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ANNUAL REPORT AND STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS 2017

2017A YEARIN NUMBERS

528 TEAMS19 AFFILIATED BODIES 9

REPRESENTATIVE TEAMS10,891 134

REFEREES2 HIGH PERFORMANCE REFEREES

4,383 8,038

30,734 405,000

MAORI ALL BLACKS

NZ MAORI U18

BLACK FERNS SEVENS

892COACHES

2,000,318WELLINGTON LIONS

VIEWERSHIP

6

2

25 7

16

4

ALL BLACKS NZU20’S

NZ SCHOOLs PLAYERSNZ SCHOOLS BARBARIAN PLAYERS2

2,318WELLINGTON LIONS

MEMBERS

2

SUPER RUGBY PLAYERS

398,000WELLINGTONPOPULATION

2STAFF

REGISTERED PLAYERS

Contents

List of Officers 2

Honours and Awards 3

Balanced Scoreboard 5

Chairman’s Report 9

Rugby Board Report 12

Team Reports: Wellington Lions 14

Wellington Pride 18

Wellington Men’s Sevens 20

Wellington Women’s Sevens 20

Wellington Development 21

Wellington U19 22

Wellington U18 Girls 23

Wellington U16A 24

Wellington U16 Development 24

Wellington Maori 25

Wellington Samoan 25

Hurricanes 26

Wellington Secondary Schools Rugby 27

Junior Rugby Advisory Board 29

Wellington Rugby Referees’ Association 30

Club Competitions: Grade Winners 31

Post Season Club Competitions 32

Men’s Club Champions 33

Women’s Club Champions 34

Obituaries 35

Financial Reports 36

Wellington Rugby Football Union (Incorporated) Annual Report 2017 1

Rugby BoardP. Scott (Chairman)

J. Willis (Deputy Chairman, Oriental-Rongotai)G Kennedy (Avalon)I. Cuff (College Old Boys-Victoria University)D. Goble (Eastbourne)D.Rose (Hutt Old Boys Marist)J. Smyth (Johnsonville)B. Tietjens (Marist St. Pat’s)R. Wood (Northern United)J. Gray (Paremata-Plimmerton)W. Smith (Petone)G. Blaikie (Poneke)G. Nixon (Stokes Valley)K. Pulley (Tawa)D. Painter (Upper Hutt)K. Anderson (Wainuiomata)S. Fuller (Wellington)T. Walsh (Western Suburbs)M. Dilnott (WRRA)M. Isberg (WSSRU)S. Surujpal (JRAB)

Staff as at 31 December 2017S. Rogers (Chief Executive Officer)

A. Bell (Wellington Lions Assistant Coach) S. Binnie (Sponsorship Manager) W. Caccia-Birch (Head of Community Rugby) J. Dickie (Strength & Conditioning Coach) M. Evans (Chief Operating Officer) T. Ferreira (Junior & Rep Rugby Administrator) C. Gibbes (Wellington Lions Coach) J. Grant (Events & Match Manager) H. Griffiths (Events Assistant) R. Henderson (Accountant) M. Langley (Club Rugby Administrator) E. Low (Women’s Rugby Development Manager) M. Malagamaalii (Rugby Development Manager) J. Marshall (Strength & Conditioning Coach) T. Mannix (Coach Development Manager) J. McKee (Office Manager) M. Poutoa (Club Development Officer) T. Robson (Communications Executive) J. Ross (Video Analyst) L. Santos (Wellington Lions Physiotherapist) B. Sigmund (Professional Development Manager)D. Walsh (Referee Education Officer) R. Whatarau (Academy Manager)

Wellington Rugby Football Union (Inc.)Senior Vice Presidents: Murray Blandford, Barry Ellis

Junior Vice Presidents: Robin Dodd, Ina Hansen

Immediate Past President: Murray Tocker

President: Brendan Gard’ner

Board of DirectorsI. Potter (Chairman)

R. Poole (Deputy Chairman)D. BanksR. JamiesonP. ScottJ. WillisP. HendryMs. I Ford

Life MembersG.W.J. Atkin (Deceased 21 October 2017) (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)


Honours and Awards

Representative Team CoachesWELLINGTON LIONS: Chris Gibbes, Andre Bell, Rodney So’oialo & Alan Muir

WELLINGTON PRIDE: Ross Bond, Matt Poutoa & Gary Hilsdon

DEVELOPMENT: Dion Waller & Riki Flutey

U19: Zac Feaunati, Rua Tipoki & Bernie Upton

U18s Girls: Garry Archer, Jude Perez & James Te Iwimate

U16A: Willie Leota & Kent Harris

U16 DEVELOPMENT: Philip Kauika & Richard Preston

WELLINGTON MAORI: Joey Hopkins & Andrew Wharakura

WELLINGTON SAMOAN: Dan Farani & Willie Lafaele

MEN’S SEVENS: Sam Rasch & Dan Farani

WOMEN’S SEVENS: Fa’avae Tuma’ai & Charles Aliva

AuditorsErnst & Young

HonoursNEW ZEALAND: Asafo Aumua, Dane Coles, Vaea Fifita, TJ Perenara, Ardie Savea, Julian Savea, Jeff Toomaga-Allen

NEW ZEALAND MAORI: Matt Proctor, Jackson Garden-Bachop

NEW ZEALAND BARBARIANS: Tolu Fahamokoia

NEW ZEALAND UNDER 20: Asafo Aumua, Alex Fidow, Kemara Hauiti-Parapara, Carlos Price, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Thomas Umaga-Jensen

NEW ZEALAND SECONDARY SCHOOLS/BARBARIANS: Naitoa Ah-Kuoi, Keenan Higgins, Taine Plumtree, Joshua Southall

NEW ZEALAND WOMENS SEVENS: Kat Whata-Simpkins, Lyric Faleafaga

NEW ZEALAND MAORI UNDER 18’s: Tanara Haenga, Ben Strowger-Turnock, Jayden Tuapola, Keelan Whitman


2017 Wellington Rugby Award Winners

Sir William Perry Memorial Trophy Oriental-Rongotai

Griffiths Memorial Trophy Old Boys University Colts

Junior Merit Award Wellington

Dewar Shield Old Boys University

Women’s 7s Player of the Year Georgia Daals (Old Boys University)

Men’s 7s Player of the Year Hayden Schrijvers (Upper Hutt Rams)

Referee of the Year Richard Gordon

Burger King Positive Sidelines Club Award Western Suburbs

Junior Rugby Volunteer of the Year Roseanne Mahuri-Tukukino (Rimutaka)

The Club Community Award, in association with the New Zealand Amateur Sport Association Inc. Poneke

Senior Rugby Volunteer of the Year Christina Edmonds (Upper Hutt Rams)

Club Coach of the Year Jamie Williams (Old Boys University)

Club Team of the Year OBU Premier

Les Mills Age Grade Player of the Year Ben Aumua-Peseta (Tawa)

Women’s Club Player of the Year Ayesha Leti-Iiga (Oriental-Rongotai)

Billy Wallace Memorial Trophy (Men’s Club Player of the Year) Hemi Fermanis (Tawa) and Ben Tupuola (Wainuiomata)

WRFU Lifetime Contribution Salver Mike Dilnott (Wellington Rugby Referees Association)

U16 Player of the Year Ropati So’oalo

U18 Girls Player of the Year Damaris Samani

U19 Player of the Year Jake Quin

Development Player of the Year Matt Peni

Lions Supporters Club Award Asafo Aumua

Al Keown Memorial Cup Billy Proctor

Ken Comber Memorial Cup Ollie Sapsford

Bill Freeman Cup Chris Gibbes

Pride Rookie of the Year Angel Uila

Lions Rookie of the Year Regan Verney

Pride Player of the Year Jackie Patea-Fereti

Lions Player of the Year Jackson Garden-Bachop

Honours and Awards

Wellington Lions Player of the Year:Jackson Garden-Bachop

Wellington Pride Player of the Year:Jackie Patea-Fereti


Balanced Scoreboard

Game Development

Players• Delivery of College RDO pilot scheme with increased growth of 5%

• Retain a minimum of 50% of secondary school leavers (boys) entering senior club rugby

• Increase female player numbers by 9%

• Retain minimum of 30% of girl’s school leavers entering senior women’s rugby

• Increase junior (under 13) numbers by 4% to 5000 registered players

• Increase total registered players to at least 11,300 players 10% 4%

Coaches• Registered coach numbers reflect an average of at least 2 coaches per team across all competitions

• Increased retention rate of all registered coaches (2016 = 54% )

• Implementation of the Assistant Coach (Mentoring) Programme 6% 2%

Referees • Increase the number of active registered referees (2016 = 134) to accommodate all grades of senior and secondary school rugby 3% 1%

Club Development• Increase Club Capability – delivery of education/resources; evidence of active/functioning club committees with designated volunteer support person in place

• Health & Safety – ALL clubs assessed with active H & S plan evident including Game Day Hazard Management Plan

• Delivery of Affiliation fee rebate scheme for clubs 6% 3%

Target

25%Actual

10%


• 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 WRFU sideline management policy and technical zone requirements on all club number one grounds.

• Adherence to Age Grade Eligibility criteria (premier grade only). 5% 5%

2018 Competitions Review – Establishment of Terms of Reference and decision made on 2018 Competition Structure 3% 3%

• Wellington Rugby will ensure they manage credible competitions by providing accurate draws and point’s tables, enforcing all WRFU by-laws and providing referees to 90% of games under their jurisdiction. 2% 2%

Player Welfare• Wellington Rugby will operate in a proactive manner with clubs to ensure education is widely delivered relating to

injury prevention, in particular concussion protocols.

• Delivery of Blue Card Concussion Initiative across all senior grade rugby and secondary schools 1st XV premiership 5% 5%

Balanced Scoreboard

Competitions Target

15%Actual

15%


Balanced Scoreboard

Representative (High Performance) Teams

The Wellington Lions will win the Championship Mitre 10 Cup in 2017

• If they win final. (5%)

• If they win semi (5%) 10% 10%

• There will be greater than 15 players from WRFU represented in higher level teams. (All Blacks, Black Ferns, NZ Maori, NZU20, NZ Sevens (Men & Women), NZ Schools, NZ Schools Barbarians) (2%)

• 75% of the current Wellington Lions squad have been, or are members of the Wellington Academy. (2%)

• The Wellington Academy (Player Development Programme) meets its stated goals. Scores 75% or more in NZR Survey. (1%) 5% 5%

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

• Wellington Pride – National Championship: Make semi finals (1%) Make Final (1%) Win NPC (1%)

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

• Under 16 Programme – Delivery of Williment Week & achievement of player & coach development targets (1%)

• Sevens – Men and Women make Cup semi finals National Sevens. (1% each); make finals (1% each) – this relates to January 2018 tournament 10% 3%

Target

25%Actual

18%


Governance and Financial

WRFU commercial revenues (excluding Hurricanes profit) exceed the previous year (4%). WRFU generates a sustainable (+/-$100,000) financial result for 2017 (4%). WRFU surplus exceeds budget (2%). 10% 6%

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

• Managing the Hurricanes home schedule of fixtures efficiently and effectively and meeting KPI’s (5%) 5% 5%• Managing the British & Irish Lions test match during 2017 and achieving the KPI’s as agreed by NZ Rugby (10%) 10% 10%

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

• Develop & implement strategic plan for 2016 – 2020

• Tactical delivery of strategic plan for 2017 10% 7%

Game Development10%

Competitions15%

Representative (High Performance) Teams

18%

Governance and Financial

28%

71/100%(2016 = 72%)

Balanced Scoreboard

Target

35%Actual

28%


Chairman’s Report

Executive SummaryIt is with great satisfaction we can reflect on a year that saw Wellington Rugby emerge on the right side of the ledger both on and off the field.

