpened focus on the community game which can only benefit local participation and strengthen our club bases well into the future.

Our junior rugby programme, led by Junior Rugby Advisory Board Chair, Sunil Surujpal and his wonderful army of committed volunteers, continued to deliver an experience for many children throughout the province on Saturday mornings through the season. My sincere thanks to Sunil for his leadership and all involved in providing rugby at this level.

In other areas of our amateur programme, both the secondary schools competition and senior club rugby threw up many highlights to engage the many followers of our local game.

St Pats Town secured their first premier boys title in over 20 years with a stunning victory over the heavily fancied Scots College first XV in the season climax. Scots did turn the tables on St Pats several weeks later to progress to the National Top Four final only to be tipped over at the last hurdle. Congratulations to both schools for momentous seasons.

Our girl’s teenage programme goes from strength to strength and in 2015 we saw an increase in participation of over 20% which is wonderful to see and testament to the work in schools and the Union’s commitment to addressing this huge pool of untapped potential. We must continue to unlock these opportunities to provide for what are now real pathways for girls in rugby.

2015 was a watershed year for premier club rugby with the introduction of an expanded competition for the first time in over 20 years. 14 teams participated in the Swindale Shield, with Paremata Plimmerton and Avalon making their mark alongside the established 12. It was Paremata Plimmerton’s first appearance at the top level since the late eighties. The competition expansion is a result of the Board’s desire to broaden the reach of our game across every community in Wellington – there is still much to do but we must give this initiative an opportunity to grow rugby participation in the province.

Old Boys University added to the year’s drama by collecting its first Jubilee Cup victory in almost 50 years and first since its amalgamation with the Wellington College Old Boys club in 1992. The season’s climax moved to Porirua in 2015 after several great club final days in the Hutt Valley. Porirua Park did not disappoint and we had a wonderful day’s action of club finals rugby with three hotly contested games.

The Women’s final was a dramatic affair with just two points separating the two leading women’s teams in the last few seasons, Norths and Ories. In the end Norths held on to claim the Victoria Tavern Trophy and add more silverware to their bulging cabinet. Upper Hutt Rams overcame a spirited Johnsonville to claim the Hardham Cup before Old Boys University’s historic success over Marist St Pats in the Jubilee Cup feature. Special thanks to Porirua City Council for their support of this event – a highlight on the Wellington club rugby calendar.

Congratulations to all grade winners and to all other teams, players, coaches and administrators in all grades who contributed so much to the success of Wellington rugby.

The RDO programme continues to be integral to the delivery and development of our game in the region. In particular, the focus on teenage participation and support structures required from this programme to enhance the experience for both players and coaches is vital to retention levels within this age group.

We remain conscious that this programme requires continual review and as a result an in depth look at the RDO role, its structure and key objectives will be completed through the first half of 2016.

The amateur representative programme continues to be one of the shining lights of Wellington Rugby and 2015 was no exception, with some wonderful talent continuing to emerge through this pathway. The Under 19s, whilst not being able to defend their national title, still completed the season with some impressive performances overall. The Under 16 and Under 18 programmes both bore fruit with successful Hurricanes region campaigns; as was the performance of the Development team with just the one loss against them.

However, the story of the season had to be the Women’s Pride and their march to the National Championship final. The improvement in the women’s programme was marked in 2015 and credit must go to coach James Porter, his management team and the players for their commitment in striving to be better week to week. Whilst the ultimate result was not quite achieved against the mighty Auckland unit, 2016 promises to be an exciting year for women’s rugby – watch this space!

The ever evolving Sevens programme continued to produce some fine results with the men doing justice as they endeavoured to defend their national crown from 2014, however fell just short in the 2015 final. The women improved on their 2014 effort in winning the 2015 plate competition, only serving to reinforce the increasing momentum around the women’s game.

Our game cannot exist or thrive without the support of our match officials and so huge thanks to our referees and volunteers within the Wellington Rugby Referees Association, who once again served our game well throughout 2015. There is more we must do, however, to support our refs and as a rugby community we have a collective responsibility to ensure refereeing stocks are abundant.

Furthermore, negative sideline behaviour cannot be tolerated and Wellington Rugby will be taking a zero tolerance approach in 2016. As a rugby community we must stand firm on this as we cannot afford to harm our game and lose the involvement of our volunteer refs.

My special thanks to the Rugby Board delegates and in particular the work of the club rugby subcommittee, ably led by Geoff Blaikie. Your commitment and passion for the game is undeniable and the knowledge shared continues to serve our game well at the grassroots.

Thank you also to Mick Reedy who as WRFU President led a great group of Vice Presidents, Murray Tocker, Grant Griffith, Ted Thomas and Brendan Gard’ner and Past President Butch Phelan. You have all represented the province with pride and we continue to be blessed with such wonderfully committed people.

My thanks also to Will Caccia-Birch for his support and leadership of his community rugby team. Will continues to serve the Board, on behalf of management, with commitment and integrity and his efforts are much appreciated.

Lastly, but not least, my sincere thanks to our volunteers and administrators who week to week contribute so much of their time to our community game. It is this contribution that ensures our game remains alive and well in Wellington – thank you.

Peter ScottChairman, Rugby Board


Hurricanes

Management TeamHead Coach: Chris Boyd

Assistant Coach: John Plumtree

Assistant Coach: Clark Laidlaw

Technical Coach: Richard Watt

Scrum Coach / Technical Analyst: Dan Cron

Technical Analyst: Jayson Ross

Team Manager: Tony Ward

Team Doctor: Dr Theo Dorfling

Physiotherapist: Cameron Shaw

Assistant Physiotherapist: LeeVan Santos

Head Strength and Conditioning Coach: David Gray

Strength and Conditioning Coach: Dave Wildash

Baggage Man / Masseur: Paul Minehan

Professional Development Manager: Steve Symonds

High Performance Manager: Chris Stirling

HURRICANES RUGBY TEAMInvestec Super Rugby Competition 2015

Back Row: Nehe Milner-Skudder, Matt Proctor, Reggie Goodes, Michael Kainga, Otere Black, Willis Halaholo, Rey LeeLo, Ardie Savea, Iopu Iopu-Aso, Sam McNicol, Chris Smylie

Third Row: Brayden Mitchell, James Marshall, Callum Gibbins, Motu Matu’u, Ben May, Jeffrey Toomaga-Allen, Brad Shields, Ben Franks, Chris Eves, Adam Hill, Heiden Bedwell Curtis, Frae Wilson

Second Row: Paul Minehan (Baggage Man/Masseur), Paddy Moore(Strength and Conditioning Intern), LeeVan Santos (Assistant Physiotherapist), Cameron Shaw (Head Physiotherapist), Blade Thomson, Mark Abbott, Christian Lloyd, Vaea Fifita, Daniel Cron (Scrum Coach/Technical Assistant), David Gray (Head Strength and Conditioning Coach), Chris Stirling (High Performance Manager), Jayson Ross (Technical Analyst), David Wildash(Strength and Conditioning Coach), Roxan Bernard Strength and Conditioning Intern), Tony Ward (Team Manager)

Front Row: Beauden Barrett, Julian Savea, Victor Vito, John Schwalger, Ma’a Nonu, John Plumtree (Assistant Coach), Chris Boyd (Head Coach), Conrad Smith, Jeffrey Thrush, James Te Puni (CEO), Richard Watt (Technical Coach), Clark Laidlaw (Assistant Coach), Cory Jane, Dane Coles, James Broadhurst, TJ Perenara

Played: 18

Won: 15

Lost: 3

Points for: 501

Points Against: 318


Hurricanes Player Appearances

2015 Caps Total Caps

Mark Abbott 15 17

Beauden Barrett 12 64

Otere Black 4 4

James Broadhurst 15 71

Dane Coles 12 80

Chris Eves 17 28

Tolu Fahamokioa 1 1

Vaea Fifita 2 2

Ben Franks 16 45

Callum Gibbins 13 13

Reggie Goodes 17 47

Willis Halaholo 3 3

Adam Hill 4 8

Cory Jane 12 94

Rey Lee-Lo 12 24

James Marshall 18 30

Motu Matu'u 12 44

Ben May 6 35

Sam McNicol 1 1

Nehe Milner-Skudder 15 15

Brayden Mitchell 11 11

Ma'a Nonu 15 126

TJ Perenara 16 61

Matt Proctor 11 24

Ardie Savea 15 32

Julian Savea 16 72

John Schwalger* - 84

Brad Shields 18 53

Conrad Smith 16 126

Chris Smylie 11 41

Blade Thomson 12 26

Jeremy Thrush 15 110

Jeffery Toomaga-Allen 15 56

Victor Vito 15 84

Frae Wilson 2 4

Jason Woodward 3 3

*Was selected for the team, but never played a game

Team Record13 February v Lions in Johannesburg: Won 22 - 8Tries: TJ Perenara, Matt ProctorPenalties: Beauden Barrett (4)

20 February v Bulls in Pretoria: Won 17 - 13Tries: Julian SaveaPenalties: Beauden Barrett (4)

27 February v Force in Perth: Won 42 - 13Tries: Cory Jane, Mark Abbott, Victor Vito, Julian Savea, James MarshallConversions: Beauden Barrett (2), James Marshall (2)Penalties: Beauden Barrett (3)

13 March v Blues in Palmerston North: Won 25 - 20Tries: Julian Savea (2), TJ Perenara, Matt ProctorConversions: Beauden Barrett (2)Penalties: Beauden Barrett (2)

20 March v Highlanders in Dunedin: Won 20 - 13Tries: Reggie Goodes, TJ PerenaraConversions: Beauden Barrett (2)Penalties: Beauden Barrett (2)

27 March v Rebels in Wellington: Won 36 - 12Tries: Nehe Milner-Skudder (2), TJ Perenara, Cory Jane, Callum GibbinsConversions: Jason Woodward (4)Penalties: Jason Woodward

3 April v Stormers in Wellington: Won 25 - 20Tries: Nehe Milner-Skudder, Julian Savea, Beauden BarrettPenalties: Beauden Barrett (2)Conversions: Beauden Barrett (2)

18 April v Waratahs in Wellington: Lost 24 - 29Tries: Conrad Smith, Beauden Barrett, Brad Shields, TJ PerenaraConversions: Beauden Barrett (2)

26 April v Reds in Brisbane: Won 35 - 19Tries: TJ Perenara (2), Callum Gibbins, Julian SaveaPenalties: Beauden Barrett (3)Conversions: Beauden Barrett (3)

2 May v Crusaders in Wellington: Won 29 - 23Tries: Beauden Barrett, Brad Shields, Reggie Goodes, Blade ThomsonConversions: Beauden Barrett (3)Penalties: Beauden Barrett

9 May v Sharks in Wellington: Won 32 - 24Tries: Cory Jane, Conrad Smith, Reggie Goodes, Jeremy ThrushConversions: James Marshall (3) Penalties: James Marshall (2)

16 May v Chiefs in Wellington: Won 22 - 18Tries: Ma’a Nonu (2), Ardie SaveaConversions: James Marshall (2)Penalties: James Marshall

23 May v Blues in Auckland: Won 29 - 5Tries: Chris Eves, TJ Perenara, Dane Coles, Nehe Milner-SkudderConversions: Otere Black (3)Penalties: Otere Black

29 May v Crusaders in Christchurch: Lost 18 - 35Tries: Dane Coles, Ardie SaveaConversions: Otere BlackPenalties: Otere Black (2)

5 June v Highlanders in Napier: Won 56 - 20Tries: TJ Perenara (2), Ma’a Nonu (2), Blade Thomson, James Marshall, Dane Coles, Julian SaveaConversions: James Marshall (5)Penalties: James Marshall (2)

13 June v Chiefs in New Plymouth: Won 21 - 13Tries: Conrad Smith, James Marshall, penalty tryConversions: James Marshall (3)

SEMI FINAL - 27 June v Brumbies in Wellington: Won 29 - 9Tries: Julian Savea, TJ Perenara, Ardie Savea, Matt ProctorConversions: James Marshall (2), Beauden BarrettPenalties: James Marshall

FINAL - 4 July v Highlanders in Wellington: Lost 14 - 21Tries: Ma’a NonuPenalties: Beauden Barrett (3)


2015 Hurricanes Manager’s Report

2015 saw the return of a well-known and successful Wellington coaching duo, with a small twist – they had swapped roles. Chris Boyd was appointed Head Coach and John Plumtree came in as the Assistant Coach. Both had coached Wellington from 2003 – 2006 before Plumtree returned to Durban to head up the Sharks with Boyd joining a year later.

