Photo Caption – Sir Michael Jones
The Tasman Rugby Union continues to make its presence on the national stage, having nominated Sir Michael Jones in February, seconded by Taranaki, as an elected NZR director, representing the Provincial Unions.
We spent the last six weeks in partnership with the Taranaki playing the political game as we traversed the country speaking to both Mitre 10 and Heartland Boards and Chairmen. Sir Michael also presented to most provincial union Boards either in person or by phone conference.
Sir Michael had a fierce battle with Dame Annette King for the vacancy. It was really a battle of diversity with the Wellington Rugby Union representing that card fiercely. We believed that Michael represented the diversity card over four key areas, not just gender.
We nominated Michael in the belief that the Provincial Unions needed to have a delegate who will not only represent grassroots rugby on the ground but, more importantly, one who has been involved in playing, coaching and administration, as well as being “current” with today’s game and challenges.
He is Provincial Rugby to the core. It is our belief this his moral compass, integrity, hard work, stature and, most importantly, the person he is, will ensure that the Provincial Unions will and can hold him to account.
We did not believe that Michael Jones is the best candidate because he was a great All Black or for his Pasifika origins, rather it is for the following reasons we nominated Michael:
- Academic ability & Business acumen;
- Savvy navigating the political landscape to ensure outcomes are achieved and gaining support. He has experience at both Central and local government. He has developed close relationships with ministers and MP across the political spectrum;
- Senior management experience and large number of directorships;
- Community standing and service, which is extensive across a large number of different groups;
- Recent pivotal role and leadership displayed in the Respect and Responsibility review, which is changing how we approach our daily roles in rugby; and
- His potential appointment will be another signal domestically and internationally around the leadership Provincial Unions and NZR are taking with regard to Pasifika and Governance.
Michael is involved right now and understands the collective struggles of grassroots rugby from club up:
- to ensure the key drivers of the game are thriving;
- rugby fulfils its full potential;
- we future proof our game of rugby; and
- most importantly rugby is available to the next generation;
- will be a platform of influence that will effect change and will be good steward of influence.
Kevin Mealamu from a recent book Rugby ‘The AfterLife’, sums up Sir Michael perfectly:
“Michael Jones, my hero has achieved such a lot in all other parts of his life. He is smart man and has such strong character. His actions showed me the way to perform in life. I work alongside him quite a lot now – he is giving and caring.”
The First Ever All Blacks Test in Nelson
The Test match is only months away (Saturday 8 September), our Union is excited but nervous as we grapple with the concept that we and the region will be the centre of world rugby that weekend. Just a year ago, who would have thought that Nelson and the TRU would be hosting the All Blacks and a Test match? I really want to encourage those wanting to attend the test match to appreciate that the match is a NZR event, and Ticketek will oversee selling tickets. They will go on public sale in June.
The one avenue our Union has at our disposal is to assist those who want to guarantee Test tickets, is buying a ‘Mako Season Pass’, for our Blenheim and / or Nelson Mitre 10 Cup fixtures.
To guarantee yourselves Test tickets via a Mako season pass, email Les Edwards ASAP. les@tasmanrugby.co.nz
New Zealand Under 20 – Australian Tour
The Tasman Rugby Union will be represented in Australia by:
- Leicester Faingaanuku (Wing) - Nelson
- Jamie Spowart (Full Back, Wing) - Marist
- Martyn Vercoe as team manager
The Union had seven players in the top 50 in the country trialling since last November
NPD Tasman Trophy
It has been great watching our Super players make the effort to return to our club competition when released. We have enjoyed having Ethan Blackadder and Tima Faingaanuku return from duty with the Crusaders and play for their club. The standard of rugby within the competition has lifted again, remembering this NPD Tasman Trophy produced five Super players last year. I have been impressed with the play and what the clubs are putting in place.
I know that the Mako coaches pour over hours and hours of club matches each week looking for that hidden gem.
The High-Performance group will be having their first match in 2018 on May 3 against a Hawkes Bay selection at the Hutt Rec, Wellington at 2pm. The selection for this match is based on club form and this group is quite fluid. It is really old school rugby at its best – mini bus to Picton, ferry to Wellington and return on the same day!
Our Best wishes to Brendan & Bridgette O’Connor
Brendan was involved in a motor accident two weeks ago and is in Christchurch and has now been transferred to the Burwood Hospital Spinal Unit. The Tasman Rugby Union would like to wish Brendan a fast recovery, and he and his wife Bridgette are in our thoughts and prayers.
The rugby community in the Tasman region have known Brendan over many years of his service to his beloved club Waimea Old Boys. He has coached championship teams in Senior A, Senior Woman and Senior B for Waimea Old Boys. He has served as Club Captain, COD to Nelson Bays, Management Committees and this year was to have been the Senior A Manager, he is true and passionate Waimea rugby man. Brendan, or as he is affectionately known, “Angry” is a well-liked and respected contributor to our game.
At this stage the family, especially Bridgette and Kieran, who are doing a marvellous job, would like to concentrate on supporting Brendan and allowing the doctors and specialists to do their job and visitors are limited to family. Although was a tragic accident, those of us that know Brendan closely are also aware of how tough this individual is, and he is extremely positive and making good progress, albeit with a long road ahead.
Please respect the wishes of both Kieran and Bridgette during this time, so they can put their energies and focus. At present visiting is limited to family only.
If you wish to send messages of Support, Cards please send to:
Attn: Brendan O’Connor
Burwood Hospital
Burwood Spinal Unit
Cnr Burwood and Mairehau Road
Christchurch 8083
The Best Wishes of the Tasman Rugby Union and family go out to Brendan and Bridgette.
Finally, this weekend's rugby features for you all to enjoy are ...
NPD Tasman Trophy - 3pm
Nelson v Kahurangi – Neale Park; Wanderers v Stoke – Brightwater Domain; Waimea Old Boys v Marist – Jubilee Park; Waitohi v Moutere – Endeavour Park; East Coast v Central – Seddon Domain.
Tasman Senior Women - 1.15pm
Waimea OB v Wanderers - Jubilee Park; Motueka High School v Awatere - MHS; Moutere v Marist - Awarua Park.
Motorworld Marlborough Div 2 - 1.15pm
Awatere v Harlequins - Seddon Domain; Waitohi v Renwick – Endeavour Domain; College Old Boys v Central - MBC.
The Car Company Nelson Bays Div 2 - 1.15pm
Takaka v Stoke - Takaka; Valley Stags v Riwaka - Tapawera; Wanderers v Waimea OB – Brightwater Domain; Huia v Marist – Sports Park Motueka; Nelson v Collingwood – Neale Park.
#FinzUp
Tony Lewis