With the Lions promotion to the Premiership, the success of the British & Irish Lions tour, and another positive financial result, 2017 was a year full of highlights.

The Lions Mitre 10 Cup Championship success was the undeniable highlight as head coach Chris Gibbes restored the union’s flagship representative team to the top tier for 2018.

The 2017 Wellington Lions reflected all the best qualities of our union as they played rugby that was as entertaining as it was tough. Captain Brad Shields provided role model leadership, and young hooker Asafo Aumua highlighted the prodigious talent that continues to emerge from our Wellington school and club competitions.

The fact the Lions were the most watched provincial side across both the Championship and Premiership was evidence of the style and flair the team displayed throughout the season.

More than 500,000 television viewers tuned in across the Lions semi-final and final wins over Northland and Bay of Plenty respectively.

Less visible was the steady progress the Union made on our balance sheet where, for the second year running, Wellington Rugby has posted a healthy surplus.

The result reflects the hard work of Wellington Rugby staff in delivering two sold out matches at Westpac Stadium during the British & Irish Lions tour, the Hurricanes continued success, and a vibrant community game which continues to be well supported by our trust funding partners and sponsors.

There was plenty of drama during the All Blacks 24-21 loss, and again during the Hurricanes thrilling 31-31 draw, but off the field things ran smoothly and the events were a resounding win for all concerned.

Sponsors, visiting fans and media, and the teams, all left Wellington with a positive experience and we are already looking forward to hosting two All Blacks tests in 2018.

Wellington Rugby’s investment in the Hurricanes continues to bear fruit off the back of strong membership sales, another impressive season in Investec Super Rugby, and a sold-out match against the British & Irish Lions.

I would like to acknowledge the hard work of our Wellington Rugby Board members in guiding the union through choppy waters over the past few seasons. Their time and effort in improving revenue and overseeing key changes to our processes and structures has been valuable.

Beneath the success of our flagship teams the community game remains vibrant despite the challenges of an ever changing world.

Our women’s game continues to grow with playing numbers up across the board and an exciting group of young players beginning to emerge through the Wellington Pride representative programme.

Men’s club rugby numbers remain static, but the senior competition is in great heart.

It was fantastic to see the club community come together for the Gala Day opening in Upper Hutt, then again for the highly successful Club Finals day at the Petone Recreation Ground where we celebrated thrilling finals across six different grades in the Lower Hutt sunshine.


Chairman’s Report

The unity of our club community shone through in 2017, never more strongly than during the challenging times of loss.

It would be remiss not to mention the tragic passing of Wellington Football Club player Daniel Baldwin, a bright young 19-year-old who was taken from us too early while playing the game he loved.

The response of the rugby community was a credit to the people involved and we will keep Daniel and his family in our thoughts as we enter 2018.

We also lost some great servants of our game with the passing of Mattie Blackburn, Graham Atkin, Tom Lister, Terry McCashin and Wayne Nicholls.

Mattie was a Wellington Football Club stalwart, a valued and long-serving administrator and highly respected man, while Graham was a WRFU chairman for 17 years until 1993, an influential visionary for the game. Wayne was an outstanding loose forward for Wellington combining with Graham Williams and Andy Leslie as part of a formidable loose trio, whilst both Tom and Terry had distinguished playing careers at representative level, culminating in selection for the All Blacks.

2017 Stonewood Homes Wellington LionsNew head coach Chris Gibbes undoubtedly added a tough edge to the Lions as they surged to the Mitre 10 Cup Championship title.

Gibbes arrived in the Capital after a stint with Ospreys in Wales and set about stamping his mark on Wellington rugby.

An open book selection policy saw Gibbes and his assistants Andre Bell, Alan Muir and Rodney So’oialo unlock the potential of the local club competition and harness the full potential of his playing group.

The Lions squad included five members of the New Zealand Under-20s side that won the 2017 Junior World Championship being Asafo Aumua, Alex Fidow, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Kemara Hauiti-Parapara and Thomas Umaga-Jensen.

But Gibbes also put his faith in previously unheralded club players such as midfielder Regan Verney, lock Will Mangos and openside Mateaki Kafatolu, and they repaid him in full.

The Lions scored a Union-record 74 tries during a campaign that saw them win 12 of their 13 matches and record big wins over Premiership opponents Taranaki, Canterbury and Waikato along the way.

Bustling hooker Aumua was the undeniable star of the campaign, but captain Brad Shields provided the backbone as he led the side to the title.

The success of the Lions was reflective of wider changes to the Wellington representative structure and there is no doubt the Festival Cup, which featured Wellington Centurions, Samoan, and Maori selections, along with the Wellington Development Team programme contributed to improved depth in our playing stocks.

Wellington Representative RugbyThe Lions success was not replicated at the lower levels as the Wellington Under-19s, Sevens and Development teams failed to achieve their goals.

Similarly, the young Wellington Pride women’s team hinted at big things and look like a side of immense potential. However, they lacked the experience to finish off a string of close matches before being demoted from the Premier division of the Farah Palmer Cup with a record of three wins and four losses.

The Under 19s finished seventh at the Jock Hobbs Memorial national tournament in Taupo after close losses to North Harbour and Tasman ended their title

hopes.

Our Development Team entered a new series with Tasman, Canterbury and Auckland, losing by a single point to Tasman and beating Auckland to round off a solid campaign under new coaches Dion Waller and Riki Flutey.

The men’s sevens team won their Central Regions qualifier however bowed out in the plate semi-final against Canterbury while the women’s team bowed out in the Plate semi-final against Canterbury also.

Club RugbyOld Boys University’s premier men’s team swept all before them to win their second Jubilee Cup in three years, while Oriental Rongotai’s women’s team were the runaway winner of the Victoria Tavern Trophy.

Under coach Jamie Williams, OBU’s premiers were simply superb all season as they completed a Swindale Shield-Jubilee Cup double with a convincing 32-19 win over Hutt Old Boys Marist in the final at the Petone Recreation Ground.

The Billy Goats finished the season with a cabinet full of silverware including the Andy Leslie Trophy and Bill Brien Challenge Cup, and promoted a number of players to the Wellington Lions including midfielder Regan Verney and lock Will Mangos.

Oriental-Rongotai beat OBU 63-8 in the women’s final to lift the Victoria Tavern Trophy. Ories wing Ayesha Leti-I’iga was the star of the final with three tries to cap a season that highlighted once again how quickly the women’s game is progressing at club level.

Overall our playing numbers across the community game have remained relatively stable, with a slight decrease of 1% in 2017. The continued growth of female participants across the grades remains a highlight with 3% growth this season.


Off field we continue to be challenged with having enough referees, but it is positive to note that whilst nationally referee numbers decreased Wellington remained static. Our thanks must go to the Wellington Rugby Referees Association for the large part they play weekly in our community game.

Thanks to our community sponsors; Burger King, Mitre 10 Mega, Rutherford & Bond Toyota, Paladin, Interislander, and Les Mills. Also, thanks to our funding partners; NZCT, First Sovereign, Four Winds Foundation, Pelorus Trust, Lion Foundation, Hutt-Mana Charitable Trust and Air Rescue for your support throughout 2017.

WRFU Charter UpdateThe WRFU board has followed through on its commitment to implement the recommendations contained in Dame Margaret Bazley’s report into the Union’s processes and procedures around recruitment, retention and education of our young players.

The Respect & Responsibility group established on the recommendation of Dame Margaret’s 10-year plan has made good progress in developing a Wellington Rugby Charter – “Game for All”, Values and Code of Conduct to guide the Union into the future.

The Bazley Implementation Task Force headed by Ted Thomas has focused its early work on developing the Charter that will be adopted by the Wellington rugby community.

A big thank you to Ted and his team of volunteers who are working on this important project.

A Final NoteThe British & Irish Lions series showed us once again what a powerful and unifying force rugby can be in New Zealand.

Once again our game created lasting collective memories which will be treasured for generations and it was great to see Wellingtonians come out in force to support the All Blacks and Hurricanes at Westpac Stadium.

Our Lions followed up with a rousing season that saw Wellington Rugby back in the top division and our burgeoning women’s ranks suggest similar success is just around the corner for the Pride.

The achievements of 2017 should be a source of pride for our rugby community as we look toward 2018 and beyond, but we cannot afford to rest on our laurels.

Playing numbers in the men’s game remain a challenge, particularly among our youth. We have seen media trends and attitudes toward, alcohol, injury, and respect and responsibility change rapidly in the past few years.

Rugby in Wellington must continue to evolve and innovate in order to build on the positives we have created in 2017.

Iain PotterChairmanWellington Rugby Football Union

Chairman’s Report


Community rugby in Wellington continued to be enjoyed by almost 11,000 participants in 2017. This does not include the additional 2,500 volunteer coaches, managers, administrators and helpers throughout our schools and clubs who remain the very lifeblood of our sport.

Junior rugby again led the way with continued growth swelling our club numbers from age 5 to 13 to almost 5,000 players in 2017. This is such a critical stage in the development of our children and our aim of a lifelong love in the game. We have an extraordinary family of volunteers every Saturday morning and through the weeks of the season who give their time so generously. My sincere thanks to them and to our Junior Rugby Advisory Board, so ably led by Sunil Surujpal.

At secondary school level we continue to be challenged by the many competing priorities vying for our youth’s attention; however, the incredible talent regularly on display bodes well for the future. This was no more evident than in schoolgirl’s rugby where St Mary’s College continue to be the talk of the town. Not satisfied with their success in 2016, the school started the year winning the Sanix World Rugby Youth Invitational Tournament in Japan, before completing back to back Wellington premier one college titles. National Top Four success followed avenging the previous year’s defeat by Hamilton Girls to be crowned National Champions.

St Pats Silverstream were the dominant boys school in 2017 claiming the Weltec Premiership spoils with a hard fought win over traditional rival Wellington College in the final.

My thanks go to Martin Isberg for his ongoing leadership of Wellington Secondary Schools Rugby and special mention of John Hornal who, after almost 30 years at the helm, retired from his role at College Sport Wellington. John has been a strong advocate for rugby at secondary school level and we acknowledge his contribution over many years.

At club level, Old Boys University’s recent dominance of premier rugby continued in 2017 with their second

Jubilee Cup title in three seasons. The University club completed the rare feat of the Swindale Shield-Jubilee Cup double and fully deserved their success. In women’s club rugby, similarly Oriental Rongotai stood head and shoulders above the rest with a dominant showing on club finals day.

The climax to the season at the Petone Rec on a stunning early August afternoon was a wonderful celebration of community rugby for the Wellington region. Six finals were staged in front of over 4,500 spectators on the day, with the Petone club collecting the spoils in three finals. It is days like these that remind us all why we love this game and how rugby can bring our communities together.

Upper Hutt Rams also deserve special mention for taking out an impressive five second round titles, including the Hardham Cup.

We congratulate all of our grade winners and to the many volunteers, coaches and administrators supporting these teams week in week out, we extend our many thanks in ensuring players from all grades get the opportunity to compete in our great game every week throughout the season.

At the end of the 2017 season, a review of competitions was completed. It is exciting to know that the 2018 season will see a significant change that we hope will stimulate the premier club competition. For the first time the Jubilee Cup will be contested by seven teams as opposed to the traditional eight teams. This will only increase the level of intensity in competition and create some exciting club rugby.

Off the field the community game continues to work hard to ensure rugby in the region is as safe and enjoyable as possible for not only the players, but also our volunteers and those on the sidelines every week.

The Burger King ‘Positive Sidelines’ campaign was once again rolled out into our clubs and the increased awareness and traction gained has certainly paid dividends with more clubs taking ownership and creating a positive match day environment. Our thanks to Burger King in continuing to support this initiative in an area of our game that is so vital in support of our match officials.