Another favourite Wellingtonian, Ma’a Nonu returned to the Franchise, Rey Leelo who spent a year with the Crusaders re-joined the Squad and Jason Woodward returned to Wellington after two years with the Rebels. In total, we had ten new players in the 2015 Squad, with eight players being selected for the first time.

With Chris Boyd at the helm and the injection of some new and returning talent the Hurricanes squad had some depth to it which would be needed throughout the season.

When Boyd took over the Hurricanes his vision for the year was to continue to connect with the community, bring the crowds back to the stadium and win the Super Rugby Championship.

His vision for the year was presented to the team at our Gisborne Camp at the end of January when we would finally have our full squad together for the first time. It was also an opportune time to highlight to the squad that six players, who had each made varying contributions to the Hurricanes Club, had announced that 2015 would be their last season as a Hurricane. Those players were Conrad Smith, Ma’a Nonu, Jeremy Thrush, Ben Franks, Rey Leelo and Chris Smylie.

The camp in Gisborne saw the team connect with the wider community through open training sessions, coaching clinics and autograph opportunities. The squad also travelled to Ruatoria for the day with a number of players having never been there before.

The day started in Ruatoria with the coaching staff conducting a coaching clinic for a number of local East Coast players. This was followed by a powhiri when the full squad arrived by bus. Our training session was open to all and at the conclusion of this session the players signed autographs and had photos taken. Our time in Ruatoria concluded with a hangi for lunch before we headed back to Gisborne.

After the camp concluded in Gisborne, we travelled to Eketahuna for our first pre-season game v the Crusaders, another community based event and something which has become a tradition in the Wairarapa province.

In our second pre-season game we played the Blues in Auckland, departing the following day for South Africa to start our three week road trip which included games in Johannesburg, Pretoria and Perth.

As a group, we collectively agreed that we needed to start the competition strong if we were to have any chance of securing a play-off position, something which the Hurricanes had not achieved since 2009. Our pre-season programme was geared to ensure this so it was vital that our pre-season training would prepare us for our tour.

Every year, the Club transitions it’s All Blacks back into the environment in late January which becomes a real juggling act as the coaches manage these players and immerse them back into our playing systems. They then manage the amount of pre-season game time each player will complete as we prepare for the start of the season.

Also consistent with previous years, the Wider Training Group play a big part in the initial pre-season game to support the team, as players involved in the All Black End of Year Tour return in late January from their leave period.

The added complication to starting strong was that most of our returning All Blacks would have had little or no game time prior to our first game against the Lions at Ellis Park. In addition, our ten All Blacks had to be rested for two games throughout the season as part of the All Blacks RWC plan, so the managing and rotating of players would become crucial as the coaches worked out a plan as to when they would rest players throughout the competition.

We stayed on the Highveld for the two weeks we were in South Africa, taking a four day break out to stay in Rustenburg (about a two hour bus drive south of Johannesburg). A hard fought win against the Lions and an even tougher game against the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld, with a last minute TMO decision ruling out a Bulls try saw the team depart South Africa with two wins and eight valuable competition points.

Our focus then turned to Perth with a real desire to return home unbeaten. This was an important game for us and one where the Force would be hard to beat at home, having established a very good home record against visiting teams. A five try bonus point win against the Force was the result of hard work and a focus to get the best possible result from our tour. It was rewarding to go into our first bye week with three wins and a tour of South Africa and Australia successfully completed.

Following the bye week, we started our local derby matches with the first of our two regional matches outside of Wellington, playing the Blues before a very good crowd in Palmerston North, where we walked away with a win. We then beat the Highlanders away and the Rebels and Stormers at Westpac. We were in a very good position leading the table as we ended our second and final bye week.

We now had to play nine games without a break, the last five games against New Zealand teams. We suffered our first loss of the season in our eighth game of the round to the Waratahs at home losing 24-29 when we were level at 19-19 at half time. This was disappointing and we had to regroup quickly as we faced a determined Reds side in Queensland on ANZAC Weekend.

This trip was a special one as the squad all chipped in to cover the cost of taking Chris Tye away with us for this match. Chris, who manages the training base, was diagnosed with cancer some time ago. He travelled away as an official member of the squad. It was great having him with us for this trip and is something I am sure he will treasure.

Match day started with a 4am wakeup call as a number of the squad made the short walk to Remembrance Square in Brisbane to commemorate ANZAC Day, with Conrad Smith laying a wreath with the Queensland Captain. Later that day, we convincingly beat the Reds in Brisbane before returning home to beat the Sharks and the Chiefs at Westpac. Following this, we travelled to Auckland where we beat the Blues.

Our next game against the Crusaders in Nelson was to be our second loss of the season, a game where we were convincingly beaten by 18-35.

We had two remaining games and we needed to win both to qualify top of the New Zealand Conference and guarantee a home semi-final and a week off while the other teams played quarter final matches.

Our second regional game v the Highlanders in Napier was to be a poignant game for the Hurricanes Club. As we were getting ready for our team meeting at the Hotel before departing for the ground, the team was given the news that Hurricane #82 Jerry Collins and his partner Alana Madill were tragically killed in a road accident while there young baby Ayla fought for her life.

We spoke about “JC” before we left the hotel at our team meeting but it was not until the team arrived at the ground that the news really sunk in. There was a sombre mood as players reflected on this tragic news, some of whom played with him and some of them close friends.

The performance of the team that night was a fitting tribute to JC, who played 84 games for the club and was the 11th member of the 50 Club. The team had a record win 56-20 over the Highlanders.

This win will also be remembered as it secured, for the first time in the clubs’ history, our position as first in the round robin competition as well as in the New Zealand Conference. This ensured we would have a week off leading into a home semi-final.

As a tribute to “JC” we added his name to our team song and as a mark of respect the team requested they have the initials “JC” added to the left hand sleeve of the playing strip for the remainder of the season.


We also take this opportunity to remember Hurricane #35 Jarrod Cunningham who passed away in 2007, Frank Oliver the inaugural Hurricanes Coach from 1996 -1999 who passed away in 2014 and more recently Jonah Lomu Hurricane #73.

The team travelled to New Plymouth for a “home” game v the Chiefs as our last game of the round robin.

This was an important game leading into the finals series as we wanted to win this game and not be the team that went through the motions looking ahead to semi-finals. This was reflected in the team that took the field where no players were rested and the team wanted to back up the win we had earlier on in the season against the Chiefs at home. We went on to win this game 21-13 and finish the round robin with 14 wins and 2 losses, the best record by a Hurricanes Team.

The team had a light week as we enjoyed some recovery having not been required to play a quarter final. Things intensified the following week leading into the semi-final game against the Brumbies, a team we hadn’t played in the round robin and they were 2014 finalists.

We spoke about connecting with the fans and community to fill Westpac Stadium. It was a great feeling for the squad to hear that Westpac was sold out and the team would be playing in front of a full house. It’s been a long time since Westpac has been sold out for a Super Rugby game.

After leading 12-3 at half time we eventually beat a very good Brumbies team 29-9 to secure a place in only our second final, but our first home final.

Finals week was a special week and something to be savoured, enjoyed and embraced. The region and the city certainly got behind the team with tickets selling out in less than thirty minutes. A second wave of tickets saw punters waiting overnight for the chance to purchase two tickets to the final. The players entered into the spirit of things by visiting the passionate fans and bringing with them pizza and hot chocolate.

The team thanked the fans with an hour long signing session at the Greenman Pub where queues of fans waited patiently to meet the players, chat with them, have a photo and get an autograph. The week in Wellington saw unprecedented scenes of fan support not seen in the capital for some time.

With a full stadium for the second consecutive week, the ultimate game of the season and a number of departing players playing their final game for the Hurricanes, the Hurricanes were in a position they had not been in before – hosting a home Super Rugby Final.

Unfortunately, there would be no fairy tale ending for long serving members of the club Conrad Smith, Ma’a Nonu and Jeremy Thrush. It was a great game of rugby with the Highlanders winning 21-14.

History is littered with examples of teams and players who should have won titles but didn’t, and unfortunately for the Hurricanes, we remain in this category as we continue to strive for that elusive Super Rugby Championship.

Milestones that were celebrated this year included TJ Perenara, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen and Brad Shields all playing their 50th games for the Hurricanes. Ma’a Nonu celebrated 150 Super Games, which is a wonderful achievement and a testament to not only his durability but also his status as a world class player.

Jeremy Thrush became the clubs 7th Centurion and also finished the season as the most capped forward on 110 Caps.

It was fitting to see the most celebrated midfield combination in the history of the game and also our club, Conrad Smith and Ma’a Nonu, ending their season as the joint most capped backs and players in the club with 126 caps.

With Smith, Nonu and Thrush firmly establishing themselves as part of the Hurricanes legacy, we wish them well and every success both professionally and personally as they continue to ply their trade overseas.

We also wish Ben Franks, Rey Leelo and Chris Smylie all the very best as they also head overseas to continue their professional careers.

We congratulate the following players who made their Hurricanes debut this year. These were Callum Gibbins (Hurricane 208), Willis Halaholo (209), Nehe Milner-Skudder (212), Jason Woodward (213), Brayden Mitchell (214), Otere Black (215), Tolu Fahamokioa (216), Vaea Fifita (217) and Sam McNicol (218)

We had a number of players reach higher honours this year, which included twelve players being selected to play for the All Blacks in 2015 Hurricanes Squad. These players were Conrad Smith, Ma’a Nonu, Cory Jane, Victor Vito, Beauden Barrett, Dane Coles, Julian Savea, Ben Franks, Jeremy Thrush, TJ Perenara, Nehe Milner Skudder and James Broadhurst.

Notable achievements included All Blacks debuts for James Broadhurst and Nehe Milner-Skudder. Ma’a Nonu became only the 6th All Black to bring up 100 Test Matches in what has been a remarkable career from a player who is truly world class.

We also congratulate nine players who were members of the victorious 2015 RWC Squad: Conrad Smith, Ma’a Nonu, Victor Vito, Beauden Barrett, Dane Coles, Julian Savea, Ben Franks, TJ Perenara and Nehe Milner-Skudder.

The Hurricanes were also well represented in the World Rugby and NZ Rugby Awards and we are proud that the following players were recognised for their 2015 performances:

World Rugby Awards

Breakthrough Player of the Year – Nehe Milner-SkudderTry of the Year – Julian Savea

NZRU Awards

Kelvin R Tremain Player of the YearNominee – Dane ColesWinner – Ma’a Nonu

Tom French Memorial Maori Player of the Year Winner – Nehe Milner-Skudder

Investec Super Rugby Player of the YearNominee – James Broadhurst

The Hurricanes’ end of season team awards were presented to the following players:

Team Man of the Year – James MarshallBest and Fairest Award – Ardie SaveaRookie of the Year – Nehe Milner-SkudderPlayer of the Year – Ma’a Nonu

We thank the entire management team who continued to work hard during the year and like many are disappointed not to have been part of winning the Clubs maiden Super Rugby Title.

We wish Clark Laidlaw and his family well as he leaves the Club to continue his coaching with London Irish, but welcome in Jason Holland who joins the coaching team and is the only change to the management team for next year.

We also extend our thanks to all our sponsors who continue to stand by us and are an important and integral part of the Hurricanes Family.

Thanks also to the Hurricanes Board and Staff who are as passionate about the team as we are; we thank you all for your continued hard work and support you have given the team throughout the 2015 season.

Finally to the loyal members and our fans that supported us throughout the season and filled the stadium: we are grateful for your support and encouragement and we look forward to seeing you at the Stadium in 2016.

