After another Covid interrupted season, Waikato Rugby again has positive news after the organisation’s AGM, held Tuesday night March 29th, 2022.

It was a very successful 2021 for Waikato Rugby on the field. The Waikato Farah Palmer Cup side secured their first ever national title after beating Canterbury 20-22 in Christchurch, halting Canterbury’s charge for a fifth straight title. While the Waikato National Provincial Championship side made it a double for the region after they beat reigning back-to-back champions Tasman, 23-20 at home to lift the national title for the third time in the province's proud history. 

Waikato Rugby CEO Carl Moon said, “Just like many other organisations around New Zealand, 2021 threw some more challenges at us, plus it was our hundredth year so the pressure was on to perform right across the board.  The commitment shown by our players, management and staff was just a joy to be part of, and the results on and off the field speak for themselves really.  Winning the NPC and FPC in any year is a massive challenge, but to do so in our Centenary year is something none of us could have scripted.

Finally paying off the legacy debt ahead of schedule is a remarkable achievement and wasn’t without pain and sacrifice for a lot of people.  A number of people and families stepped in to help out financially over the past ten years or more – I don’t want to single those people out here, and they know who they are, so I just wanted to thank and acknowledge them.

Really emotional scenes last night when Duane Monkley was deservedly elected as a Life Member.  Five of our current Life Members were present to take part, including Neil Grey who said some fine words and really clarified the depth of such an honour.  Duane is an outstanding person who continues to work hard for Waikato Rugby in much the same way as he did on the field.”

Off the field, the Waikato Rugby community game rebounded back to pre-covid levels. “From a community rugby perspective, our club and school programs have been through some change and our participation levels are rebounding back to pre-Covid levels. 2022 and beyond will likely see further change as we try to address the challenges rugby faces.” Waikato Rugby CEO, Carl Moon added. 

Continuing from the successes of the last five years, Waikato Rugby again delivered positive results from a financial perspective.  For the sixth year in a row the union was able to report a positive Net Profit, Operating Profit and reduction of debt, reporting a surplus of $180k.   

Waikato Rugby Chairperson Colin Groves said, “For the fourth year running our Auditors KPMG have given our financial statements a clean audit report, with no qualifications around on-going concern.  

After a journey of over 10 years, we can announce that our long term inherited legacy debt of over $2m has all been repaid. This has been a tremendous team effort by all involved, and it is fantastic to finally have this millstone removed from our collective necks. 

I would also like to acknowledge Duane Monkley, our long serving President and all round Mooloo legend, who stood down at the AGM, and was subsequently elected as a Life Member. If anyone bleeds Red-Yellow-Black its Duane. Allen “Grainge” Grainger, one of our other Life Members, will take over the Presidential baton.”

During the evening, incumbent Board Members, Howie King, Stephen Shale and Joe Sprangers were all re-appointed by the Affiliated members. Colin Groves was also elected as Vice-President and will stand down as Director and Chair at the next Board Meeting in a few weeks.

Article added: Wednesday 30 March 2022