In terms of player welfare, the game continues to work very hard in the area of concussion and injury management. Once again the Blue Card concussion initiative was implemented during the 2017 season, with increased

Rugby Board Report


presence across all senior grades including age grade rugby as well as the secondary schools boys’ premiership competition. We must ensure a collective responsibility for this aspect of the game and keep education at the forefront to ensure our community is being proactive around the safe management of participants.

Refereeing stocks in Wellington plateaued in 2017; however this was against a nationally declining trend. We must continue to support those who give their time freely every weekend to ensure our players can play. Our clubs must also look inward to its current playing base to help with the solution of providing more referees to our game.

Our sincere thanks must go to Ian Dallas and his leadership of the Wellington Rugby Referees Association and the wonderful service they provide our community game.

In 2017 the rugby development programme was realigned following strategic direction from club chairs that signalled a need to sharpen focus around women’s rugby and teenagers in particular. The Coach Development Officer (CDO) programme will also be subject to further review in the early part of 2018, with a view to confirming a future structure at the end of the first quarter. New Zealand Community Trust’s support of the development programme over the best part of twenty years cannot be understated and it is vital that any future programme is sustainable in meeting the needs of Wellington Rugby’s primary community funder.

At representative level, success beyond the Wellington Lions was hard to find with the under 16 teams showing the way at the Hurricanes regional tournament where they collected silverware in both the A division and development competition.

The Women’s Pride and under 19 team would be disappointed with their respective seasons; whilst the Development programme, built off the back of a strong co-operative approach which comprised Wellington Maori, Wellington Samoan and the Centurions club

delivered some solid rugby culminating in a fine away win by the selected Development side over Auckland.

My special thanks to the Rugby Board delegates and in particular acknowledgment of two fine gentlemen. Northern United’s Ron Wood and Upper Hutt Ram’s Dave Painter who are both stepping away after many collective years on the Board. We wish you both well and I’m sure we will see you around the rugby parish. Big thanks also to Club rugby subcommittee chair Geoff Blaikie who also stepped away at the end of 2017 due to work commitments.

To our Presidential Suite, many thanks to President Brendan Gard’ner who led our group of Vice Presidents Ina Hansen, Barry Ellis, Murray Blandford and Robin Dodd and Past President Murray Tocker. Your contribution is invaluable and we thank you for the many hours you commit to supporting our community game.

My thanks also to Will Caccia-Birch and his community team. There are many challenges facing our game including heightened levels of compliancy and a modern society that is very discerning. Will and his team continue to work hard in serving our rugby community and we are thankful for their ongoing support.

Finally, my sincere thanks to our many volunteers and administrators who, week in week out, contribute so much of their time to our community game. It is this voluntary support that ensures rugby in Wellington is able to thrive and survive – a big thanks to you all.

Peter ScottChairman WRFU Rugby Board


Wellington Lions

Back row: Asafo Aumua, Vince Sakaria, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Malo Tuitama, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Regan Verney, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Losi Filipo, Kemara Hauiti-Parapara, Andrew Wells, James Tuiatua

3rd row: Becky Jones (Nutritionist), Natalie Hogg (Mental Skills), Alex Fidow, Teariki Ben-Nicholas, Ben Lam, Billy Proctor, Levi Harmon, Mateaki Kafatolu, Sitiveni Paongo, Carlos Price, Trent Renata, Ha’amea Ahio, Ben Sigmund (Player Development Manager), Ryan Runciman (Assistant Analyst)

2nd row: Steve Rogers (Chief Executive Officer), Mila Poutoa (Team Manager), Jayson Ross (Head Analyst), Greg Stanbridge (Logistics), Joe Apikotoa, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Sam Lousi, Will Mangos, Alex Dalzell, Leevan Santos (Head Physio), James Dickie (Head S&C), Joel Marshall (Assistant S&C), Matt Higgins (S&C Intern), Andrew Narayan (Team Doctor), Matt Doonan (Assistant Physio)

Front row: Sheridan Rangihuna, Dan Kirkpatrick, Matt Proctor, Wes Goosen, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Andre Bell (Assistant Coach), Chris Gibbes (Head Coach), James Blackwell, Brad Shields (Captain), Brendan Gardner (WRFU President), Julian Savea, Galu Taufale, Rodney So’oialo (Assistant Coach), Alan Muir (Scrum Coach), Leni Apisai, Reg Goodes, Vaea Fifita, Tolu Fahamokioa, Greg Foe

Absent: Dane Coles, Chris Middleton, TJ Perenara, Ardie Savea, Jeff To’omaga-Allen, TJ Va’a, Seti Tafua (Assistant Analyst)

Management TeamHead Coach Chris GibbesAssistant CoachAndre BellAssistant CoachRodney So’oialo Scrum CoachAlan MuirTeam ManagerMila PoutoaStrength and Conditioning coachJames DickieAssistant Strength and ConditioningJoel MarshallAssistant Strength and ConditioningMatt HigginsDoctorDr Andrew NarayanPhysioLeeVan SantosAssistant PhysioMatt DoonanTechnical AnalystJayson RossAssistant AnalystSeti TaufuaAssistant AnalystRyan RuncimanBaggage man/GearsGreg StanbridgeNutritionistBecky JonesMental SkillsNatalie Hogg MediaToby RobsonProfessional Development ManagerBen Sigmund

Played:

12Won:

11Lost:

1Points For:

515Points Against:

273


Team Record20 August v Manawatu in Palmerston North: Won 41-29Tries: SM Rangihuna, AF Fidow, TWK Renata, JK Garden-Bachop, SJ Savea, M TuitamaCon: JK Garden-Bachop (4)Pen: DPJ Kirkpatrick

26 August v Taranaki in Wellington: Won 42-26Tries: A Aumua (2), B Lam, SJ Savea, R VerneyCon: JK Garden-Bachop (3), DPJ KirkpatrickPen: JK Garden-Bachop (3)

31 August v Bay of Plenty in Rotorua: Won 31-10Tries: M Tuitama, IET Walker-Leawere, B Lam, WT Goosen, A AumuaCon: JK Garden-Bachop (3)

6 September v Hawke’s Bay in Wellington: Won 40-27Tries: AF Fidow (2), S Paongo, SJ Savea, WT Goosen, M TuitamaCon: JK Garden-Bachop (4), DPJ Kirkpatrick

10 September v Tasman in Blenheim: Lost 35-37Tries: AF Fidow, B Lam, ST Lousi, J Blackwell, L FilipoCon: JK Garden-Bachop (5)

17 September v Canterbury in Wellington: Won 60-14Tries: M Tuitama (2), SJ Savea, A Aumua, IET Walker-Leawere, D Kirifi, B Lam, R VerneyCon: JK Garden-Bachop (7)Pen: JK Garden-Bachop (2)

23 September v Waikato in Hamilton: Won 34-10Tries: ST Lousi, DPJ Kirkpatrick, AF Fidow, M Kafatolu, T Umaga-JensenCon: JK Garden-Bachop (2), DPJ KirkpatrickPen: DPJ Kirkpatrick

01 October v Otago in Wellington: Won 27-24Tries: B Lam (2), AF Fidow, SJ SaveaCon: JK Garden-Bachop (2)Pen: JK Garden-Bachop

07 October v Southland in Invercargill: Won 61-12Tries: TWK Renata, W Mangos, A Aumua, JK Garden-Bachop, T Umaga-Jensen, WT Goosen, R Verney, S Paongo, K Hauiti-ParaparaCon: JK Garden-Bachop (5), TWK Renata (3)

12 October v Northland in Wellington: Won 36-18Tries: A Aumua (2), T Umaga-Jensen, JK Garden-Bachop, AF Fidow , SJ SaveaCon: JK Garden-Bachop (3)

20 October v Northland (SF) in Wellington: Won 49-21Tries: WT Goosen (2), T Umaga-Jensen, TWK Renata, T Fahamokioa, R VerneyCon: JK Garden-Bachop (5)Pen: JK Garden-Bachop (3)

27 October v Bay of Plenty (F) in Wellington: Won 59-45Tries: T Fahamokioa (2), T Umaga-Jensen, ST Lousi, BDF Shields, AF Fidow, WT Goosen, S Paongo, SJ SaveaCon: JK Garden-Bachop (4)Pen: JK Garden-Bachop (2)

Wellington Caps

2017 CareerHa’amea Ahio 1 5Joe Apikotoa 9 22Leni Apisai 6 30Asafo Aumua 10 20Teariki Ben-Nicholas 7 7James Blackwell 8 20Alex Dalzell 2 2Tolu Fahamokioa 12 23Alex Fidow 11 19Vaea Fifita 2 30Losi Filipo 4 4Jackson Garden-Bachop 12 41Wes Goosen 9 30Levi Harmon 2 2Kemara Hauiti-Parapara 12 12Mateaki Kafatolu 7 7Du’Plessis Kirifi 10 10Daniel Kirkpatrick 6 30Ben Lam 11 11Sam Lousi 9 19Will Mangos 10 10Chris Middleton 3 3Sitiveni Paongo 11 12Carlos Price 2 2Billy Proctor 3 3Sheridan Rangihuna 9 27Trent Renata 7 7Vince Sakaria 8 19Julian Savea 10 32Brad Shields 7 60Galu Taufale 9 17Jeffery To’omaga-Allen 2 34James Tuiatua 4 4Malo Tuitama 10 17Thomas Umaga-Jensen 8 8Regan Verney 11 11Isaia Walker-Leawere 6 12Andrew Wells 2 5

Wellington Lions


Management TeamThe 2017 management team had a whole new coaching group with Chris Gibbes appointed as Head Coach, Andre Bell, Rodney So’oialo as Assistants and Alan Muir as Scrum Coach. They were supported by the new Head of Strength and Conditioning Coach James Dickie. With the injection of specialists in Mental Skills (Natalie Hogg) and Nutritionist (Becky Jones) the Management Team was a thorough unit for the year.

Planning and PreparationMuch work in the planning, logistical and competition requirements were fulfilled satisfactorily.

With Chris Gibbes being in Wales from January till June, there were many discussions over skype in regards to setting up the program for the year.

From there communication and interaction with all of our suppliers was positive. Our thanks is extended to all the many organisations that assisted us throughout the season.

Thanks also to NZ Rugby and particularly Frances Duffin and team, for all their assistance pre, during the season, and in the off season.

Pre-SeasonOur pre-season games were vs. Manawatu and Tasman. Thanks to Verne, Marty and their teams for the delivery of these vital preparation games.

Thank you to the Rahui RFC in Otaki

for hosting our Pre-Season game vs. Manawatu and to the Horowhenua-Kapiti RFU for their work in assisting us, especially Ryan Shelford.

Special thanks to the Awatere Rugby Club in Seddon for the hosting of our game vs. Tasman. It was great to be able to support the local community in their fundraising efforts following the recent earthquakes in the area.

After the Tasman game meetings were held to finalise the Wellington Lions 2017 final squad. Players received communication of the result of selections straight away.

The Wellington Lions squad was officially named on Friday 11th August at the Team Launch, hosted by our main sponsors Stonewood Homes at their offices in Courtenay Place.

We thank Stonewood Homes for a great season launch which included the blessing of our 2017 team jersey by Neavin Broughton from Te Ati Awa.

In seasonThe season began with a win away over Manawatu to win the Coronation Cup and was followed by a series of wins both home and away against Taranaki to secure the John F Henning Trophy, Bay of Plenty, Hawkes Bay to secure the newly created Paladin Trophy, then the only loss of the season against Tasman in Blenheim.

The team put on a great performance over Premiership Team Canterbury

winning the match and taking the Harry Saundercock Memorial Trophy. Then an away win over Premiership Team Waikato.

Next we were Home playing Otago in our Charity game for The Wellington Children’s Hospital. The players wore commemorative jerseys that were auctioned to raise funds for the children’s hospital. The match was a tight win over a competitive Otago outfit; this annual fixture sees the teams play for the Mike Gibson Trophy, (a player who played for both provinces). Creating awareness for the children’s hospital was humbling and we were thrilled to follow up with a hard-fought and close win over Otago.