Tony WardHurricanes Manager


Wellington Lions

Management TeamHead Coach: Earl Va’a

Assistant Coach: Richard Watt

Skills Coach/Scrum Coach: Darren Larsen

Manager: Mila Poutoa

Strength and Conditioning Coach: Dave Wildash

Doctor: Dr Theo Dorfling

Physio: Cameron Shaw

Assistant Physio: LeeVan Santos

Technical Analyst: Jayson Ross

Assistant Strength and Conditioning: James Dickie

Assistant Strength and Conditioning: Joel Marshall

Masseur/ Gear/Assistant Manager: Paul Minehan

Media: Hannah Fleming

Professional Development Manager: Steve Symonds

Played: 12

Won: 7

Lost: 4

Drawn: 1

Points for: 363

Points Against: 218

WELLINGTON LIONS SQUAD 2015

Back Row: Tomasi Palu, Joe Hill, Greg Foe, Marvin Karawana, Leni Apisai, Malo Tuitama, James O’Reilly, Hunter Prescott, Adam Deck, Jonny Bentley, Frae Wilson

Third Row: Wes Goosen, TJ Va’a, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Tu Umaga-Marshall, Ben May, Henry Stowers, Adam Hill, Isaac O’Connor, Tomasi Alosio, Sam McNicol, Vince Sakaria

Second Row: Darren Larsen (Skills and Scrum Coach), Mila Poutoa (Team Manager), Paul Minehan (Masseur, Baggage Man, Assistant Manager), Jayson Ross (Technical Analyst), LeeVan Santos (Assistant Physiotherapist), Joe Apikotoa, Hoani Matenga, Vaea Fifita, James Blackwell, Joel Marshall (Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach), James Dickie (Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach), Dave Wildash (Strength and Conditioning Coach), Dr Theo Dorfling (Team Doctor)

Front Row: Matt Proctor, Jeffrey Toomaga-Allen, Jason Woodward, Jeremy Thrush, Steve Rogers (CEO), Brad Shields, Earl Va’a (Head Coach), Ardie Savea, Richard Watt (Assistant Coach), Cory Jane, Mark Reddish, Reggie Goodes, Shaun Treeby, Chris Tye (Caretaker)


Team Record15 August v Taranaki in New Plymouth: Won 19 - 14Tries: Brad Shields, Vaea Fifita, Joe HillConversions: Jonny Bentley (2)

20 August v North Harbour in Albany: Won 43 - 0Tries: Vaea Fifita (2), Shaun Treeby, Joe Hill, Tomasi Alosio, penalty tryConversions: Jonny Bentley (5) Penalties: Jonny Bentley

29 August v Northland in Wellington: Won 29 - 0Tries: Wes Goosen, Joe Hill, Ardie Savea, Jackson Garden-BachopConversions: Jonny Bentley (3) Penalties: Jonny Bentley

5 September v Southland in Invercargill: Won 53-3Tries: Jeremy Thrush (3), Jonny Bentley, Leni Apisai, Vaea Fifita, Tomasi Alosio, Tomasi PaluConversions: Jonny Bentley (3), Jackson Garden-Bachop (2) Penalties: Jonny Bentley

11 September v Tasman in Wellington: Lost 17-36Tries: Frae Wilson, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Wes GoosenConversions: Jonny Bentley

17 September v Otago in Wellington: Lost 36-37Tries: Jeffery Toomaga-Allen (2), Vaea Fifita, Ardie SaveaConversions: Jason Woodward (2)Penalties: Jason Woodward (4)

27 September v Waikato in Hamilton: Won 21-14Tries: Jeremy Thrush, Leni ApisaiConversions: Jason Woodward Penalties: Jason Woodward (3)

30 September v Hawke’s Bay in Wellington: Draw 22-22Tries: Jason Woodward, Reggie Goodes, Vaea FifitaConversions: Jason Woodward (2)Penalties: Jason Woodward

4 October v Bay of Plenty in Tauranga: Won 31-13Tries: Jeremy Thrush (2), Ardie Savea, Cory Jane, Tomasi AlosioConversions: Jonny Bentley (2) Jackson Garden-Bachop

10 October v Manawatu in Wellington: Lost 33-39Tries: Ardie Savea, Jason Woodward, Reggie Goodes, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Cory JaneConversions: Jason Woodward (4)

SEMI FINAL – 17 October v Otago in Wellington: Won 34-14Tries: Frae Wilson, Marvin Karawana, Ardia Savea, Jonny BentleyConversions: Jackson Garden-Bachop (4)Penalties: Jackson Garden-Bachop (2)

FINAL – 23 October v Hawke’s Bay in Napier: Lost 25-26Tries: Cory Jane (2), Frae WilsonConversions: Jackson Garden-Bachop (2)

Penalties: Jackson Garden-Bachop (2)

Lions Player Appearances

Club2015 Caps

Total Caps

Tomasi Alosio Hutt Old Boys Marist 10 10

Joe Apikotoa Hutt Old Boys Marist 6 6

Leni Apisai Northern United 12 14

Jonny Bentley Hutt Old Boys Marist 12 12

James Blackwell Petone 6 6

Adam Deck Wellington 2 2

Vaea Fifita Wellington 10 20

Greg Foe Poneke 10 11

Jackson Garden-Bachop Northern United 10 18

Reggie Goodes Poneke 11 42

Wes Goosen Old Boys University 9 10

Whetu Henry Oriental Rongotai 2 12

Adam Hill Old Boys University 7 27

Joe Hill Old Boys University 7 21

Cory Jane Upper Hutt Rams 11 65

Marvin Karawana Wainuiomata 7 10

Finnbarr Kerr-Newell Old Boys University 1 1

Hoani Matenga Wellington 12 12

Ben May Old Boys University 7 7

Sam McNicol Petone 4 4

Isaac O'Connor Marist-St Pats 4 4

James O'Reilly Hutt Old Boys Marist 9 17

Tomasi Palu Old Boys University 10 26

Hunter Prescott Oriental Rongotai 2 3

Matt Proctor Oriental Rongotai 10 34

Mark Reddish Oriental Rongotai 2 53

Vince Sakaria Marist-St Pats 6 6

Ardie Savea Oriental Rongotai 12 33

John Schwalger Northern United 1 84

Brad Shields Petone 6 44

Henry Stowers Wainuiomata 3 5

Jeremy Thrush Hutt Old Boys Marist 9 88

Jeffery Toomaga-Allen Marist-St Pats 10 32

Shaun Treeby Tawa 5 61

Malo Tuitama Oriental Rongotai 3 3

Tu Umaga-Marshall Tawa 1 17

Victor Vito Marist-St Pats 1 62

Frae Wilson Wainuiomata 12 46

Jason Woodward Upper Hutt Rams 4 31


Wellington Lions Team Manager’s Report

The 2015 management team had a few changes with former Head

Coach Chris Boyd moving to the Hurricanes and a new Head Coach

Earl Va’a being appointed along with a new Skills Coach, Technical

Analyst, Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach and Team Manager.

Planning and PreparationEvan Crawford, the Wellington Rugby Academy Manager, started

working on the preparation and planning for the 2015 ITM Cup Season

prior to Mila Poutoa becoming the Team Manager in the playing

season. All logistical and competition requirements involving the

movement of players and team management throughout the season

were fulfilled, and we continued our positive on-going relationship

with our 2014 clothing sponsor, BLK into this 2015 season.

Pre-SeasonThe squad assembled on Monday 20 July and we started the season

in fundraising mode which enabled the team to engage with the

community. It also gave them an opportunity to contribute to the

Wellington Lions 2015 Campaign. Richard Watt, Assistant Coach,

helped the team organise a quiz night and auction of the team and

union donations.

The pre-season programme started with a game against our traditional

foes, Canterbury, at the Wellington Lions’ training base, on Friday 31

July. This was followed by the coaches taking a training squad of 45

players to Picton for a pre-season camp from 2 August until 7 August

to rejuvenate the Lions as a team. It was a different environment,

where everyone could focus on preparation and allowed the coaches

to outline their plans and strategies for the upcoming season. The

camp ended with our final pre-season game against Tasman, where

the Wellington Lions came together with a solid team performance.

The 2015 Wellington Lions team was officially announced immediately

following the camp at a launch event held on Friday 7 August at

Capital City Motors. Brad Shields and Ardie Savea were named as

co-captains.

In seasonThe season began strongly with the first four games resulting in wins

over Taranaki, North Harbour, Northland and Southland. This was then

followed by a couple of losses against Tasman and Otago. We then

continued the rest of the season with a win over Waikato, a draw with

Hawke’s Bay and a win over Bay of Plenty.

The final round robin game was against our neighbours, Manawatu.

This was also our nominated charity game for The New Zealand Breast

Cancer Foundation. Ardie Savea was behind the idea and helped

design the commemorative jersey. The 15 jerseys that the players

wore during the match were auctioned to raise money and awareness

for Breast Cancer, which was successful but unfortunately, the game

resulted in a loss for the Lions.


We had qualified for a home semi-final against Otago. We knew it

would be a difficult game, as we had lost to them during the round

robin. However, the team was determined and came away with a

win 34-14.

The Championship final was played in Napier against Hawke’s Bay;

it was going to be another close game as we had a draw with them

during the round robin season. Unfortunately, this game resulted in a

nail-biting finish with Hawke’s Bay winning 25-26.

We used 39 players in our 2015 ITM Cup season and the following

milestones were celebrated by the Wellington Lions team:

10 players debuted for Wellington

Adam Deck, Finnbarr Kerr-Newell, Hoani Matenga, James Blackwell,

Joe Apikotoa, Jonny Bentley, Malo Tuitama, Sam McNicol, Tomasi Alosio

and Vince Sakaria

7 players gained their blazer (played 12 games)

Hoani Matenga, Jackson Garden-Bachop, James O’Reilly, Jonny Bentley,

Leni Apisai, Vaea Fifita and Whetu Henry

Team Environment / CultureThe management team and senior players continued to promote the

traditions and pride in representing Wellington and their club. The

training base was Wellington City themed, with representations of the

players’ local clubs and rugby imagery. We used the players’ clubs as

themes frequently for our training days as well.

Due to the compact nature of the competition, opportunities for

the team and their families to enjoy each other’s company was

accommodated by use of the players’ partners’ lounge at the home

games where a happy family environment was enjoyed by all. There

was also an option for everyone to attend the after match meals at the

Greenman. Outside of game day, the team also held a management,

players and partners function pre-season, mid-season and post-season.

External RelationshipsThe Wellington Lions Players’ continued to participate in sponsor

relations, community interactions and marketing obligations

throughout the season. We recognise the importance of our sponsors

and their contributions. We sincerely thank them all and we hope to

continue our relationships into 2016.

Thank you to our season sponsors; BCD Travel, BLK Sport, Capital City

Motors, Coca Cola, DB, Dominion Post, Elastoplast, Greenman Pub,

Interislander, Les Mills, Logan Brown, MusclePharm, NZME, Pernod

Ricard, Ricoh, Rydges, RYOS, Shandon Golf Club, SuperColour,

Victoria University and Vodafone. We also thank our match day sponsor

Porirua Auto Crash.

ConclusionThe end result of the Championship final did not reflect the amount

of time and effort spent in preparation for every game. All players and

management for the Wellington Lions were disappointed with the final

result. There is a real positive in the amount of work that went into this

season and this can be carried through to 2016 to achieve our goal of

getting back into the Premiership for 2017.

We would like to thank our business for their tireless efforts in

the support of our team. From Match Operations, Commercial,

Community, Finance, Administration. To our volunteers, schools &

rugby club community, who supported us. Thank you all! Thank you to

the team for instilling pride back into Wellington, to our Coaches and

Management team who invested a lot of time in preparing the team.

Final thank you goes out to our loyal and faithful fans. You continually

support us. A big thank you from the Lions to each one of you.

Mila PoutoaWellington Lions Manager


Wellington Pride

Management TeamHead Coach: James Porter

Assistant Coaches: Matt Poutoa and Faavae Tumaai

Team Manager: Michaela Tahere

Analyst: Charles Aliva

Head Physio: Chris Marshall

Assistant Physio: Nick Naylor

Played: 8

Won: 6

Lost: 2

Points for: 259

Points against: 142

WELLINGTON PRIDE SQUAD 2015

Back Row: Ruby Finau, Raukawa Tuahuru, Hinerangi Temara, Kirstin Stewart, Alicia Print, Suaimoana Solia, Mena Tumaai, Vaine Marsters, Georgia Daals, Ayesha Leti-Iiga, Helena Lawrence

Middle Row: Fa’avae Tumaai (Assistant Coach) James Porter (Head Coach) Chris Marshal (Physio) Matt Poutoa (Assistant Coach) Caroline Sio, Tina Paulo, Joanah Ngan-Woo, Sunema Tupuola, Fa’asua Makisi, Dave Jenson (Resource Coach) Charles Aliva (Resource Coach) Michaela Tahere (Manager)

Front Row: Janet Taumoli, Alice Soper, Agnes Dean, Lizzie Goulden, Amanda Rasch (Co-Captain), Jackie Patea (Co-Captain), Noeleen Nonu, Aimee Sutorius, Moana Aiatu, Miriam Ready, Acacia Claridge

Absent: Sanita Levave, Petra Kriklanova, Tatiana Tafatu, Atalina Milovale


Wellington Pride Player Appearances

Club 2015 Caps

Moana Aiatu Northern United 7

Acaia Claridge Wainuiomata 3

Georgia Daals Old Boys University 8

Agnes Dean Northern United 4

Ruby Finau Avalon 4

Elizabeth Goulden Oriental-Rongotai 8

Petra Kirklanova Hutt Old Boys Marist 4

Helena Lawrence MSP – Poneke 4

Ayesha Leti-I’iga Oriental-Rongotai 8

Sanita Levavae Northern United 8

Fa’asua Makisi Oriental-Rongotai 5

Vaine Masters Northern United 8

Atalina Milovale Hutt Old Boys Marist 1

Joanah Ngan-Woo Oriental-Rongotai 7

Noeleen Nonu Oriental-Rongotai 8

Jackie Patea Wainuiomata 7

Tina Paulo Northern United 1

Alicia Print Oriental-Rongotai 6

Amanda Rasch Oriental-Rongotai 4

Miriam Reedy Oriental-Rongotai 5

Caroline Sio Avalon 8

Alice Soper Wainuiomata 8

Moana Solia Old Boys University 7

Kristen Stewart Oriental-Rongotai 6

Aimee Sutorius Northern United 6

Tatiana Tafatu Oriental-Rongotai 3

Hinerangi Temara Old Boys University 2

Raukawa Tuahuru Old Boys University 4

Timena Tuma’ai Oriental-Rongotai 7

Sunema Tupuola Wainuiomata 6

Team Record29 August v Manawatu in Petone: Won 34-0Tries: Ayesha Leti-Iiga, Georgia Daals, Noeleen Nonu, Agnes Dean, Caroline SioConversions: Elizabeth Goulden (3)Penalties: Elizabeth Goulden

5 September v Waikato in Waikato: Lost 16-27Tries: Agnes DeanConversions: Elizabeth GouldenPenalties: Elizabeth Goulden (3)

12 September v Hawke’s Bay in Napier: Won 43-18Tries: Jackie Patea (3), Georgia Daals (2), Noeleen Nonu, Ruby Finau, Aimee SutoriusConversions: Elizabeth Goulden (4)

19 September v Counties Manakau in Petone: Won 27-12Tries: Vaine Masters, Aimee Sutorius, Ayesha Leti-Iiga, Georgia DaalsConversions: Elizabeth Goulden (2)Penalties: Elizabeth Goulden

26 September v Canterbury in Petone: Won 32-18Tries: Jackie Patea, Joanah Ngan-Woo, Ayesha Leti-Iiga, Aimee Sutorius, Ruby FinauConversions: Elizabeth Goulden (2)Penalties: Elizabeth Goulden

3 October v Bay of Plenty in Whakatane: Won 69-5Tries: Georgia Daals (3), Timena Tuma’ai (3), Ayesha Leti-Iiga (2), Vaine Masters, Sanita Levave, Joanah Ngan-WooConversions: Elizabeth Goulden (7)

SEMI-FINAL – 10 October v Counties Manakau in Petone: Won 29-23Tries: Moana Solia, Timena Tuma’ai, Jackie Patea, Ayesha Leti-Iiga, Georgia DaalsConversions: Elizabeth Goulden (2)

FINAL – 17 October v Auckland in Hawke’s Bay: Lost 9-39Penalties: Elizabeth Goulden (3)


Wellington Pride Report 2015

2015 was a tough year for all involved. The primary focus for the new

Pride coaches and management was to re-establish our community

relationships with our key stakeholders, our clubs and our schools, their

wider communities and, of course, with our athletes. From all accounts,

the athletes needed to have some faith restored in what our union and

our coaches were offering to the squad.

I believe the Pride staff were able to achieve this through their tireless

commitment to the program and the development and care of our

athletes. We also conducted ourselves with professionalism and pride

in the community when dealing with clubs, officials, media and the

opposition; in this area we were second to none.

The hard yards were done during round one of the club season with

James and Charles visiting two clubs every week, offering support and

guidance to coaches or taking specific sessions that the various club

coaches requested.

The second round saw the Pride running sessions on Tuesday and

Wednesday evenings offering, conditioning and skills sessions, which

brought the players together and allowed them to be challenged as a

high performance squad. These sessions were open to all players and

coaches with Pride staff often remaining for up to an hour after the

sessions sharing ideas.

The squad was selected after a well-structured 3 week trial process

which included one scenario day, one full trial game and a pre-season

game vs the Wellington Samoan squad.

The WPC season was a pleasing campaign in which we were able to

establish ourselves as a serious title contender early, and ultimately

make the final, on the back of some very challenging and character

building games. Losing up to 7 starting players during the course of

the WPC could have been disastrous; however, the culture and the

belief in what the squad was doing gave the Pride a sense of purpose

and drive to succeed.

The player highlights of the WPC were the individual performances by

Georgia Daals and Jackie Patea, two players who really showed their

class and maturity. Also the impact Noeleen Nonu had on the contact

game in the WPC is something we are all excited to see in 2016. Ayesha

Leti-I’iga has also created a stir with her strong running and ability to

break tackles. She has a fearless attitude on defence and, as a 17 year

old, she will take the WPC by storm in 2016.

We would like to congratulate all the girls who have been named to

trial for the Black Ferns in 2016; and we are positive that we will have

more girls involved and ultimately wear the silver fern for years to

come.

Finally, we would like to thank the Wellington Rugby Union for their

wonderful support of the Pride and the athletes in particular. When

we had Earl Va’a and Daren Larsen attend trainings and offer accurate

insight into our approaches and game plans; this was invaluable. The

Pride squad was humbled to have them attend and also acknowledge

that 2015 was the best year for Team-Union relationships which is

pleasing.

Michaela TahereTeam Manager

Wellington Pride


Wellington Women’s Sevens

Wellington Men’s Sevens

Management TeamCoach: Charles Aliva

Assistant Coach: Faavae Tuma’ai

Team Manager: Brett Karipa

Trainer: Anthony Phillips

Physio: Nick Naylor

2015 Squad:Mary Jane Ale, Fa’asua Makisi, Ruby Finau, Aimee Sutorius,

Lizzie Goulden, Agnes Dean, Georgia Daals, Kat Whata-Simpkins,

Timena Tumai’I, Carol Sio, Amanda Rasch, Kauna Lopa

Team RecordNational Tournament – Mount Manganui

Day 1v Canterbury Lost 17-19

v Bay of Plenty Lost 14-19

v Manawatu Lost 5-10

v Taranaki Won 17-7

Day 2v Otago – Plate Playoff Won 31-5

v Canterbury - Plate Semi Final Won 29-0

v Taranaki – Plate Final Won 29-14

Played: 6

Won: 5

Lost: 1

Points for: 157

Points against: 91

Played: 7

Won: 4

Lost: 3

Points for: 142

Points against: 74

7s

Management TeamCoach: Scott Waldrom

Assistant Coach: Sam Rasch

Team Manager: Dean Simpson

Trainer: Duncan Pearce

Physio: Tom McSherry

2015 SquadVaea Fifita, Hayden Schrijvers, Greg Foe, Sheridan Rangihuna, Ambrose Curtis, Tomasi Alosio,

Inoke Rasabale, Matt Peni, Tamati Samuels, Murphy Taramai, Belgium Tuatagaloa, Afa Fa’atau

Team RecordNational Tournament – Mount Manganui

Day 1v Wairarapa-Bush Won 35-12

v North Harbour Won 27-12

v Waikato Won 35-5

Day 2

v Otago – Cup Quarter Final Won 24-17

v Counties-Manukau – Cup Semi Final Won 17-7

v Waikato – Cup Final Lost 19-38


WellingtonDevelopment

Wellington Development

Management TeamHead Coach: Matt Lee

Assistant Coaches: Riki Flutey, Kas Lealamanua, Filo Tiatia

Manager: Grant Wall

Physio: Nick Naylor

Trainer: James Dickie

Team RecordSaturday 5 September v Hawkes Bay Won 26-24

Saturday 12 September v Wellington Samoan Won 50-31

Saturday 19 September v Manawatu Won 18-6

Saturday 26 September v Hawkes Bay Won 54-26

Sunday 4 October v Tasman Won 36-33

Saturday 10 October v Canterbury Colts Lost 21-36

Played: 6

Won: 5

Lost: 1

Points for: 205

Points against: 156

Back Row: Fereti Soloa, Valentine Meachen, Sam Gardner, Gerard Faitotoa, Paddy Hughes, Josh Robertson - Weepu, Nick Naylor (Physio)

Middle Row: Grant Wall (Team Manager) Filo Tiatia (Assistant Coach) Nemani Waka, Teariki Ben-Nicholas, Augustin Escalona, Riki Flutey (Assistant Coach), Ryan Piper (Analyst), Matt Lee (Head Coach)

Front Row: Sheridan Rangihuna, Fa’atonu Fili, Jordan Simpson-Hefft, Hunter Prescott (Vice Captain), Whetu Henry (Captain) Apanui Heemi, Luke Campbell, Matt Goosen

Floor: Harrison Wall (Tee Boy) Arran Lee (Ball Boy)


Wellington U19Played: 8

Won: 6

Lost: 2

Points for: 312

Points against: 116Winners of the Hurricanes Region Under 19 Tournament

Management TeamHead Coach: Paddy Gough, Ray Mac Donald

Assistant Coaches: Bernie Upton, Jacob Ellison

Manager: Dustin Brattle

Physio: Kylie Hughes

Trainer: Duncan Pearce

Team RecordSaturday 15 August v Wairarapa-Bush Development Won 51-0

Saturday 29 August v Tasman U19 Lost 33-41

Saturday 5 September v Hurricanes Barbarians U19 Won 84-0

Saturday 12 September v Hawkes Bay U19 Won 46-5

Saturday 19 September v Manawatu U19 Won 16-7

Monday 28 Sep – Saturday 3 Oct National U19 Tournament Week, Taupo

v Taranaki Lost 10-29

v Auckland A Won 34-23

v North Harbour Won 38-11

U19

Back Row: Piri Paraone, Jarrod Adams, Ale Peni, Paasi Fine, Vern Sosefo, Malo Tuitama, Josh Houston-Tupou, Peter Pili, Lester Maulolo

Middle Row: Willie Holden (video analysis), Delano Morkel, George Taeiloa, Lui Luamanu, Joe Apikotoa, Bradd Forster, Alex Coventry, Daniel Schrijvers, Samoa Momoemausu, Joe Walding-Karaitiana

Front Row: Ray MacDonald (Head Coach), Patrick Fenika, Logan Henry, Aleks Noble-Campbell, Pepesana Patafilo (C), Tao-Roi Lupo, Josh Robertson-Weepu, Kaide McCashin, Dustin Brattle (Manager)


Wellington U18

Wellington Women’s U18

Played: 5

Won: 4

Lost: 1

Points for: 208

Points against: 68

Played: 2

Won: 2

Lost: 0

Points for: 89

Points against: 12

Back Row: Filipe Rayasi (Asst Coach), Keaton Te Amo, Ben Auma-Peseta, Hannon Brighouse, Josh Michael, Reece Plumtree, Jayden Treviranus, Daniel Leone, Sam Fox, Jimmy Hewit

Middle Row: Rachel Duff (Physio), Mike Berry (Manager), Justin Gray (Head Coach), Gus Stone, John Tuia, Junior Foaitua, Tynan Barrett, Brandan Mudzekenyedzi, Tane Tuipulotu (Assistant Coach), Zak Feaunati (Assistant Coach), Kylie Milne (Physio)

Front Row: Foliga Vaalepu-Austin, Penieli Poasa, Ryan Fraser, Ezra Seiuli, Malachai Unasa, Jack Nelson-Murray (Co-Captain), Sitiveni Paogo (Co-Captain), Willie Fine, Folau Vea, Henry Mexted, Zac Donaldson

Back Row: Findlay Siania (Coach) Cheyne Copeland, Christina Lafaele, Taimane Siaosi, Monica Tagoai, Tina Vaaua-Hamlin, Diana Foliaki, Agnes Va’aua (Manager)