We travelled to play Southland winning convincingly and our final regular round robin game was over the improving Northland Team. We won and in doing so kept the Paladin Trophy for the summer.

In the Home Semi-Final we played Northland again. We knew it would be a huge challenge and encouragement from Coach Gibbes at the halftime, created the catalyst for a great second half performance resulting in a win over Northland 49-21.

The Home Final was against Bay of Plenty. The Bay put away Otago in the other Semi-Final the previous week.

Whilst we prepared well going into the final, history was well communicated to us. Past Wellington Lions Teams had suffered misfortune playing in Finals.

Wellington Lions Team Managers Report


The game itself was a thriller. After 80mins of rugby the game was tied at 40 all. We had a chance to win in regulation time but a late penalty kick missed its mark. Going into the overtime period the team were energized and focused.

In overtime we scored 3 vital tries and in doing so we won the Championship Final 59-45 after 100 minutes of exciting footy! We also gained the all-important promotion back into the Premiership Grade in 2018.

It was a great finalOver the year we played 12 games, won 11, lost 1, scored 515 points, and created a new season record of 74 tries scored.

38 players were used in our 2017 Mitre 10 Cup season and the following milestones were celebrated by the team:

• 16 players made their debut for Wellington. Teariki Ben-Nicholas, Alex Dalzell, Losi Filipo, Levi Harmon, Kemara Hauiti-Parapara, Mateaki Kafatolu, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Ben Lam, Will Mangos, Chris Middleton, Carlos Price, Billy Proctor, Trent Renata, James Tuiatua, Thomas Umaga-Jensen and Regan Verney.

• 10 players gained their blazer having played 12 games now for Wellington. Asafo Aumua, Tolu Fahamokioa, Alex Fidow, Kemara Hauiti-Parapara, Sam Lousi, Sitiveni Paongo, Vince Sakaria, Galu Taufale, Malo Tuitama and Isaia Walker-Leawere.

Team Environment / CultureThe management team and senior players continued to promote the traditions of pride in representing Wellington and their club. The Training Base was themed with Wellington Lion’s rugby imagery. Club Day themes were frequent in our Training Days.

Due to the compact nature of the competition, opportunities for the team and their families to enjoy each other’s company outside of rugby were limited. The player’s partner’s lounge on game day was a happy family environment enjoyed by all. We also gathered together following the home games for after match meals at the Greenman and Leroy’s. These were well patronised.

External RelationshipsThe Wellington Lions Players continue to deliver off the field partaking in community interactions, meeting marketing obligations and maintaining relations with many of our valued sponsors. We recognise the importance of our sponsors and their contributions to our game. We sincerely thank them all and look forward to continued relationships in 2018.

Thank you to our Season Sponsors:Principal sponsor: Stonewood Homes

Major: Rutherford and Bond Toyota, Tui, Burger King, Ricoh & Paladin.

Back of Jersey & Partners - AV Media, BCD Travel, Go Media, Go Wellington, GreenMan, Interislander, Les Mills, Metal Construction, Mitre 10 Mega Petone-Upper Hutt-Porirua, Montage Interiors, MusclePharm, NME, NZCIS, Ocular, OrangeBox, Pzazz Building, Rydges, Tracer Construction & Wilson + Hurst.

Thanks to Whittaker’s for their chocolates for our opposition team’s gift packs during the season.

ConclusionWinning the Championship Final and gaining promotion back into the Premiership for 2018 was the overall highlight - all players and management are delighted with this result.

Thank you to the team and our Coaches and Management Team who invested a lot of time in preparing and executing the season on and off the field. All the hard work paid off.

We would also like to thank our colleagues in Match Operations, Commercial, Community, Finance and Administration of the game. Their tireless efforts are a great support to the Wellington Lions team.

To our volunteers, schools and rugby club community, who support us. Thank you all!

To our loyal and faithful fans who continually support us - a big thank you to each of you from the Lions team.

You have all played a part in the success of 2017.

Finally thank you to our captain Brad Shields. Brad has been our captain over the last four seasons, has made 60 appearances in the Lions jersey and he leaves with our best wishes to take up an opportunity with Wasps in England.

Brad is a great player who holds a lot of mana. His servanthood to Wellington Rugby will be sorely missed. We wish him, his partner Lou and their new baby Charley all the very best in their future endeavours.

We are all looking forward to 2018!

Mila PoutoaWellington Lions Manager 2017

Wellington Lions Team Managers Report


Wellington Pride

Back Row: Monica Tagoai, Alicia Print, Raylene Lolo, Lekah Leti, Tove Svanborg, Angel Uila, Brooke Tauaneai, Gina Williamson Third Row: Holly McDonald, Lilian Mapu, Joanah Ngan-Woo, Petra Kriklanova, Janet Taumoli, Kiri Mei, Dhys Faleafaga Second Row: Jane Bryce, Chris Marshall (Physio), Ross Bond (Coach), Mareena Conley (Manager), Matt Poutoa (Assistant Coach), James Clabburn (Skills

Coach), Dave Jensen (Trainer), Rosie Stirling Front Row: Cheyne Copeland, Kauna Lopa, Sinead To’oala-Ryder, Acacia Te lwimate, Jackie Patea-Fereti, Rejieli Uluinayau, Vaine Marsters, Patricia Kalolo-

Apolinario, Tina Hamlin Absent: Gary Hilsdon (Assistant Coach), Ayesha Leti-l’iga, Saua Ualesi, Sanita Levave

Management TeamHead Coach Ross BondForwards Coach Gary HilsdonBacks Coach Matt PoutoaSkills Coach James ClabburnManager Mareena ConleyPhysio Chris MarshallVideo Analyst Muneya Shino

Played:

7Won:

3Lost:

4Points For:

197Points Against:

198


Wellington Pride

Team Record2 September v Hawkes Bay in Porirua: Won 42-10Tries: Kiri Mei (2), Rejieli Uluinayau (2), Ayesha Leti-Iiga, Angelica Uila, Raylene LoloConversions: Acacia Te Iwimate (2)Penalties: Acacia Te Iwimate

9 September v Manawatu in Lower Hutt: Lost 27-35Tries: Vaine Marsters, Gina Williamson, Saua Ualesi, Tove Svanborg, Jane BryceConversions: Jane Bryce

16 September v Waikato in Hamilton: Won 11-5Tries: Sanita LeavavePenalties: Acacia Te Iwimate (2)

23 September v Auckland in Porirua: Lost 30-31Tries: Ayesha Leti-Iiga (2), Angel Uila, Vaine MarstersConversions: Acacia Te Iwimate (2)Penalties: Acacia Te Iwimate (2)

30 September v Otago in Dunedin: Won 41-19Tries: Raylene Lolo, Sinead To’oala-Ryder, Jackie Patea-Fereti, Ayesha Leti-Iiga, Dhys Faleafaga, Monica TagoaiConversions: Jane Bryce (2)

7 October v Counties Manukau in Porirua: Lost 13-43Tries: Kiri Mei, Angel UilaPenalties: Acacia Te Iwimate

14 October v Canterbury in Christchurch: Lost 34-55Tries: Ayesha Leti-Iiga (2), Jackie Patea-Fereti (2), Cheyne Copeland, Dhys FaleafagaConversions: Cheyne Copeland (2)

Player Appearances

2017 CapsBryce, Jane 5Burgess, Tawny 5Copeland, Cheyne 2Crawford, Susannah 1Faleafaga, Dhys 3Hamlin, Selestina 5Kalolo-Apolinario, Patricia 3Kriklanova, Petra 4Leti, Toreka 1Leti-Liga, Ayesha 5Levave, Sanita 6Lolo, Raylene 6Lopa, Kauna 3MacDonald, Holly 5Mapu, Lilian 2Marsters, Vaine 7Mei, Kiri 7Ngan-Woo, Joanah 6Patea-Fereti, Jackie 7Print, Alicia 7Stirling, Rosie 6Svanborg, Tove 4Tagoai, Monica 5Tauaneai, Brooke 4Taumoli, Janet 3Te Iwimate, Acacia 7To’oala-Ryder, Sinead 4


Wellington Men’s 7s 2016/7

Management Team Head Coach: Sam RaschAssistant Coach: Dan FaraniManager: Mike ParkerPhysio: Peter MathesonTrainer: Paul DownesVideo: Ryan Piper

2016/7 Squad Brandyn Laursen, Sheridan Rangihuna, Tomasi Alosio, Esi Komaisavai, Te Wehi Wright, Levi Harmon, Randall Bishop, Daniel Schrijvers, Hayden Schrijvers, Max Pearson, Joketani Koroi, Nash Fiso-Vaelei

Team Record Played Won Draw Lost Points For Points Against

10 7 1 2 228 102Central Region SevensWanganui Draw 19-19Hawkes Bay Won 21-19HK Won 48-0Manawatu (SF) Won 21-5Taranaki (F) Won 33-5

NZR National SevensHawkes Bay Won 36-7Otago Won 17-10Auckland (QF) Lost 7-12Tasman (SF) (Plate) Won 14-10Canterbury (F) (Plate) Lost 12-15

Wellington Women’s 7s 2016/7

Management Team Head Coach: Charles AlivaAssistant Coach: Fa’avae Tuma’aiManager: Brett KaripaPhysio: Chris MarshallTrainer: Adam Vardey

2016/7 Squad Monica Tagoa’I, Vaine Marsters, Georgia Daals, Amanda Rasch, Timena Tuma’ai, Fa’asua Makisi, Elizabeth Goulden, Ayesha Leti-Liga, Renee Savai’inaea, Dhys Faleafaga, Lyric Faleafaga, Cheyne Copeland

Team Record Played Won Lost Points For Points Against

9 4 5 142 152Central Region SevensTaranaki Won 31-12Wanganui Won 39-0Hawkes Bay Won 39-7Manawatu Lost 5-26

NZR National SevensHawkes Bay Won 41-0Auckland Lost 0-29Bay of Plenty Lost 0-33Manawatu (QF) Lost 10-26Canterbury (SF) (Plate) Lost 17-19


Wellington Development


3 1 2 101 94Management Team Head Coach: Dion WallerAssistant Coach: Riki FluteyManager: Maurice KaraitanaPhysio: Miles GanleyTrainer: Matt TreebyLogistics: Ashley Carmichael

Matches and Results Date Time Opponent Ground ResultSaturday 30 September 3.00pm Tasman Blenheim Lost 27-29Saturday 7 October 3.00pm Canterbury Porirua Park 1 Lost 24-37Saturday 14 October 12.00pm Auckland Auckland Won 50-28


Wellington Under 19


7 5 2 170 123Management Team Head Coach: Zak FeaunatiAsst. Coach: Rua TipokiAsst. Coach: Bernie UptonManager: Mike BerryPhysio: Matt DoonanTrainer: Joel MarshallVideo Analyst: Stephen Isaac

Matches and Results Date Time Opponent Ground ResultWednesday 5 August 7.00pm Yorkshire Rugby (UK) (Pre-Season) Porirua Park Won 21-10Saturday 19 August 1.00pm Hurricanes Heartland U20 (Pre-Season) Palmerston North Won 26-12Saturday 26 August 12.30pm Hawkes Bay U19 Porirua Park Won 31-6Saturday 2 September 1.00pm Manawatu U19 Porirua Park Won 15-79-16 September Jock Hobbs National U19 Tournament Sunday 10 September 2.30pm Game 1 – North Harbour Taupo Lost 27-30Wednesday 13 September 10.45am Game 2 - Tasman Taupo Lost 26-38Saturday 16 September 2.00pm Game 3 - Manawatu Taupo Won 24-20

Winners of the Hurricanes

Region Under 19 Tournament


Wellington Under 18 Girls


5 4 2 240 58Management Team Head Coach: Garry ArcherForwards Coach: Jude PerezBacks Coach: James Te Iwi MateManager: Tala MiskyTrainers: Sheldon Akavi & Noel Anoua

Matches and ResultsDate Time Opponent Ground ResultSaturday 2 September 12.00pm Taranaki U18 New Plymouth Won 35-29Saturday 9 September 12.00pm Tasman U18 Hutt Rec 1 Won 112-0Saturday 16 September 12.00pm Auckland U18 Auckland Lost 0-12Saturday 23 September 11.00am Poverty Bay U18 Porirua Park 2 Won 57-5Saturday 30 September 1.00pm Hawkes Bay U18 Ashhurst Lost 36-12


Wellington Under 16 A

Management Team Head Coach: Willie LeotaAsst Coach: Kent HarrisResource Coach: Koji ShigeedaManager: Mike ParkerAsst Manager: Danny Merito


6 6 0 271 63Matches and ResultsDate Time Opponent Ground ResultSaturday 9 September 1.00pm Norths Academy Bernie Wood Turf 85-5Saturday 16 September 1.00pm Hawkes Bay Palmerston North 14-8Saturday 23 September 1.30pm Manawatu Playford Park, Levin 59-102-6 October HYRC U16 Tournament Week – Wanganui Monday 2 October Poverty Bay 46-12Wednesday 3 October Hawkes Bay 36-12Thursday 5 October Final Hawkes Bay 31-16

Wellington Under 16 Dev

Management Team Head Coach: Philip KauikaAssistant Coach: Richard PrestonManager: Brendon CarterPhysio: Mike Ngan-KeeTrainer: Alex Taimalietane


6 6 0 219 56Matches and ResultsDate Time Opponent Ground ResultSaturday 9 September 11.15am Wairarapa-Bush Bernie Wood Turf 60-0Saturday 16 September 11.30am Hawkes Bay Dev Palmerston North 33-7Saturday 23 September 12.30pm Horowhenua Kapiti Otaki 48-152-6 October HYRC U16 Tournament Week – Wanganui Monday 2 October Hawkes Bay Dev 15-12Wednesday 3 October Wanganui 36-5Thursday 5 October Final Hawkes Bay Development 27-17

Winners of the Don Broughton

Shield

Winners of the

Saracens Cup


Wellington Maori

Management Team Head Coach: Andrew WharakuraAssistant Coach: Jo HopkinsManager: Tane Landon-LaneAsst. Manager: Clinton Whiu


4 2 2 113 110Matches and ResultsOpponent Result

Wellington Centurions (Festival Cup) Won 28-21

Manawatu Development Won 32-22

Wellington Samoans (Festival Cup) Lost 23-24

Hawkes Bay Saracens Lost 30-43

Hurricanes Development Shield Competition Runners Up

Festival Cup Competition Runners Up

Wellington Samoan

Management Team Coach: Daniel FaraniAssistant Coach: Willie LafaeleTrainer: Alex Tele’aTeam Managers: Alphonso Parsons

& Michelle Hynam-Nyberg


6 3 3 126 150Matches and ResultsOpponent Result

Hawkes Bay Samoans Won 27-19

Manawatu Development Lost 15-31

Hawkes Bay Saracens Lost 15-31

Wellington Maori (Festival Cup) Won 24-23

BOP Samoans Lost 17-19

Wellington Centurions (Festival Cup) Won 28-27

Winners of the

Festival Cup


Hurricanes

Back Row: Darren Larsen (Recruitment & Development Manager), Nehe Milner-Skudder, Kemara Hauiti-Parapa, Malo Tuitama, Loni Uhia, Jonah Lowe, Ngani Laumape, Vince Aso, Wes Goosen, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, TJ Va’a, James O’Reilly, Peter Akhi

Third Row: Ryan Runciman (Assistant Analyst), Jayson Ross (Analyst), Paul Minehan (Baggageman), Kaylem O’Donnell, Ricki Riccatelli, Jordie Barrett, Hugh Renton, James Blackwell, Matt Proctor, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Mike Kainga, Reed Princeep, Toa Halafihi, Vaea Fifita, Antonio Kirikiri, Raphael Lagarde (Intern) Dan Cron (Scrum Coach), Jack Buckley (Intern)

Second Row: Steve Symonds (Professional Development Manager), Dave Wildash (Strength & Conditioning), James Dickie (Strength & Conditioning), Becky Jones (Nutritionist), Geoff Cridge, Sam Lousi, Michael Fatialofa, Mark Abbott, Callum Gibbins, Otere Black, Leni Apisai, Ben Lam, Cam Shaw (Physiotherapist), David Gray (Strength & Conditioning), LeeVan Santos (Physiotherapist), Chris Stirling (High Performance Manager), Seti Tafua (Assistant Analyst)

Front Row: Tony Ward (Manager), Cory Jane, Chris Eves, Jason Holland (Assistant Coach), Brad Shields, Beauden Barrett, Chris Boyd (Head Coach), TJ Perenara (Vice Captain), Dane Coles (Captain), John Plumtree (Assistant Coach), Jeff Toomaga-Allen, Reggie Goodes, Ben May, Julian Savea, Ardie Savea, Richard Watt (Assistant Coach)

Management TeamHead Coach: Chris BoydAssistant Coach: John PlumtreeAssistant Coach: Jason HollandTechnical Coach: Richard WattScrum Coach / Technical Analyst: Dan CronTechnical Analyst: Jayson RossTeam Manager: Tony WardTeam Doctor: Dr Theo DorflingPhysiotherapist: Cameron ShawAssistant Physiotherapist: Lee Van SantosHead Strength and Conditioning Coach: Dave WildashStrength and Conditioning Coach: James DickieBaggage Man / Masseur: Paul MinehanProfessional Development Manager: Steve SymondsGeneral Manager High Performance: Chris Stirling

Played:

15Won:

12Lost:

3Points For:

596Points Against:

272


2017 was another great year for Wellington secondary school students playing rugby. In particular St Mary’s College, who continue to be the powerhouse of New Zealand secondary school girls’ rugby.

In May the St Mary’s College rugby sevens team travelled to Japan to compete in the Sanix World Rugby Youth Invitational Tournament against teams from England, Australia, Japan, and Hong Kong. The team won the final 26-22 against Kokugakuin University Tochigi High School and crowned Sanix Youth World Sevens Champions.

Then in XV’s St Mary’s College beat Aotea College 47 – 25 in the Premier 1 final at Porirua Park, before going on to beat Manukura in the Hurricanes Final. At the Girls 1st XV Top 4 National Tournament, St Mary’s College were unstoppable, beating Southern Cross Campus

22-17 in the semi-final and then Hamilton Girls’ 29-12 in the final to be crowned national champions and lift the Hine Pounamu trophy for the first time.

St Mary’s College also had three teams playing in the Wellington competition. We look forward to the school producing more championship calibre teams, as well as helping increase the participation and profile of secondary school girls rugby.

The WelTec 1st XV Premiership continues to be one of the most exciting secondary school rugby competitions. The WelTec 1st XV Premiership final was played between Wellington College and St Patrick’s College Silverstream at Porirua Park in front of 2500 spectators. Silverstream had a fantastic season going through the Premiership round robin unbeaten, scoring 548 points for and only conceding 48. Defending

champions Wellington College played fantastic in the tight and intense final, but Silverstream eventually won 17-11. This win added to the amazing season for Silverstream, which included the “Grand Slam” of winning all of their traditional games for the first time since 1988.

In the Hurricanes top 4 final, Silverstream eventually lost to national champions Hasting Boys’ High School.

Riley Forbes (St Patrick’s College, Silverstream) was the top point scorer for all 1st XVs with 109 points, while Wainuiomata High School’s Alex Faifailoa was the top try scorer, with 16.

The College Rugby Finals Day was another great success, with 11 division finals being played at St Patrick’s College, Silverstream. Thanks to Rector Gerard Tully and the Director of Sport Warrick Bowden for their continued support of this day that brings all teams together and allows everyone to celebrate this finals festival of rugby.

Sevens tournaments continue to be a highly enjoyable format for both our girls and boys. In the Condor Regional Qualifiers, Scots College beat Rongotai 21-19 in a nail biter to claim the Christian Cullen Cup. In a repeat of last year’s final, St Mary’s College again won the Kat Whata-Simpkins Trophy beating Aotea College 39-7 in the final. All four finalists qualified for the Condor Nationals. St Mary’s made it through to the cup semi-finals, while Scots College lost the cup final 10-26 against Hamilton Boys’ High School.

At the College Sport Awards, Lyric Faleafaga (St Mary’s College) and Naitoa Ah Kuio (Wellington College) were named College Sport Wellington - Rugby Players of the Year. This topped off a great year for both players. Lyric Faleafaga received a training contract for the Black Fern Sevens and travelled on the World Series Circuit as non-playing reserve, while Naitoa Ah Kuio was named in the NZ Secondary School Rugby.

Wellington Secondary Schools Rugby


It was also amazing to see other Wellington secondary school players make higher honours:

Secondary schoolgirls selected in the 2017 Wellington Pride NPC team:

Jane Bryce (Newlands College), Cheyne Copeland, and Dhys Faleafaga (St Mary’s College)

Wellington players selected for 2017 New Zealand Schools

Naitoa Ah Kuoi (Wellington College) and Josh Southall (St Patrick’s College, Silverstream)

Wellington players selected for 2017 New Zealand Schools Barbarians

Taine Plumtree (Wellington College) and Kienan Higgins (St Patrick’s College, Silverstream)

On behalf of all secondary schools we would like to thank the Wellington Rugby Referees Association (WRRA) for your contribution and making sure we have referees at our games. WSSRU would like to thank all rugby administrators and convenors at the schools for their valued contribution to the promotion of the game, and to the managers, coaches, and parent helpers of the teams for their volunteerism with youth rugby.

Additionally our special thanks go to Wellington Rugby Football Union and their CDOs for their ongoing support of secondary school rugby. Also, thank you to Mike Dilnott for his work as the Complaints Review Officer and our local judicial chairs Grant Jones, Darrell Harvey, Martin Isberg, and Andrew Davie.

Finally, a big thank you to John Hornal who retired in July 2017 after 28 years as Chief Executive of College Sport Wellington. John’s passion was ensuring that every secondary school student had the opportunity to represent their school at sport. But John’s other

passion was rugby and he has been an integral part of secondary school rugby over those 28 years, including:

• Former administrator of Wellington secondary school rugby

• Founding member and life member of the Wellington Secondary Schools Rugby Union

• Founding member, former President, and life member of the Hurricanes Youth Rugby Council

• Former President of New Zealand Secondary Schools Rugby Union

Many of the initiatives and opportunities John helped develop still continue to be an important part of secondary school rugby for both girls and boys, not only in Wellington, but across New Zealand. On behalf of all the players that have or will play secondary school sport especially rugby, thank you John for all your amazing and hard work.

2017 Wellington Secondary Schools Rugby Union Executive:Chairperson: Martin Isberg (Wainuiomata High School)

Secretary: David Fa’atafa (College Sport Wellington)

Treasurer: Martin Isberg (Wainuiomata High School)

Executive: Tim Fox (Hutt Valley High School), Justin Gray (Rongotai College), Darrell Harvey (Wellington College), Scott Maclean (WRRA), Tala Misky (Wellington East), Kane Mokomoko (Aotea College), Sam Rasch (Scots College), Hana Tusa (Mana College), Rick Whatarau (WRFU).