Middle Row: Rahera Fiaui, Hope Sa’u, Cathy Alofaifo, Phoenix Collins, Natasha Suailua, Xavier Tusa, Anita Vailalo, Norm Broughton (Head Coach)

Front Row: Diana Oloapu, Brooke Tauaneai, Eve Siania, Georgia Broughton, Julie Tusa, Alia Ah-Far, Talimai Tuimalo. Absent: Siobhan Solofuti, Tyler Bentley, Seine Samau, Shanyah Shenga, Miah Shaw

U18

U18

Team Record29 Aug v Bay of Plenty U18 Won 35-7

12 Sep v Wellington Maori Women Won 54-5

Management TeamCoaches: Norm Broughton

& Findaly Siania

Manager: Agnes Va’aua

Winners of the Trust Bank Shield – Hurricanes Under 18 Region Championship

Management TeamHead Coach: Justin Gray

Assistant Coaches: Tane Tuipolotu

& Zak Feaunati

Manager: Mike Parker

Physio: Michael Ngan Kee

Team Record12 Sep v Wanganui U18 Won 81-0

19 Sep v Wairarapa-Bush U18 Won 46-11

26 Sep v Wellington Samoan U18 Won 18-7

3 Oct v Auckland U18 Lost 10-40

10 Oct v Tasman U18 Won 53-10


Wellington U16A

U16 Development

Played: 5

Won: 5

Lost: 0

Points for: 194

Points against: 75

Played: 6

Won: 5

Lost: 1

Points for: 210

Points against: 87

Back Row: Mike Ngan Kee (Physiotherapist), Todd Svenson, Billy Proctor, Meinrad Fitisimanu, Tama Kapene, Jack Wright, Andre Hart, Jasper Stone, Bronson Aiono

Middle Row: Lance Ehu (Assistant Manager), Mike Parker (Manager), Daniel Brown, Ethan McQuinlan, Werdna Maligi, Naitoa Ah Kuoi (Vice Captain), Rodney So’olialo (Assistant Coach), Willie Leota (Assistant Coach), Justin Wilson (Head Coach)

Front Row: Matiu Samuel, Desmond Matofai, Tommy Prescott, Tai Neli, Kainoa Wimutu (Captain), Adrian Seumanufagai, Michael Martin, Adam Tone, William Rua

Back Row: Brendon Carter (manager), Moala Katoa, Keelan Whitman, Tobias Makisi, Reuban Va’a, Tisi Finau, Ngatama Maruwai

Middle Row: Michael Ngan Kee (Physiotherapist), Danny Merito (Manager), Mellennium Leota, Mitchell Stringer, Emin Kaya, Mason Malagama’ali’i (Head Coach), Garry Archer (Forwards Coach), Kent Harris (Physiotherapist)

Front Row: Tom Hoskins, Stone Robinson-Warren, Denzel Leota, Mitchell Bull-Elvines, Sam Green (Captain), Isalei Pouvalu (Vice Captain), Tanara Haenga, Tom Lynn

U16A

U16 Dev

Winners of the Don Broughton Shield – Hurricanes Region Under 16 A Championship

Management TeamHead Coach: Justin WilsonAssistant Coaches: Willie Leota & Rodney So’oialo

Manager: Mike Parker

Team Record5 Sept v Wairarapa-Bush Under 18 Won 26-2412 Sept v Wgtn Under 16 Development Won 29-1728 Sept – 1 Oct Hurricanes Under 16 Tournamentv Manawatu Won 50-0, v Hawkes Bay Won 35-34v Poverty Bay Won 54-0

Management TeamCoach: Mason Malagama’ali’iAssistant Coaches: Garry Archer & James BaileyManager: Brendon Carter

Physio: Kent Harris

Team Record5 Sept v Wairarapa-Bush Under 16 Won 42-1712 Sept v Wellington Under 16A Lost 17-2919 Sept v Horowhenua-Kapiti Won 28-528 Sept – 1 Oct Hurricanes Under 16 Tournament v Hawkes Bay Development Won 53-5v Wairarapa-Bush Won 43-7v Wanganui Won 27-24


Wellington Maori

Wellington Samoan

Management TeamCoach: Andrew Wharakura

Assistant Coach: Jo Hopkins

Team Manager: Tane Landon-Lane, Clinton Whiu

2015 SquadForwards: Apa Hemi, Jonathan Fuimaono, Whetu Henry, Apirana McMillian-Parata, Hemi Hermanis,

Gabe Papuni, Tuakana Metuarau, Sam Wasley, TJ Fermanis, Tane McMillan-Parata, Rakaai Maxwell,

Ryan Nepia, Jamie Norman, Mike Cromie, Eugene Smith, Dean Popata, Mykel Herewini, Morgan Poi,

Kenny Anderson, Jarrod Burnett, Manessa Wineera, Te Ariki Kie Tonga

Backs: Jared Kahu, James Proctor, Greg Mullany, Jared Henry, Marvin Karawana, Te Wehi Wright,

Mike Williams, Trevor Marama, Randell Bishop, Tu Umaga-Marshall, Ambrose Curtis,

Frankie Bryant, Andrew Ellis, Tiwi Davies, Kewa McMillian-Parata, Keanau Moran, Sean Hay,

TK Bishop, Ross Taurima, Andrew Hanara

Team RecordFestival of Rugby (Winners)v Wellington Suburbs Lost 36 – 41

v Wellington City Won 36 – 31

v Wellington Samoan Won 32 – 31

Maori Campaign Tirikatene Challenge v Canterbury Maori Lost 24 – 28 (Tirikatene Challenge)

v Tasman Maori Win 94 – 17

Management TeamCoach: Alex Tai Weimer

Assistant Coach: Stradford Adams, Stuart Holden

Team Managers: Pati Gagau

2015 SquadForwards: Jacob Taituave, Zeke Sopoaga, Daley Ena, Tamilo Va’a,

Josh To’omaga, Galu Taufale, James Tuiatua, Lucky Tuiatua, Eli Hunt,

Nu’u Lene, Pago Haine, Josh Hunt, Greg Lealofi

Backs: Ken Kapeli, Nua Fono Hunt, Teru Time, Ben Tuiatua, Ryan Setefano,

Faresa Tasele, Joyner Key, Konelio Feaunati, Jeff Makapelu,

Lawrence Lotovale

Team Record8 August v Wairarapa Bush Won 47 - 29

15 August v Wellington Suburbs Won 41 - 31

22 August v Wellington City Won 26 - 24

29 August v Wellington Maori Lost 31 – 32

Central Region Development XV Competition 201512 September v Wellington Development Lost 31 – 50

19 September v Hawkes Bay Saracens Lost 7 – 44

26 September v Manawatu Lost 29 -22

Played: 7

Won: 3

Lost: 4

Played: 5

Won: 3

Lost: 2

Maori

Samoan


Wellington Secondary Schools Rugby

2015 was another dominant year for our young people playing rugby

at college level. We saw many achievements in both girls’ and boys’

rugby including the continuing increase in girls’ registration numbers,

as well as rugby continuing to be the dominant winter sport played by

Wellington boys.

Our elite teams did Wellington proud. Most notably, Scots College

came 3rd at the Sanix World Rugby Youth Invitational Tournament, and

eight players were selected in the 2015 NZ Schools Team.

Wellington players selected for 2015 New Zealand Schools

Alex Fidow, Peter Umaga- Jensen, Thomas Umaga-Jensen

(Scots College), Asafo Aumua, Losi Filipo (St Patrick’s College,

Silverstream), Ben Power (Hutt International Boys School),

Xavier Numia (St Patrick’s College, Kilbirnie),

Kemara Hauiti- Parapara (Wellington College).

Wellington players selected for 2015 NZ Schools Barbarians

Josh Brown (St Patrick’s College, Silverstream).

The Tranzit 1st XV Festival was once again firmly embedded as a key

fixture on the college calendar. The festival, organised by WSSRU,

provides more meaningful competition games for our Top 4 1st XVs

at the start of the season. This year saw St Patrick’s College Kilbirnie,

Scots College, St Patrick’s Silverstream and Wellington College square

off against the top Hurricanes schools in the Super 8 Competition:

Gisborne, Hastings, Napier and Palmerston North Boys’ High Schools.

The WelTec Premiership 1st XV final was played at Porirua Park in front

of approximately 2500 people. Scots College, who were unbeaten

during the regular season, were unable to maintain their run of form

against St Patrick’s College, Kilbirnie. St Patrick’s College won 19 – 8 and

gained their first Premiership title in 20 years. Both teams met again

three weeks later in the final of the Hurricanes 1st XV Competition, and

this time, Scots College won the encounter 23-19 as well as a ticket

to National Top 4 finals. Scots College then beat Otago Boys in the

semi-final before losing in the final to Rotorua Boys 36-27. While not

winning, it was a fantastic effort to get to the final for the 2nd year in a

row and topped off a great season.

The WSSRU College Rugby Finals’ Day was another great success with

12 division finals being played at St Patrick’s College, Silverstream.

Thanks to Principal, Gerard Tully, and the Director of Sport, Warrick

Bowden, for their continued support of the game which enabled this

day to be a true festival of rugby in the region.

Wellington Championship winners were:

WelTec Premiership St Patrick’s College, Kilbirnie

Premier 2 Bishop Viard College

Premier 3 Wainuiomata High School

Premier 4 St Patrick’s College, Silverstream 3rd XV

Premier 5 St Patrick’s College, Kilbirnie 3rd XV

Under 15 Div 1 St Patrick’s College, Silverstream

Under 15 Div 2 St Patrick’s College, Kilbirnie B

Under 15 Div 3 St Bernard’s College

Under 80kg St Patrick’s College, Silverstream

Under 65 kg Div 1 St Patrick’s College, Silverstream

Under 65 kg Div 2 Scot’s College

Under 55 kg Div 1 St Patrick’s College, Silverstream

Under 55 kg Div 2 Rongotai College

Girls Premier 1 Aotea College

Girls Premier 2 St Mary’s College

Condor Regional Rugby 7’s

Boys Cup St Patrick’s College, Kilbirnie

Girls Cup St Mary’s College

Under 15 7’s

Boys Cup St Patrick’s College, Silverstream

The girls’ competition continued to excel in 2015, with 18 teams from

17 different colleges taking part in college competition. The Premier

1 Girls final at Porirua Park produced a nail biter, with Aotea College

winning a close encounter 30-29 against Wainuiomata High School.

Wainuiomata scored a try on full time only to miss the wide conversion

for the win. The excitement of this game shows the talent we have at

the girls’ level and highlighted how the girls’ game can only continue

to grow.

Bishop Viard College 1st XV also had a fantastic season. Despite

narrowly missing out on making the Premiership, this team went on

to win almost every trophy they could including the Co-ed Cup, Beard

Trophy and the Premier 2 title. Two of their players, Foliga Vallepu-

Austin (121 points) and Roy Maiava (12 Tries), won the top point scorer

and top try scorer award respectively.

Sevens continued to be popular for both girls and boys with several

tournaments held after the XVs season. In the Condor Regional

Qualifiers, St Patrick’s College, Kilbirnie beat St Patrick’s College,

Silverstream 34-19 in the final of the boys to claim the Christian Cullen

Cup; however both finalists progressed through to Condor Nationals.


For the girls, a young St Mary’s team beat Wainuiomata 27-14 and

booked their place at the nationals where they went on to win the

Bowl Final.

The WSSRU, through College Sport and in partnership with St Patrick’s

College, Silverstream, organised the Hurricanes Under 15 Tournament

again. This tournament gives local colleges the chance to play against

other schools throughout the region and further afield. St Patrick’s

College, Silverstream took out the tournament for the 2nd year in row

winning 54-7 over Manukura, and showed why they have one of the

best Under 15 programmes in the country.

At the College Sport Awards, Peter Umaga-Jensen (Scots College)

and Ayesha Leti-I’iga (Porirua College) were named as College Sport

Wellington Rugby Players of the Year. This topped off a great year for

both players. Peter was named captain of the 2015 NZ Schools team,

while Ayesha was a regular on the wing for the Wellington Pride and

named in the Black Ferns Training Squad.

On behalf of all schools we would like to thank the Wellington Rugby

Referees Association (WRRA), for their contribution to make sure we

have a game for our youth. WSSRU would like to thank all Rugby

Convenors and RAIS’s for their valued contribution to the promotion of

the game within their school and to the managers and coaches of the

teams for their on-going commitment to youth rugby.