David Fa’atafaSport ManagerCollege Sport Wellington

Wellington Secondary Schools Rugby

Wellington Championship winners were:

WelTec Premiership Silverstream 1st XV

Premier 2 Silverstream 2nd XV

Premier 3 Mana College

Premier 4 Wellington College 3rd XV

Premier 5 HIBS 2nd XV

Coed Cup Porirua College

Girls Premier 1 St Mary’s College

Girls Premier 2 Porirua College

Under 15 Div 1 Silverstream

Under 15 Div 2 Tawa College

Under 15 Div 3 Silverstream 3

Under 80kg Silverstream

Under 65 kg Div 1 Wellington College

Under 65 kg Div 2 Paraparaumu College

Under 55 kg Silverstream (White)

Condor Regional Rugby 7’s

Boys Cup Scots College

Girls Cup St Mary’s College

Under 15 7’s

Boys Cup Scots College


Chairperson: Sunil SurujpalBoard: Anna Sage (Deputy Chair) – AppointedKane Mokomoko – AppointedLance Ehu – AppointedAdam Cooper – ElectedShar Amner – Appointed

Junior Rugby has had another successful year. We had a 1% (45) increase in player and team numbers from 2016. There was a 9.3% (32) growth in the number of girls playing. There has been no change to the Junior Rugby programme with the same key elements being delivered across the region including an Intra-Provincial Tournament, U13 Regional Representative Programme, the Berryman Cup, and our regular Friday/Saturday season.

In 2017, the highlights were:

• Regional weigh-ins occurring in April at Walter Nash Centre in Taita. The day successfully weighed in over 3,000 players (U8 - U13) with over 40 volunteers supporting the process.

• Continuation of the Gareth Head Leadership Clinic for over 240 players from all clubs across the region, along with 40 volunteer coaches and trainers.

• A successful Intra-Provincial Tournament held at Te Whaea Park with Hutt Valley winning the U13 grade and Horowhenua Kapiti winning the U12 grade.

• A successful U13 Regional Programme was delivered by Murray Blandford and team with the team challenged by all of the teams they played, ending with one win from four games. – Open v Auckland U13 – 12 - 22– Open v Wairarapa Bush U14 – 33 to 17– Open v Horowhenua Kapiti U14 – 17 to 43– Open v Hawkes Bay U14 – 64 to 7

• The Junior Rugby Volunteer of the Year award was awarded to Roseanne Mahuri-Tukukino (Rimutaka).

Junior Rugby continues to be challenged by several issues such as negative side-line behaviour, keeping and attracting volunteers and continuing to grow our game. To that end, JRAB will continue to trial different initiatives such as extending Rippa to older grades, setting up girls-only specific sessions and a detailed, comprehensive review of the weight grade chart.

As with previous years, JRAB would like to recognise the efforts of Will Caccia-Birch, Tammy Ferreira, and the WRFU Office staff who continue to work with Junior Rugby. The continual seeking of 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: Anna Sage, Kane Mokomoko, Lance Ehu, Adam Cooper, and Shar Amner who have helped deliver rugby to our junior players. I would also like to welcome Rex Ward to the JRAB and look forward to his valuable insights as a referee and junior coach.

Regards

Sunil SurujpalChairperson Junior Rugby Advisory Board

Junior Rugby Advisory Board


Wellington Rugby Referees Association

Refereeing – “the best seat in the house”! We again need more people to enjoy that view, and certainly that was one of our major aims for 2017, as it has been for many years.

We need to tap into people at the teenage level, players who are retiring or have been injured, and anyone else who is considering their options in the sport and promote the role of officiating our game and securing the ‘best seat in the house’.

On a positive note the increasing numbers of teenage referees, and those that are even younger, is pleasing to see. It has however highlighted a need for us to seriously consider how we introduce them to the game, both in terms of safety, providing support, and a safe environment for them, so that they will stay in the sport long term.

On a financial level we again had a season without a Principal Sponsor which is very disappointing. We are displayed in front of thousands of people every year, including a national TV audience with some premier college rugby being screened on Sky TV, so we are a great opportunity for a business to be seen supporting community sport and particularly volunteer officials.

This past season has seen us run a Quiz Night (a thank you to all clubs who supported), a fundraising movie night, and also sold liquorice packs, all as a means of surviving financially. We have been lucky however with continued financial support from El Cheapo Cars, who are represented on our shorts and touch flags.

Our thanks also goes to McCormack Group, SpaceWise, DB Breweries, and BLK for their support, along with Gripfast who supply us with various sporting items, also the Petone Working Mens Club, and Petone Rugby Football Club who both graciously supply their premises for our needs.

On the refereeing front we continue to deal with the refinements of law changes and interpretations, and the

issues relating to safety. Mouthguard regulations and the Blue Card for concussion are all positive aspects.

At the higher level of refereeing we again had Mike Fraser and Ben O’Keeffe represent us at International and Super Rugby level, with Ben, refereeing five Test Matches in the past year.

We then had Richard Gordon, Vincent Ringrose and Nick Hogan all refereeing at Heartland Championship and then a number of others at Hurricane Regional and Age Grade representative levels.

We congratulate all these young men for their refereeing achievements.

We have in total approximately 130 referees volunteering their services thoughout the season and now also includes the extended 7’s calendar. Our thanks go to you all and your families for the commitment

which ensures we can all enjoy our great game.

To the WRFU and all its staff, thank you for the continued support at all the levels we need. To my Executive, and all the other members that contributed extra time to the Association, so as to keep us operating effectively, I publically thank you.

I trust everyone had a great off season and we look forward to operating under the new trial laws for the 2018 season

Ian DallasWRRA Chairman


Club Competitions: Grade Winners

PREMIER GRADE

Division One 1st round Swindale Shield Old Boys University2nd round Jubilee Cup Old Boys University2nd round (round robin) Andy Leslie Trophy Old Boys University

Division Two 2nd round Hardham Cup Upper Hutt RamsPREMIER RESERVE GRADE

Division One 1st round Harper Lock Shield Old Boys University2nd round Ed Chaney Cup Petone

Division Two 2nd round H D Morgan Memorial Cup Upper Hutt RamsFIRST GRADE

Division One 1st round Thompson Memorial Cup Hutt Old Boys Marist2nd round Johnsonville Centennium Cup Petone

Division Two 1st round JDR Cup Johnsonville2nd round Paul Donoghue Memorial Trophy Johnsonville

UNDER 21 GRADE

Division One 1st round Paris Memorial Trophy Petone2nd round John E Kelly Memorial Cup Petone

Division Two 1st round JRD Cup Paremata-Plimmerton2nd round Vic Calcinai Memorial Cup Upper Hutt Rams

85KG RESTRICTED GRADE

Division One 1st round JC Bowl Wellington2nd round Paul Potiki Memorial Shield Wellington

Division Two 1st round Phillip Wiggins Trophy Poneke2nd round Tony O’Brien Shield Upper Hutt Rams

RESERVE GRADE

Division One 1st round Mike Copeland Trophy Marist St Pats2nd round John Davies Cup Upper Hutt Rams Thirsty Rams

WOMEN’S

Division One 1st round Fleurs Trophy Oriental-Rongotai2nd round Victoria Tavern Trophy Oriental-Rongotai

Division Two 1st round Marist St Pats2nd round Petone


Post Season Club Competitions

CLUB AWARDS

DEWAR SHIELD 1 Old Boys University(Total Points) 2 Upper Hutt Rams

3 Marist St Pats

SIR WILLIAM PERRY MEMORIAL TROPHY 1 Oriental-Rongotai(Average Points Per Team) 2 Upper Hutt Rams

3 Tawa

GRIFFITHS MEMORIAL TROPHY* 1 Old Boys University Colts(Team highest average points per team) 2 Petone Premier Reserve

3 Wainuiomata Colts

JUNIOR MERIT AWARD 1 Wellington2 Petone3 Wainuiomata

WRFU AMERICAN AMBASSADOR SERIES STANDINGS

Mens Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 TotalUpper Hutt Rams A 20 15 15 50Wellington Black 12 17 17 46Tawa White 17 13 10 40Marist St Pats A 15 12 13 40Northern United 13 0 20 33Oriental-Rongotai White 0 15 12 27Old Boys University A 10 10 5 25Petone 5 10 10 25Johnsonville 8 8 5 21Wainuiomata 2 3 15 20Paremata-Plimmerton 7 2 8 17Hutt Old Boys Marist 15 0 0 15Oriental-Rongotai Black 10 1 1 12Poneke 2 5 3 10Marist St Pats B 2 0 7 9Upper Hutt Rams B 0 7 1 8Wellington Gold 5 1 2 8Avalon 0 5 0 5Old Boys University B 2 0 0 2Tawa Blue 0 0 0 0

WomenMarist St Pats 20 20 40Petone 17 13 30Northern United 12 17 29Hutt Old Boys Marist 8 12 20Oriental-Rongotai 13 0 13Paremata-Plimmerton 0 8 8Avalon 7 0 7


WRFU Premier Division One Jubilee Cup Winners Old Boys University Rugby Football Club

Fourth Row: P Gagau (Assistant Manager), M Poi, T Ben-Nicholas, M Moana, A Escalona, W Mangos, D Sabbagh, H Smith (Manager)Third Row: B Houlahan (Assistant Manager), D Candy, R Verney, G Parker, S Reid, F Kerr-Newell, J Makapelu, S Combs, S Isaac (Video Analyst)Second Row: R MacDonald (S & C Coach), A Barendregt, A Seumanufagai, M Goosen, N Tipoki, V Kalsakau, S Simonsen, C Crichton, 0 Nimmo (Physio), M Barnes (Assistant Coach)Front Row: J Williams (Head Coach), M Fowler, W Goosen, J Beech, J Fuimaono (Co-Captain), T Palu (Co-Captain), P Carter, T Wright, R Tipoki (Assistant Coach)Inset: Left-Top to bottom: P Gough (Assistant Coach), S Coventry, J Hill, J lhaka Right-Top to bottom: T Minkley, I Kennedy, H RentonAbsent: J Alve, M Chalmers, J Cooke, A Coventry, T Farrell, T Fleming, M Franklin, H Galo, C Garrity, S Green, F Grenfell, P Hausman, A Liuvaie, M Mikaele-Tu’u, W Parata, H Reardon,

A Taimalatane, W Tremain, D Trewavas, S Vanner

Photo courtesy of Kat Groovey Photography


WRFU Women’s Competition Victoria Tavern Trophy Winners

Oriental Rongotai Football Club

Third Row: Barbra Taumoli, Lilian Mapu, Janet Taumoli, Kylah Williams, Tina Paulo, Amanda Rasch, Annie Mativa, Evelyn Tea Second Row: Mason Malagamaali’i (Head Coach), Ayesha Leti-l’iga, Fuamai Taumoli, Alicia Print, Sai Tuma’ai (Club Captain), Timena Tuma’ai, Reijeli Uluinayau, Diana Foliaki, Fa’avae Tuma’ai

(Assistant Coach) Front Row: Alofa Leota (Manager), Helena Lawrence, Kauna Lopa Joanah Ngan-Woo (Vice Captain), Raylene Lolo (Captain) Fa’asua Makisi, Damaris Samani, Lesley Bromley ( Physio)Floor: Tylah Reihana-Aukuso Absent: Petra lkenasio, Kirsty Stewart, Claire Beauparlant, Elizabeth Goulden, Bernadette Robertson, Neta Matu’u


Bill Brien Challenge CupComing into the 2017 season Marist St Pats held the Bill Brien Cup. They lost it on their first challenge to Petone in week two.

Petone then beat Avalon and drew with Oriental-Rongotai before losing it to Oriental-Rongotai 20-27 in week five of the Swindale Shield.

Old Boys University then defended the trophy against Northern United in week nine before losing it against Wainuiomata 11-16 in week ten

Wainuiomata defended the trophy in week eleven against Johnsonville, week one of the Jubilee Cup against Tawa, and in week five when they drew with Marist St Pats. Unfortunately, Wainuiomata couldn’t lock it away for the summer losing it to Old Boys University in their final home match 22-56.

Old Boys University’s first defence in 2018 will be against the Upper Hutt Rams in round four.

Gary Hilsdon Challenge CupAt the start of 2017 Old Boys University held the Gary Hilsdon Challenge Cup. They defended the trophy against Hutt Old Boys Marist in week two before losing it to Wainuiomata in week five 24-31.

Wainuiomata lost the trophy in their first defence to Northern United 19-50 in week four (second round).

Northern United then defended the trophy in one match against Marist St Pats in week six before Oriental-Rongotai were successful in winning the trophy 57-17 in week eight.

Oriental-Rongotai had one successful defense beating Marist St Pats 36-5 in week nine to secure the trophy over the summer.

DisciplinaryIt was a busier and more diverse year than the previous season. The statistics show that there were six more hearings and thirteen more matters for the Judiciary to deal with.

The most notable statistic is the marked increase in the number of dangerous tackle offences, which on its own accounts for the statistical increase.

From my point of view as Chair, this reflects a much higher level of justifiable vigilance on the part of match officials, rather than a deterioration in the attitude of players in the attention and dedication of coaching staff.

So many of our contested hearings in the current year have been challenges to referees’ assessments on the field and perhaps a better understanding and training in the aspects of tackle laws, with the grey line distinctions that exist between “accidental”, “careless” and “deliberate/reckless”.

I have observed an increased awareness of coaching staff appearing before us as to the need to coach tackle techniques. It is hoped that this will reflect in an improvement in the 2018 season.

As always, I have been grateful for the technical and administrative support of Messrs. Langley and O’Fee and the knowledge, skill, and integrity of the Board members who have made up the committees with me during the current season.

Gerard DewarChairmanWRFU Disclipinary Committee

Obituaries 2017

Graham Atkin (WRFU Chairman 1976-93) Died 21 October 2017

Mattie Blackburn (Wellington FC, Wellington Representative 1964-70) Died 7 December 2017

Tom Lister (Athletic RFC, Wellington Representative 1965-67) Died 23 July 2017

Terry McCashin (Athletic RFC, Wellington Representative 1965-67, 70) Died 28 October 2017

Wayne Nicholls (Poneke FC & Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington Representative 1966-72, 75) Died 15 August 2017


Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the Year Ended 31 December 2017

ContentsAuditor’s Report 37

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Revenue and Expense 38

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Net Assets 39

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position 40

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows 42

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 44


Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members of Wellington Rugby Football Union (Incorporated)Report on the Audit of the Financial StatementsOpinion

We have audited the financial statements of the Wellington Rugby Football Union Incorporated (the ‘Union’) and its subsidiaries (the ‘group’) on pages 38 to 61, which comprise the statement of financial position of the group as at 31 December 2017, the statement of comprehensive revenue and expenses, statement of changes in net assets and statement of cash flows for the year then ended of the group, and the notes to the financial statements including a summary of significant accounting policies.

In our opinion, the financial statements on pages 38 to 61, present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the group as at 31 December 2017 and its financial performance and cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with Public Benefit Entity Standards Reduced Disclosure Regime.

This report is made solely to the group’s members. Our audit has been undertaken so that we might state to the group’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 group and the group’s members, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (New Zealand). Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements section of our report.

We are independent of the group in accordance with Professional and Ethical Standard 1 (revised) Code of

Ethics for Assurance Practitioners issued by the New Zealand Auditing and Assurance Standards Board, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements.

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

Other than in our capacity as auditor, we have no relationship with, or interest in, the group. Partners and employees of our firm may deal with the group on normal terms within the ordinary course of trading activities of the business of the group.

Information other than the financial statements and auditor’s report

Those charged with governance are responsible for the Annual Report, which includes information other than the financial statements and auditor’s report.

Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained during the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated.

When we read the Annual Report, if we conclude that there is a material misstatement therein, we are required to communicate the matter to those charged with governance and, if uncorrected, to take appropriate action to bring the matter to the attention of users for whom our auditor’s report was prepared.

Those charged with governance responsibilities for the financial statements

Those charged with Governance are responsible, on behalf of the entity, for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in accordance with Public Benefit Entity Standards Reduced

Disclosure Regime, and for such internal control as those charged with governance determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, those charged with governance are responsible for assessing on behalf of the entity the group’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless those charged with governance either intend to liquidate the group or cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (New Zealand) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located at the External Reporting Board website: https://www.xrb.govt.nz/standards-for-assurancepractitioners/auditors-responsibilities . This description forms part of our auditor’s report.

Wellington21 March 2018

Chartered Accountants

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited


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



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



https://www.xrb.govt.nz/standards-for-assurancepractitioners/auditors-responsibilities.



Note 2017

$

2016

$

Revenue 2

Community rugby 1,933,696 1,842,322High performance rugby 2,777,628 2,773,260Event management 1,890,012 1,917,750Governance and administration 160,288 252,122

Total revenue 6,761,624 6,785,454

Expenses3

Community rugby 1,700,324 1,643,377High performance rugby 3,100,476 2,688,016Event management 119,403 404,772Governance and administration 1,814,859 2,017,231

Total expenses 6,735,062 6,753,396

Surplus / (deficit) before associates and income tax 26,562 32,058

Share of profit from associates 14 302,621 183,681

Surplus / (deficit) before income tax 329,183 215,739

Income tax expense 19 125,458 25,000

Surplus / (deficit) after income tax attributable to members 203,725 190,739

Other comprehensive revenue and expense

Movement in reserves held by associates 14 -

Total comprehensive revenue and expense attributable to members 203,725 190,739

The above statement should be read in conjunction with the notes to the financial statements.

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Revenue and ExpenseFor the Year Ended 31 December 2017



Consolidated Statement of Changes in Net AssetsFor the Year Ended 31 December 2017

Note 2017

$

2016

$

Opening accumulated comprehensive revenue and expense 3,263,827 3,073,088

Surplus / (deficit) after income tax 203,725 190,739

Other comprehensive revenue and expense - -

Total comprehensive revenue and expense for the year 203,725 190,739

Closing accumulated comprehensive revenue and expense 3,467,552 3,263,827


Consolidated Statement of Financial PositionFor the Year Ended 31 December 2017

Note 2017

$

2016

$

Current assetsCash and cash equivalents 9 191,245 406,486Short term deposits 9 - -Trade receivables and prepayments 6 834,435 1,156,533Loans to affiliated clubs 16 - 5,208Total current assets 1,025,680 1,568,227

Non current assetsLoans to affiliated clubs 16 - -

Property, plant and equipment 7 1,515,810 1,612,781Intangible assets 8 30,925 46,728Investments in associates 14 1,998,276 1,870,655Total non-current assets 3,545,011 3,530,164

Total assets 4,570,691 5,098,391

Current liabilitiesTrade creditors and accruals 10 475,494 440,250Employee entitlements 12 127,289 124,913Revenue received in advance 11 150,356 816,699Provision for income tax 19 50,000 25,000Liability owing to associates 100,000 100,000

Total current liabilities 903,139 1,506,862

Non-current liabilitiesRevenue received in advance 11 - 27,702Liability owing to associates 200,000 300,000Total non-current liabilities 200,000 327,702



Consolidated Statement of Financial PositionFor the Year Ended 31 December 2017

Note 2017

$

2016

$

Total liabilities 1,103,139 1,834,564

Net assets 3,467,552 3,263,827

Net assets attributable to members

Accumulated comprehensive revenue and expense 3,467,552 3,263,827

Total net assets attributable to members 3,467,552 3,263,827

For and on behalf of the Board, which authorised the issue of the financial statements on 21/02/2018


Director Director

21 – 03 – 2018


Consolidated Statement of Cash FlowsFor the Year Ended 31 December 2017

2017

$

2016

$

Cash from operating activitiesCash was provided from:Match revenue 503,553 397,428Sponsorship revenue 820,534 753,490Grants and NZRU funding 2,549,531 2,951,276Management services 1,650,466 843,697Interest received 717 4,048Other 106,025 1,116,433Total cash provided 5,630,826 6,066,372

Cash was applied to:Payments to suppliers and employees 5,857,185 6,015,333Income taxes paid 125,147 -Interest paid - -GST (net) 7,296 66,470Total cash applied 5,989,628 6,081,803

Total cash flows from operating activities (358,802) (15,431)

Cash from investing activities

Cash was provided from:Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment - -Proceeds from sale of intangibles - -Proceeds from distribution from associates 175,000 125,000Proceeds from sale of investments - -Total cash provided 175,000 125,000



Consolidated Statement of Cash FlowsFor the Year Ended 31 December 2017

2017

$

2016

$

Cash was applied to:Purchase of property, plant and equipment 36,646 103,282Purchase of intangibles - -Purchase of investments - -Total cash applied 36,646 103,282

Total cash flows from investing activities 138,354 21,718

Cash from financing activities

Cash was provided from:Proceeds from repayment of loans to affiliated clubs 5,208 6,250Total cash provided 5,208 6,250

Cash was applied to:Repayment of loans - -Total cash applied - -

Total cash flows from financing activities 5,208 6,250

Net increase / (decrease) in cash held (215,240) 12,537Opening cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year 406,485 393,949Cash and cash equivalents at balance date 191,245 406,486



Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the Year Ended 31 December 2017

1 Statement of Accounting Policies

Reporting entity Wellington Rugby Football Union Incorporated (“WRFU”) is a society incorporated under the Incorporated Societies Act 1908. Its registered office is 191 Thorndon Quay, Wellington.

The consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2017 comprise WRFU (the “Parent”) and its controlled entities, Wellington Rugby Limited (“WRL”) and Wellington Rugby Trust (“WRT”) (collectively the “Group”).

Statement of compliance The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with New Zealand Generally Accepted Accounting Practices (“NZ GAAP”). They comply with Public Benefit Entity Standards Reduced Disclosure Regime (“PBE Standards RDR”) as appropriate for Tier 2 Not-For-Profit entities. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Tier 2 PBE Standards and disclosure concessions have been applied. The Group qualifies for Tier 2 PBE Standards because it does not have public accountability and it is not large.

Basis of preparation “The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis. The measurement base applied is historical cost.“

The consolidated financial statements are presented in New Zealand dollars.

Presentation The consolidated statement of comprehensive revenue and expense has been prepared presenting classes of revenue and expenditure based on the functions of the Group’s operations. Presentation by function requires judgement to determine the business units of the Group and allocate revenue and expenses between these units appropriately.

Summary of significant accounting policiesSignificant accounting policies are included in the notes to which they relate. Significant accounting policies that do not relate to a specific note are outlined below.

Goods and Services Tax “Items in the financial statements are presented exclusive of GST, except for receivables and payables, which are presented on a GST-inclusive basis. Where GST is not recoverable as input tax, it is recognised as part of the related asset or expense. The net amount of GST recoverable from, or payable to, the IRD is included as part of receivables or payables in the statement of financial position. The net GST paid to, or received from, the IRD, including the GST relating to investing and financing activities, is classified as a net operating cash flow in the statement of cash flows.

Commitments and contingencies are disclosed exclusive of GST.”


Critical accounting estimates and judgementsIn preparing these financial statements, the Group has made estimates and assumptions concerning the future. These estimates and assumptions may differ from the subsequent actual results. Estimates and assumptions are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are:

- Useful lives and residual values of property, plant, and equipment - refer to note 7

Critical judgements in applying accounting policiesManagement has exercised critical judgement in applying accounting policies in the following area:

- Revenue recognition timing for grants received - refer to note 2

- Preparation of financial statements using the going concern basis.

2 Accounting policy Match income

Income from the sale of tickets is recognised as revenue when the match is held. Season tickets purchased for future seasons are recognised as revenue in advance for the proportion of matches that the tickets are still valid for after balance date.

Sponsorship revenue

Sponsorship received in monetary form is recognised as revenue in advance until all services under the sponsorship agreement have been provided, at which point the sponsorship is recorded as revenue. Sponsorship received in kind is recorded as revenue with a corresponding recognition of expenditure, based on fair value, at the point in time at which the in-kind services to which the sponsorship relates are performed.