Our special thanks go to the directors and personnel of the Wellington

Rugby Football Union and their RDOs for their ongoing support.

Additionally to Mike Dilnott for his work as the Complaints Review

Officer and our local judicial chairs, Grant Jones, Rob Anderson, Craig

Johnson, and Martin Isberg.

Finally, a big thank you to Dave Mackenzie; he has been an integral

part of college rugby for the past four years. Many of the initiatives he

created before moving on from College Sport Wellington have helped

develop the game at college level in Wellington and will continue to

do so for years to come.

2015 Wellington Schools Executive:

Chairman: Martin Isberg (Wainuiomata High School)

Secretary: David Fa’atafa (College Sport Wellington)

Treasurer: Martin Isberg (Wainuiomata High School)

Executive: Richard Anderton (Aotea College)

Tim Fox (Hutt Valley High School)

Justin Gray (Rongotai College)

Darrell Harvey (Wellington College)

John Hornal (College Sport Wellington)

Scott Maclean (WRRA)

Rick Whatarau (WRFU).

David Fa’atafaSecretary

Wellington Secondary Schools Rugby Union


Junior Rugby Advisory Board

Chairman: Sunil Surujpal

Board: Tammy Ferreira (Deputy Chair)

Anna Sage

David Fa’atafa

Kane Mokomoko

Perenise Ropeti

Wellington Junior Rugby has had a successful 2015 season despite

a slight decrease in player and team numbers. The Junior Rugby

programme, with the same key elements as in 2014, was delivered

across the region. This included an Intra-Provincial Tournament, an

U13 Regional Representative Programme, the Berryman Cup and our

regular Saturday season. Once again, the commitment and enthusiasm

of the club volunteers, the WRFU RDOs and club administrators has

meant that we have been able to deliver

a successful season for our players.

In 2015, the highlights were:

• A low cancellation rate of games throughout the season.

• Continuation of the Gareth Head Leadership Clinic for

approximately 238 players from all clubs across the region, along

with 40 volunteers coaches and trainers.

• A successful Interzone Tournament held at Maidstone Park with

Hutt Valley winning the U13 grade and Hutt Valley and Western

Bays sharing the U12 grade title.

• A successful U13 Regional programme run by Dale Wall, Murray

Sullivan and their team; who this year sought more competitive

games for the development of players. This resulted in three

games against smaller provincial unions’ U14, and for the first time,

a game against a formidable Auckland team.

The WRFU leadership/governance review have resulted in a positive

outcome for Junior Rugby. With the split in the Hurricanes and WRFU

CEO positions, there has been an increased focus on Community

Rugby and therefore on Junior Rugby. We expect to see this change

bear fruit in the 2016 season.

While the season was successfully delivered, three significant issues

arose during the season:

1. Negative side-line behaviour

There were increased reports of negative side-line behaviour

from coaches and supporters. These were addressed with Junior

Clubs during the season and further work is continuing to

educate coaches, players and volunteers on appropriate side-line

behaviour. It is worth noting that the WRFU intends to take a

zero-tolerance position on this issue in the future.

2. Advancement of the strategic priorities

The majority of these were not able to be advanced due lack of

capacity from the Board and WRFU. There was agreement from

WRFU that the level of funding for Junior Rugby would remain

consistent for the next three seasons.

The Board has also confirmed that the player levy would

continue indefinitely to support the U13 Regional Representative

Programme. These changes have allowed the Board to plan for

a consistent programme for the next three years. To address the

capacity issue, WRFU has created a Junior Rugby Administrator role

which will be part time. This also supports the wider Community

Rugby activities.

3. Participation of the Paraparaumu and Waikanae

Junior Clubs

The current agreement expired at the end of 2015. Following

significant discussion between the Horowhenua-Kapiti Union,

the two Junior Clubs, WRFU and NZRU, there has been an

agreement-in-principle to indefinitely allow the two clubs to

participate in our Junior Rugby programme. This is expected to

be ratified in early 2016.

Mention must be made of the effort Will Caccia-Birch and his team

(Rick Whatarau, RDOs’ and WRFU Office) have put into Junior Rugby.

The continual search of new ways to improve the delivery of rugby to

our youth is outstanding and not enough can be said of the job they

do to upskill both players and coaches at a junior level.

In closing, I would like to thank my fellow board members: Tammy

Ferreira, Anna Sage, Perenise Ropeti, David Fa’atafa and Kane

Mokomoko, who have helped deliver rugby to our junior players. It

is not always an easy job but thank you for giving up your time and

helping with the delivery of junior rugby in the Wellington region.

Sunil SurujpalChairman

Junior Rugby Advisory Board


Wellington Rugby Referees’ Association

The winning of the RWC dominated this past season along with the

Hurricanes run in the Super 15.

Wellington referees were represented at Super Rugby level by Mike

Fraser and Ben O’Keeffe. In December Ben was also officially appointed

to the High Performance Referee Panel for 2016. Both were referees

during the ITM Cup season.

Richard Gordon and Vincent Ringrose were named in the Development

Squad and had appointments at the Heartland Championship level

which culminated in a semi-final appointment for Richard. Earlier in the

year, Richard also represented the WRRA at the Hong Kong 7’s and 10’s

tournament, which is associated with the International tournament,

and he went on to assist at the World Series Hong Kong Sevens.

Finally, we also had Nick Hogan selected in the Wider Training Group

and refereed at other representative level games which culminated in

him being selected for the National U19 tournament in Taupo.

At club level, the Premier competition had increased to 14 teams

and thus there was a need to provide 7 premier level referees each

weekend. Inevitable injuries and non-availabilities meant that a

number of our up-and-coming referees were given appointments at

that level and, in the main performed admirably, gaining invaluable

experience for next season and beyond.

One of the aims of the WRRA is to develop as many of our referees

to Premier and representative level as we can. We do this via a team

of dedicated coaches, plus a national/international interchange

programme which is designed to expose referees to differing

environments, players and coaches. We have 3-4 interchange

weekends per season and we ask for club support and understanding

for what this programme achieves.

Initial concerns about our numbers and the ability to provide referees

for all club and college competitive grades did not really eventuate.

Recruitment and retention are on-going annual issues for us and we

really need a number of ex-players to join us. In other provinces, these

types of recruits commonly progress through the levels very quickly

due to their knowledge and feel for the game. We appreciate that a

full-time commitment may not be convenient for some, and as such

we want to ensure the message in the rugby community is that you

can referee how often and where you would like.

Along with that, we believe the Associate Referee programme is vital

and that most clubs should ensure a number of their members in

lower grade teams are completing the course so that teams always

have a referee available.

Referee abuse, at all its levels, is still evident in our club game and

although we have a judicial process for some of it, we believe our

clubs and colleges can do a lot more in actively promoting a safe

environment for referees. This can be achieved through the “self-

monitoring” of players, coaches, managers, but and particularly of

supporters. We are all in this game together and this kind of support

would go a long way to assisting us in retaining our referees.

Financial support through donations and sponsorship is obviously

vital to us operating and supplying referees at the necessary levels and

unfortunately, we lost our principal sponsor during the past season.

We will be looking to the rugby community for support in the coming

season and beyond.

A big thank you to the team at the WRFU for all their support during

the 2015 season, our sponsor and alliance partners, particularly BLK,

PWMC, Gripfast and also Petone RFC and Paremata Plimmerton RFC

who both supplied us with rooms for our ancillary meetings and our

Annual Awards Dinner.

To all our members who volunteered throughout 2015, thank you yet

again. With an extended 7’s tournament programme many members

and coaches are involved right throughout the entire year. And to

everyone in the rugby community who personally thanked and

supported a referee, you have our appreciation as this also goes a

long way in referees enjoying what they do and in the WRRA retaining

referees.

Ian DallasChairman

Wellington Rugby Referees’ Association


Club Competitions: 2015 Grade Winners

PREMIER GRADE

Division One 1st round Swindale Shield Hutt Old Boys Marist

2nd round Jubilee Cup Old Boys University

2nd round (round robin) Andy Leslie Trophy Old Boys University

Division Two 2nd round Hardham Cup Upper Hutt Rams

PREMIER RESERVE GRADE

Division One 1st round Harper Lock Shield Tawa

2nd round Ed Chaney Cup Old Boys University

Division Two 2nd round H D Morgan Memorial Cup Oriental-Rongotai

FIRST GRADE

Division One 1st round Thompson Memorial Cup Petone Brotherhood

2nd round Johnsonville Centennium Cup Petone Saxons

UNDER 21 GRADE

Division One 1st round Paris Memorial Trophy Old Boys University Green

2nd round John E Kelly Memorial Cup Hutt Old Boys Marist

Division Two 2nd round Vic Calcinai Memorial Cup Not Awarded

Division Three 2nd round Eric Connolly Trophy Not Awarded

Division Four James Gilbert Memorial Trophy Avalon Wolves

85KG RESTRICTED GRADE

Division One 1st round JC Bowl Tawa

2nd round Paul Potiki Memorial Shield Tawa

Division Two 1st round Phillip Wiggins Trophy Johnsonville

2nd round Tony O’Brien Shield Stokes Valley

RESERVE GRADE

Division One 1st round Mike Copeland Trophy Poneke Ruffnuts

2nd round John Davies Cup Poneke Ruffnuts

2nd round Allan Seerup Cup Upper Hutt Rams Pirates

WOMEN’S

Division One 1st round Fleurs Trophy Northern United

2nd round Victoria Tavern Trophy Northern United

Division Two 2nd round Wainuiomata

POST SEASON TOURNAMENTS

American Ambassador’s Trophy Sevens Series Mens Upper Hutt Rams

American Ambassador’s Trophy Sevens Series Colts Upper Hutt Rams

American Ambassador’s Trophy Sevens Series Womens Oriental-Rongotai

Open Invitational Sevens Tournament Mens Upper Hutt Rams

Open Invitational Sevens Tournament Womens Oriental-Rongotai

CLUB AWARDS

DEWAR SHIELD 1 Old Boys University

(Total Points) 2 Poneke

3 Upper Hutt Rams

SIR WILLIAM PERRY MEMORIAL TROPHY 1 Stokes Valley

(Average Points Per Team) 2 Petone

3 Hutt Old Boys Marist

GRIFFITHS MEMORIAL TROPHY* 1 Petone Premier Reserve

(Team highest average points per team) 2 Wellington Premier Reserve

3 Petone Colts

JUNIOR MERIT AWARD 1 Petone

2 Hutt Old Boys Marist

3 Wellington


WRFU Men’s Premier Division OneJubilee Cup Winners 2015: Old Boys University Rugby Football Club

WRFU Women’s CompetitionVictoria Tavern Trophy Winners 2015: Northern United Rugby Football Club

Back Row: B Houlahan (Assistant Manager), J Little (Coach), A Scott, T Fleming, A Escalona, T Ben-Nicholas, M Poi, A Hill, J Williams (Assistant Coach), J Dickie (Strength & Conditioning Coach), D Loveridge (Club RDO)

Middle Row: R Duff (Physio), P Gough (Assistant Coach), E Sopoaga, J Johnson, M Clarke, A Barendregt, J Hill, D Tusitala, P Gagau (Manager), W Holden (Video Analyst) Front Row: L Campbell, M Franklin, F Kerr-Newell, I Kennedy (Co-Captain), J Beech (Co-Captain), S Simonsen, L Vaughan, T Palu, W GoosenInset: Lefl- Top to bottom: J Fuimaono, S Chamberlain, H Buick, M Chalmers, L Doherty, J Bourke, T Brown Right- Top to bottom: D Keith (Management Support), T Wright, H van Vliet, J Waddel, L Kemp, Z Power, S Manu Absent: C Armstrong, B Dickson, M Fowler, H Galo, H Gibbons, B May, M O’Connor, N Redward, D Thompson, Y Uchida, E Williams-Stewart

Back Row: Ngarangi David, Vaine Marsters, Jodeci Rere, Edwina Ulberg, Lekah Leti, Lisa Karaka, Lita Letoga, Jessika AkaviMiddle Row: Matt Poutoa (Head Coach), Mareena Conley (Manager), Tangi Leota, Michaela Smith, Tina Kelemete, Tina Paulo, Phoenix Collins, Ellis Taraeka, Dawn

Patelesio (Assistant Coach)Front Row: Leah Conley, Moana Aiatu, Tiana Collins, Agnes Dean (V.Captain), Helen Collins (Captain), Brenda Collins, Sanita Levave, Patsy SchwalgerBall Boys/Girls: Tai Collins, Brianna Dean, April Tavita, Aria Samia, Ota CollinsAbsent: Mau Tavita, Epi Anamani, Jamie McIntosh, Molly Maligi, Lagi Faifua, Caitlin O’Keefe, Susan Apap

Photo courtesy of Kat Grooby Photography


Bill Brien Challenge CupComing into the 2015 season Upper Hutt Rams held the Bill Brien

Cup. They lost it on their second challenge to Hutt Old Boys Marist

in week four. Hutt Old Boys Marist then beat Petone, Marist St Pats

and Johnsonville before losing it to Poneke 28-50 in week nine of

the Swindale Shield. Poneke successfully retained the trophy for the

remainder of 2015 beating Wainuiomata in week 10 of the Swindale

Shield, and Johnsonville, Petone B, Northern United and Tawa B in the

Hardham Cup.

Gary Hilsdon Challenge CupIntroduced in 2015, the Gary Hilsdon Challenge Cup was designed to

invigorate competition amongst women’s teams in round robin. It was

decided that the cup should first be played for between 2014 Victoria

Tavern Trophy Winners Oriental-Rongotai, and Gary’s club Old Boys

University. Oriental-Rongotai won this match, and retained the trophy

for the first four weeks, before losing it to Northern United in week five.

Northern United managed to successfully retain the trophy for the

remainder of 2015.

DisciplinaryPerhaps the most telling statistic, in contrast to the 2014 season, is that

the Judicial Committee were called upon to adjudicate on the cases

of 22 red cards issued in the current season, compared to 35 in the

previous season.

Perhaps one feature, which may appear as a trend, is the number

of interclub complaints that call for adjudication on matters such as

player eligibility, etc., with this year’s number being eight compared to

nine in 2014, with only one in 2013. Overall then, there appears to be

less on-field foul play occupying our time and more issues that have

their origins off the field (and on the sideline, including misconduct on

the part of coaching/administrative staff ) coming to our attention.

Finally, pleasingly the statistic to note from this season is a decrease

in the level of referee abuse overall. We can but hope that this is a

continuing trend . The quality of competition within the game we

love is completely dependent upon those who volunteer to do this, at

times, difficult and demanding job.

Obituaries 2015Ian Uttley (Wellington College, Wellington Representative 1961-65, 68)

Died 15 September 2015

Allan Young (WRRA Life Member since 1981)

Died 10 April 2015

Jerry Collins (Northern United, Wellington Representative 1999-2007)

Died 5 June 2015

Dr Dave Velvin (Team Doctor for Hurricanes and Wellington Lions)

Died 6 October 2015

Misiluni Moananu (Poneke, Wellington Representative 1998)

Died 10 November 2015

Jonah Lomu (Wainuiomata, Wellington Representative 2000-03)

Died 18 November 2015


Wellington Rugby Football Union (Incorporated)Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the Year Ended 31 December 2015

Contents

Auditor’s Report 34

Statement of Comprehensive Income 35

Statement of Changes in Equity 36

Statement of Financial Position 37

Notes to the Financial Statements 38


A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited

Chartered Accountants

Independent Auditor's Report

To the Members of Wellington Rugby Football Union (Incorporated)

Report on the Financial Statements

We have audited the financial statements of the Wellington Rugby Football Union (Incorporated) (‘the Union’) and its subsidiaries (‘group’) on pages 35 to 44, which comprise the statement of financial position of the Union and group as at 31 December 2015, and the statement of comprehensive income and statement of changes in equity for the year then ended of the Union and group, and a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information.

This report is made solely to the Union’s members, as a body, in accordance with the Union’s Constitution. Our audit has been undertaken so that we might state to the Union’s members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Union and the Union’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Directors’ Responsibility for the Financial Statements

The directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements, in accordance with generally accepted accounting practice in New Zealand and that give a true and fair view of the matters to which they relate, and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

Auditor's Responsibility

Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial statements based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (New Zealand). These auditing standards require that we comply with relevant ethical requirements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free from material misstatement.

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The procedures selected, depend on our judgement, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, we have considered the internal control relevant to the entity’s preparation of the financial statements that give a true and fair view of the matters to which they relate in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements.

We believe we have obtained sufficient and appropriate audit evidence to provide a basis for our audit opinion.

We provide agreed upon procedures to the Union in relating to its satisfaction of reporting obligations to grants it receives. We have no other relationship with, or interest in the Union.

Partners and employees of our firm may deal with the Union on normal terms within the ordinary course of trading activities of the business of the Union.

Opinion

In our opinion, the financial statements on pages 35 to 44:

► comply with generally accepted accounting practice in New Zealand; and

► fairly present the financial position of the Union and group as at 31 December 2015 and the financial performance of the Union and group for the year then ended.

14 March 2016 Wellington


Statement of Comprehensive IncomeFor the Year Ended 31 December 2015

Group Parent

Note 2015 2014 2015 2014

Revenue

Operating Revenue 2 5,475,996 7,083,164 2,024,976 2,173,884

Beneficiary Income - - - 522,918

Interest Income 22,839 48,722 10,513 36,222

Total Operating Revenue $5,498,835 $7,131,886 $2,035,489 $2,733,024

Expenses

Expenses 3 7,018,775 7,508,578 3,111,991 3,222,772

Total Expenses $7,018,775 $7,508,578 $3,111,991 $3,222,772

Operating Surplus/(Deficit) before Profit/ (Loss) of Associate,

Tax & Depreciation $(1,519,940) $(376,692) $(1,076,502) $(489,748)

Share of Profit/(Loss) of an Associate 10 304,055 (50,173) 304,055 (50,173)

Operating Surplus/(Deficit) before Tax & Depreciation (1,215,885) (426,865) (772,447) (539,921)

Depreciation & Amortisation 6 275,480 286,156 275,480 286,156

Income Tax Expense 4 - - - -

Net Surplus/(Deficit) after Tax & Depreciation $(1,491,365) $(713,021) $(1,047,925) $(826,077)

Total Comprehensive Income $(1,491,365) $(713,021) $(1,047,927) $(826,077)

The notes on pages 38 to 44 should be read in conjunction with these financial statements


Statement of Changes in Equity For the Year Ended 31 December 2015

Group Parent

Note 2015 2014 2015 2014

Opening Equity 4,564,453 5,277,474 4,451,498 5,277,575

Net Surplus After Income Tax (1,491,365) (713,021) (1,047,927) (826,077)

Total Comprehensive Income for the year (1,491,365) (713,021) (1,047,927) (826,077)

Closing Equity $3,073,088 $4,564,453 $3,403,571 $4,451,498



Statement of Financial Position As at 31 December 2015

Group Parent

Note 2015 2014 2015 2014

Current Assets

Cash and Cash Equivalents 393,949 1,640,705 234,982 642,596

Trade Receivables and Prepayments 5 807,407 860,867 497,772 1,412,662

Loans to Affiliated Clubs - Current Portion 12 6,250 6,250 6,250 6,250

Total Current Assets 1,270,066 2,507,822 739,004 2,061,508

Non Current Assets

Loans to Affiliated Clubs - Non Current Portion 12 5,208 11,458 5,208 11,458

Investment in Subsidiaries 9 - - 100 100

Investments in Associates 10 1,811,974 1,507,919 1,811,974 1,507,919

Property, Plant and Equipment 6 1,729,516 1,893,157 1,729,516 1,893,157

Intangible Assets 6 21,056 23,427 21,056 23,427

Total Non-Current Assets 3,567,754 3,435,961 3,567,854 3,436,061

Total Assets $4,838,360 $5,943,783 $4,306,858 $5,497,569

Current Liabilities

Trade Creditors and Accruals 7 1,256,272 779,330 403,287 446,071

Liability owing to Associates 10 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000

Total Current Liabilities 1,365,272 879,330 503,287 546,071

Non Current Liabilities

Liability owing to Associates 10 400,000 500,000 400,000 500,000

Total Non-Current Liabilities 400,000 500,000 400,000 500,000

Equity

Retained Earnings 3,073,088 4,564,453 3,403,571 4,451,498

Total Liabilities and Equity $4,838,360 $5,943,783 4,306,858 5,497,569

For and on behalf of the Board, which authorised the issue of the financial statements on 8 March 2016.

Director Director Date


14 – 03 – 2016


Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ending 31 December 2015

1 Statement of Accounting Policies

Reporting Entity

The financial statements of Wellington Rugby Football Union Incorporated (WRFU) for the year ended 31 December 2015 were authorised for issue

in accordance with a resolution of the directors on 8 March 2016. WRFU is a society incorporated under the Incorporated Societies Act 1908. Its

registered office is 113 Adelaide Road, Newtown, Wellington.

The “Group” consists of WRFU (the “Parent”) and its subsidiaries.

The financial statements are presented in New Zealand dollars.

Statement of Compliance

The Group financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Practices in New Zealand (“NZ GAAP”).

They comply with New Zealand Equivalents to International Financial Reporting Standards (“NZ IFRS”) as appropriate for public benefit entities that

qualify for differential reporting concessions.

Measurement Base

The accounting principles recognised as appropriate for the measurement and reporting of financial performance and financial position on

a historical cost basis are followed by WRFU.

Classification

Certain reclassifications may have been made to prior year amounts in order to be consistent with current year presentation.

Specific Accounting Policies

The following specific accounting policies which materially affect the measurement of financial performance and the financial position have been

applied:

a) Basis of Consolidation. The consolidated financial statements include the parent entity WRFU and its subsidiary Wellington Rugby Limited

(trading as Wellington Rugby Trust) for the year ended 31 December 2015 using the purchase method. Subsidiaries are entities in which the

WRFU has the capacity to determine the financing and operating policies and from which it has an entitlement to significant ownership

benefits. The effects of all significant inter-entity transactions between entities that have been consolidated are eliminated on consolidation.

In the Parent’s financial statements investment in the subsidiary is recognised at cost.

b) Investment in Associates. The Group’s investment in its associates are accounted for using the equity method. The associates are entities over

which the Group has significant influence and that is neither a subsidiary nor a joint venture.

Under the equity method, investments in associates are carried in the consolidated statement of financial position at cost plus post-acquisition

changes in the Group’s share of net assets of the associates. After application of the equity method, the Group determines whether it is

necessary to recognise any impairment loss with respect to the Group’s net investment in its associates.

The Group’s share of its associate’s post-acquisition profits or losses are recognised in the statement of comprehensive income, and its share

of post-acquisition movements in reserves is recognised in reserves. The cumulative post-acquisition movements are adjusted against the

carrying amount of the investment. Distributions receivable from associates are recognised in the parent entity’s income statement, while in

the consolidated financial statements they reduce the carrying amount of the investment.

When the Group’s share of losses in an associate equals or exceeds its interest in the associate, including any unsecured long-term receivables

and loans, the Group does not recognise further losses, unless it has incurred obligations or made payments on behalf of the associate.

The associates accounting policies conform to those used by the Group for like transactions and events in similar circumstances.


c) Plant, Property and Equipment. All items of plant, property and equipment are recorded at cost less aggregate depreciation and impairment

losses. Depreciation is provided on all items of plant, property and equipment. Depreciation rates used to allocate an item’s cost less estimated

residual value over their estimated useful lives are:

Training Centre 5.26% SL

Office Furniture & Equipment 9.5-40% DV

Training Equipment 10-40% DV

Computer Hardware 40% DV

Vehicles 16-20% DV

Stadium Assets/VIP Lounge 10% DV

Miscellaneous 10-40% DV

d) Intangible Assets. Intangible assets comprise of computer software and website development costs.

Computer software and website development costs are stated at cost less accumulated amortisation and impairment losses. Amortisation is

calculated on a straight line basis over the useful life of the asset (3 years).

e) Impairment. At each reporting date, the Group reviews the carrying amounts of its assets to determine whether there is any indication that

those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to

determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any). Where the asset does not generate cash flows that are independent from other assets, the

Group estimates the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs.

Recoverable amount is the higher of the fair value less costs to sell and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows

are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the

risks specific to the asset for which the estimates of future cash flows have not been adjusted.

If the recoverable amount of an asset is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset is reduced to its

recoverable amount. An impairment loss is recognised as an expense immediately.

f ) Leases. The Group leases certain buildings, equipment and vehicles. Operating lease payments, where the lessors effectively retain substantially

all the risks and benefits of ownership of the lease items, are included in the determination of the net surplus in equal instalments over the

lease term.

g) GST. Items of income and expenditure are stated exclusive of Goods and Services Tax.

h) Revenue. The Group operating revenue comprises income from sponsorship, the provision of services, grants and interest income. Sponsorship

received in kind is recorded in the statement of comprehensive income as income with a corresponding recognition of expenditure, based on

fair value.

Match and event management income are recognised in the accounting period in which the services are rendered, by reference to completion

of the specific event in which services are provided.

Grants are recognised in the statement of comprehensive income when the requirements under the grant agreement have been met. Any

grants for which the requirements under the grant agreement have not been met are carried as liabilities until all conditions have been fulfilled.

Interest income is recognised as interest accrues using the effective interest method.

i) Differential Reporting. The Group qualifies for differential reporting because it is not publicly accountable and there is no separation between

the owners and the governing body. The Group has taken advantage of all available differential reporting exemptions, except for the

exemption available in NZ IAS 18 that permits qualifying entities to recognise revenue and expenses on a GST inclusive basis.

j) Income Tax. WRFU is exempt from income tax as a promoter of amateur sport, under section CB4(1)(h) of the Income Tax Act 1994. The

Wellington Rugby Trust is a taxable entity and income tax (where applicable) is calculated using the taxes payable method and is determined

using tax rules. Under the taxes payable method, the income tax expense charged to the statement of comprehensive income is equal to the

income tax payable for the same period.

k) Cash and Cash Equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents comprise of short-term highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to a known

amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value.

l) Trade Receivables. Trade receivables, loans and other receivables are measured at amortised cost less impairment. Appropriate allowances for

estimated amounts are recognised in the statement of comprehensive income when there is objective evidence that an asset is impaired.

Notes to the Financial Statements – ContinuedFor the Year Ended 31 December 2015


m) Trade creditors. Trade creditors and accruals represent liabilities for goods and services provided prior to year end, which are unpaid. These are

unsecured and usually settled within 30 days of recognition. Trade payables are recognised initially at fair value and subsequently measured at

amortised cost using the effective interest method.

n) Employee Entitlements. Provision is made for benefits accruing to employees in respect of salaries and annual leave when it is probable that

settlement will be required and they are capable of being measured reliably. Provisions made in respect of employee benefits expected to be

settled within 12 months are measured using the remuneration rate expected to be applied at the time of settlement.

o) The accounting policies and disclosures have been applied consistently to all periods presented in these financial statements. There are no

standards issued not yet effective which are expected to impact on the financial statements of the entity.

2 Operating Revenue

Group Parent

2015 2014 2015 2014

Match Income 380,247 675,559 - -

Sponsorship and Hospitality 1,783,806 2,506,671 140,696 171,768

Event/Franchise Management 813,667 1,361,485 - -

Gaming Trust Funding 515,667 610,465 515,667 610,465

NZRU Funding 1,200,654 1,215,232 830,603 826,232

Other 781,955 713,752 538,010 565,419

$5,475,996 $7,083,164 $2,024,976 $2,173,884

3 Expenses

Group Parent

2015 2014 2015 2014

Match Expenses 352,801 322,965 - -

Representative Teams / Academy 2,475,535 2,469,595 348,107 404,319

Club Expenses 284,164 237,344 284,164 237,344

Coaching and Development 446,485 508,622 446,485 508,622

Administration 2,511,311 2,435,675 1,857,109 1,820,399

Advertising / Sponsorship 925,300 1,510,902 176,126 252,088

Audit Fee 23,179 23,375 - -

Bad Debts - 100 - -

$7,018,775 $7,508,578 $3,111,991 $3,222,772

4 Income Tax Expense WRFU is exempt from income tax as a promoter of amateur sport, under section CB4(1)(h) of the Income Tax Act. Its subsidiary, Wellington Rugby

Limited (WRL) is a taxable entity, which calculates tax using the taxes payable method.

WRL is the corporate trustee for the Wellington Rugby Trust. Net surpluses from the Trust are not taxable provided they are distributed to

beneficiaries in accordance with tax rules.



5 Trade Receivables and Prepayments

Group Parent

2015 2014 2015 2014

Trade and Sundry Receivables 406,025 555,028 461,563 838,216

Hurricanes Investment LP Receivable 71,049 35,102 619 42

Beneficiary Payment - - - 522,918

GST Receivable - - 1,445 -

Prepayments 393,333 270,737 34,145 51,486

$870,407 $860,867 $497,772 $1,412,662

6 Property, Plant and Equipment (Group and Parent)

2015Cost

2015Depreciation

2015AccumulatedDepreciation

2015Closing

Book Value

Training Centre Buildings and Furniture 3,648,088 195,116 2,223,992 1,424,096

Training Centre Gym Equipment 461,182 30,814 323,550 137,632

Stadium Assets/Wellington Rugby Lounge 219,204 6,474 167,927 51,277

Office Furniture and Equipment 70,098 1,795 53,885 16,213

Computer Hardware 270,192 15,774 243,979 26,213

Vehicles 17,819 912 5,208 12,611

Office Fitout/Miscellaneous 358,995 15,224 297,521 61,474

Subtotal $5,045,578 $266,109 $3,316,062 $1,729,516

Intangible Assets - Computer Software 167,590 9,371 146,534 21,056

Total Plant Property & Equipment & Intangibles $5,213,168 $275,480 $3,462,596 $1,750,572

2014Cost

2014Depreciation

2014AccumulatedDepreciation

2014Closing

Book Value

Training Centre Buildings and Furniture 3,635,130 195,874 2,028,878 1,606,252

Training Centre Gym Equipment 414,133 27,382 292,736 121,397

Stadium Assets/Wellington Rugby Lounge 219,204 7,424 161,452 57,752

Office Furniture and Equipment 60,098 2,056 52,090 8,008

Computer Hardware 264,599 21,945 228,205 36,394

Vehicles 7,385 588 4,296 3,089

Office Fitout/Miscellaneous 342,562 15,269 282,297 60,265

Subtotal $4,943,111 $270,538 $3,049,954 $1,893,157

Intangible Assets - Computer Software 160,590 15,618 137,163 23,427

Total Plant Property & Equipment & Intangibles $5,103,701 $286,156 $3,187,117 $1,916,585

All property, plant and equipment assets are held by the parent company.



7 Trade Creditors and Accruals

Group Parent

2015 2014 2015 2014

Trade & Sundry Payables 312,103 255,654 201,963 98,978

Hurricanes Investment LP Payable 54 1,980 - 663

GST Payable 39,781 39,169 - 39,169

Accrued Expenses 141,836 224,617 105,991 157,261

Income in Advance 771,498 257,910 95,333 150,000

$1,265,272 $779,330 $403,287 $446,071

8 Operating Lease Commitments

Group

2015 2014

< 1 yr 243,142 13,900

1 - 2 yrs 230,657 -

2 - 5 yrs 301,116 -

> 5 yrs - -

$774,915 $13,900

The Group incurred $204,181 (2014: $151,874) of expenses during the year in relation to leased assets.

9 Investment in Subsidiaries

2015% Owned

2014% Owned

Balance Date

Wellington Rugby Limited 100 100 31-Dec Trustee Co.

Wellington Rugby Marketing Limited 100 100 31-Oct Non-operating

WRFU owns 100% of Wellington Rugby Limited, the trustee company of Wellington Rugby Trust, which was formed to administer the professional

activities within Wellington Rugby. WRFU is a beneficiary of the Trust, and Beneficiary Income of nil was accrued as receivable as at 31 December

2015 (2014: $522,918).



10 Investment in Associates

Hurricanes Investment LP

a) Investment Details

The Group has a 50% interest in Hurricanes Investment LP, a limited liability partnership responsible for the management of the Hurricanes

rugby franchise. The ownership interest was acquired for $1,600,000, consisting of $800,000 in cash, and $800,000 of benefits in kind. The

benefits in kind represented discounts on the management fee and training facilities lease, and were initially recorded as a liability on the

Statement of Financial Position. Due to a change in the limited partnership agreement, WRFU no longer provides discounts in relation to rent

and management services. Therefore the asset representing the discount on WRFU investments has been derecognised. The component

previously recognised as non-cash/value-in-kind benefits is now payable in cash from WRFU over the course of the Limited Partnership

Agreement. This amount has been recognised as a liability in the Statement of Financial Position.

The equity accounted profit or loss from Hurricanes Investment LP is based on audited financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2015.

The Group’s proportion of voting power held in the associate is the same as its ownership interest. The Group’s investments in the associate is

accounted for in accordance with the accounting policy described in note 1 (b).

b Movements in the Carrying Amount of the Group’s Investment in Associates

2015 2014

At 1 January 1,507,919 1,558,092

Share of total recognised revenues and expenses 304,055 (50,173)

At 31 December $1,811,974 $1,507,919

11 Contingent LiabilitiesThe WRFU Parent has the following contingent liabilities relating to the uncalled capital of its subsidiaries.

2015$

2014$

Wellington Rugby Limited 120 120

Wellington Rugby Marketing Limited 1,000 1,000

12 Related Parties

Wellington Rugby Trust (WRT)

WRFU is a beneficiary of Wellington Rugby Trust.

At 31 December 2015, WRFU parent owed WRT $57,248 (2014: $29,035). At the same date, WRT owed WRFU parent $379,055 (2014: $770,350).

Hurricanes Investment LP

During 2015, WRFU Group received a management fee and rental payments for the lease of training facilities from Hurricanes Investment LP.

At 31 December 2015, WRFU Group owed Hurricanes Investment LP $54 (2014: $1,980) and Hurricanes Investment LLP owed WRFU Group $71,049

(2014: $35,102).

During 2015, Mr P.D. Collins, Mr A. Duffin, Mr I. Potter, Mr K. Laban, Mr R. Jamieson and Mr R. Poole, all of whom are Directors of the Group and

Parent, served as Directors of Hurricanes GP, the company responsible for the day to day management of Hurricanes Investment LP, an Associate

investment of the Group.

Mr P. D. Collins also invested in Hurricanes Investment LP and at 31 December 2015 had a 21.875% ownership interest (2014: 21.875%).



New Zealand Rugby (NZR)

During 2015, WRFU Group received tagged and untagged grants and a management fee in relation to the Wellington Sevens tournament

from NZR.

As at 31 December 2015, WRFU Group owed NZR nil (2014: nil) and NZR owed WRFU Group $6,219 (2014: $64,836).

Affiliated Clubs

WRFU has made a loan to Marist St Pats RFC. The amount of the loan outstanding at year end was $11,458 (2014: $17,708). The maturity date of the

loan is October 2017. Loans to affiliated clubs are interest free.

General

No related party debts have been written off or forgiven during the year. All transactions have been conducted on normal terms and conditions.

13 Distributions Annual distributions are made to the affiliated clubs based on registered player numbers in the senior and junior clubs. When managing capital,

management’s objective is to ensure WRFU continues as a going concern as well as maintaining optimal returns for members. There were no

distributions made to clubs in 2015 (2014: nil).

14 Capital Commitments At 31 December 2015 there were no capital expenditure commitments (2014: nil).

15 Subsequent EventsNo subsequent event has occurred since balance date that would materially impact the financial statements as at 31 December 2015.

16 Classifications of Financial Assets & Financial Liabilities

Group Parent

2015 2014 2015 2014

ASSETS

Loans and Receivables

Cash and Cash Equivalents 393,949 1,640,705 234,982 642,596

Trade and Sundry Receivables 406,025 555,028 461,563 838,216

Loans to Affiliated Clubs 11,458 17,708 11,458 17,708

$811,432 $2,213,441 $708,003 $1,498,520

LIABILITIES

Other Financial Liabilities at Amortised Cost

Trade & Sundry Payables 312,103 255,654 201,963 98,978

$312,103 $255,654 $201,963 $98,978



Level 2, 191 Thorndon Quay, Pipitea, Wellington 6011Tel: +64-4-389 0020, Fax: +64-4-389 0889, www.wrfu.co.nz

ANNUAL REPORT AND STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS 2015 · 2015 Wellington Rugby Award Winners Junior Merit...

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