Management services provided

Income obtained from services provided is recognised in the accounting period in which the services are rendered, in proportion to the stage of completion at balance date of the specific event in relation to which services are provided.

Interest income

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

Grant funding

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 a grants received in advance liability until all conditions have been fulfilled.

Rental income

Rental income from operating leases is recognised on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements – continuedFor the Year Ended 31 December 2017


Volunteer servicesCoaching and other management roles for many teams within the Group are volunteer roles. Volunteer services are not recognised as revenue or expenditure by the Group.

Critical judgements in applying accounting policiesThe Group must exercise judgement when recognising grant revenue to determine when conditions of the grant contract have been satisfied. In the current year, the Group has received grants from various organisations, some of which require certain conditions to be met. Unsatisfactory performance in meeting these conditions can result in the grants being reclaimed by the grantors. The Group has not recognised as revenue any grants received for which, in the Group’s judgement, the conditions attached have not been fulfilled by balance date. A liability has been recognised to the extent of cash received from grants that the Group has been unable to recognise as revenue in the current year - refer note 12.



Note Community rugby

$

High performance

rugby$

Event/Club Management

$

Governance and

administration$

Total

$

2017

Exchange revenueMatch income - 616,541 - - 616,541 Sponsorship revenue 125,858 1,040,191 - - 1,166,049 Management services provided - - 1,479,618 - 1,479,618 Hospitality revenue - - - - - Rental income - - 410,394 - 410,394 Other 84,471 19,046 - 60,288 163,805

Non-exchange revenueGrant funding 896,176 - - - 896,176 NZR funding 827,191 1,101,850 - 100,000 2,029,041

1,933,696 2,777,628 1,890,012 160,288 6,761,624

2016

Exchange revenueMatch income - 481,852 - - 481,852Sponsorship revenue 167,803 1,104,588 - - 1,272,391Management services provided - - 1,193,419 - 1,193,419Hospitality revenue - - 311,067 - 311,067Rental income - - 388,341 - 388,341Other 69,493 163,737 24,923 152,122 410,275Non-exchange revenueGrant funding 752,333 - - - 752,333NZR funding 852,693 1,023,083 - 100,000 1,975,776

1,842,322 2,773,260 1,917,750 252,122 6,785,454



3 Expenses

Accounting policy

Expenses

Expenses are recognised when incurred.

Distributions / grants to clubs

Distributions [and/or grants] are made to clubs in line with the Group’s capital management objectives. When managing capital, management’s objective is to ensure WRFU continues as a going concern as well as maintaining optimal returns for members.

Operating leases

The Group leases certain buildings, equipment and vehicles. An operating lease is a lease that does not transfer substantially all the risks and rewards incidental to ownership of an asset to the lessee. Lease payments under an operating lease are recognised as an expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Lease incentives received are recognised in the surplus or deficit as a reduction of rental expense over the lease term.



Note Community rugby

$

High performance

rugby$

Event/Club Management

$

Governance and

administration$

Total

$

2017

Salaries 483,053 1,738,122 - 853,047 3,074,222 Defined contribution scheme contributions 12,811 31,928 - 16,678 61,417 Commercial and event expenses - 464,006 - - 464,006 Distributions / grants to clubs - - - - - Operating lease expense 4 29,413 12,627 - 257,466 299,506 Depreciation and amortisation expense 7/8 - - - 149,420 149,420 Writedown/Loss on sale of fixed assets - - - - - Advertising / sponsorship 35,959 327,607 - - 363,566

Provincial teams 366,313 316,302 - - 682,615 Game development / club rugby 729,895 - - - 729,895 Other expenses 42,880 209,884 119,403 538,248 910,415

1,700,324 3,100,476 119,403 1,814,859 6,735,062

2016

Salaries 480,723 1,443,253 - 967,132 2,891,108 Defined contribution scheme contributions 12,445 17,998 - 28,007 58,450 Commercial and event expenses - 311,397 314,691 - 626,088 Distributions / grants to clubs - - - - - Operating lease expense 4 26,067 13,815 - 249,993 289,875 Depreciation and amortisation expense 7/8 - - - 176,064 176,064 Writedown/Loss on sale of fixed assets - - - 18,280 18,280 Advertising / sponsorship 39,220 385,983 - - 425,203 Provincial teams 317,211 275,746 - - 592,957 Game development / club rugby 725,393 - - - 725,393 Other expenses 42,318 239,824 90,081 577,755 949,978

1,643,377 2,688,016 404,772 2,017,231 6,753,396



4 Operating lease as lesseeThe future aggregate minimum lease payments to be paid under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows:

2017$

2016$

Not later than one year 303,225 284,454Later than one year and not later than five years 561,612 429,922Later than five years - -

Total non-cancellable operating leases 864,837 714,376

5 Fees paid to auditors 2017

$2016

$

Fee for audit of year-end financial statements 23,000 22,200

23,000 22,200



6 Trade receivables and prepayments

Accounting policy Receivables are recorded at the amount due, less any provision for uncollectability. A receivable is considered uncollectable when there is evidence the amount due will not be fully collected. The amount that is uncollectable is the difference between the amount due and the present value of the amount expected to be collected.

2017$

2016$

Receivables and prepayments relating to exchange transactionsTrade receivables 331,620 626,856Prepayments 265,371 414,810Accrued Income 26,706 50,678GST receivable 33,985 26,689Income tax receivable 24,567 -Receivables and prepayments relating to non-exchange transactionsGrants receivable 95,000 -NZR funding receivable 57,186 37,500

Total receivables and prepayments 834,435 1,156,533

Less: provision for uncollectability -

834,435 1,156,533

2017$

2016$

Movements in the provision for uncollectability of receivables are as follows:Balance at 1 January - - Additional provisions made during the year - - Receivables written off during the year - -

Balance at 31 December - -



7 Property, plant and equipment

Accounting policy All items of plant, property and equipment are recorded at cost less aggregate depreciation and impairment losses.

Additions

“The cost of an item of property, plant, and equipment is recognised as an asset only when it is probable that future economic benefits or service potential associated with the item will flow to the Group and the cost of the item can be measured reliably. Work in progress is recognised at cost less impairment and is not depreciated.”

“In most instances, an item of property, plant, and equipment is initially recognised at its cost. Where an asset is acquired through a non-exchange transaction, it is recognised at its fair value as at the date of acquisition.“

“Costs incurred subsequent to initial acquisition are capitalised only when it is probable that future economic benefits or service potential associated with the item will flow to the Group and the cost of the item can be measured reliably.“

The costs of day-to-day servicing of property, plant, and equipment are expensed in the surplus or deficit as they are incurred.

Disposals

Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing the proceeds with the carrying amount of the asset. Gains and losses on disposals are reported net in the surplus or deficit.

Depreciation

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:

Buildings 5.26% SLTraining equipment 10-40% DV Stadium assets (fit out) 10% DVOffice furniture and equipment 9.5-40% DVComputer hardware 40% DVMiscellaneous 10-40% DVVehicles 16% DV

Impairment

Assets are considered cash-generating where their primary objective is to generate a commercial return. The Group does not hold any cash-generating property, plant and equipment assets.



Non cash-generating assets

Property, plant, and equipment held at cost that have a finite useful life are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognised for the amount by which the asset’s carrying amount exceeds its recoverable service amount. The recoverable service amount is the higher of an asset’s fair value less costs to sell, and value in use.

Value in use is the present value of an asset’s remaining service potential. It is determined using an approach based on either a depreciated replacement cost approach, a restoration cost approach, or a service units approach. The most appropriate approach used to measure value in use depends on the nature of the impairment and availability of information.

If an asset’s carrying amount exceeds its recoverable service amount, the asset is regarded as impaired and the carrying amount is written down to the recoverable amount. The total impairment loss is recognised in surplus or deficit. The reversal of an impairment loss is recognised in surplus or deficit.

Critical judgements in applying accounting policies “At each balance date, the useful lives and residual values of property, plant, and equipment are reviewed. Assessing the appropriateness of useful life and residual value estimates of property, plant, and equipment requires a number of factors to be considered such as the physical condition of the asset, expected period of use of the asset by the Group, and expected disposal proceeds from the future sale of the asset. An incorrect estimate of the useful life or residual value will affect the depreciation expense recognised in the surplus or deficit, and carrying amount of the asset in the statement of financial position. The Group minimises the risk of this estimation uncertainty by: - physical inspection of assets; - asset replacement programs; - review of second-hand market prices for similar assets; and - analysis of prior asset sales.



Buildings Training equipment

Stadium assets

(fit out)

Office furniture and

equipment

Computer hardware

Office fit out/misc

Vehicles Total

CostBalance at 1 January 2016 3,648,088 461,182 219,204 70,098 270,192 358,995 17,819 5,045,578 Additions 7,313 - - 1,356 7,387 42,733 - 58,789 Disposals - - - (60,098) - (157,124) - (217,222)Balance at 31 December 2016 3,655,401 461,182 219,204 11,356 277,579 244,604 17,819 4,887,145 Additions 1,705 - - - 24,404 10,537 - 36,646 Disposals - - - - - - - - Balance at 31 December 2017 3,657,106 461,182 219,204 11,356 301,983 255,141 17,819 4,923,791

Accumulated depreciation and impairment lossesBalance at 1 January 2016 2,223,992 323,550 167,927 53,885 243,979 297,521 5,208 3,316,062 Depreciation expense 90,562 27,456 5,672 2,238 12,499 16,800 2,018 157,245 Disposals - - - (53,718) - (145,224) - (198,942)Balance at 31 December 2016 2,314,554 351,006 173,599 2,405 256,478 169,097 7,226 3,274,365 Depreciation expense 71,561 21,950 4,987 1,790 14,386 17,248 1,695 133,617 Disposals - - - - - - - - Balance at 31 December 2017 2,386,115 372,956 178,586 4,195 270,864 186,345 8,921 3,407,982 Carrying amountBalance at 1 January 2016 1,424,096 137,632 51,277 16,213 26,213 61,474 12,611 1,729,516 Balance at 31 December 2016 1,340,847 110,176 45,605 8,951 21,101 75,507 10,593 1,612,780 Balance at 31 December 2017 1,270,991 88,226 40,618 7,161 31,119 68,796 8,898 1,515,810

8 Intangibles

Accounting policyIntangible assets comprise computer software and website development costs, which are stated at cost less accumulated amortisation and impairment losses. Amortisation is calculated on a diminishing value basis at a rate of 40%. Amortisation begins when the asset is available for use and ceases at the date that the asset is derecognised. The amortisation charge for each financial year is expensed in the surplus or deficit.

Impairment of intangible assets

Refer to the policy for impairment of property, plant, and equipment in note 7. The same approach applies to the impairment of intangible assets.



Computer Software

& Website Development

$

Total

$

CostBalance at 1 January 2016 167,590 167,590 Additions 44,491 44,491 Disposals - - Balance at 31 December 2016 / 1 January 2017 212,081 212,081 Additions - - Disposals - - Balance at 31 December 2017 212,081 212,081

Accumulated amortisation and impairment losses

Balance at 1 January 2016 146,534 146,534 Amortisation expense 18,819 18,819 Impairment - - Disposals - - Balance at 31 December 2016 / 1 January 2017 165,353 165,353 Amortisation expense 15,803 15,803 Impairment - - Disposals - - Balance at 31 December 2017 181,156 181,156

Carrying amountBalance at 1 January 2016 21,056 21,056 Balance at 31 December 2016 / 1 January 2017 46,728 46,728 Balance at 31 December 2017 30,925 30,925



9 Financial instruments

Accounting policy

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents includes cash on hand, deposits held on call with banks, and other short term, highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less.

Short term investments

Short term investments comprise bank term deposits with original maturities of greater than three months, and are measured at amortised cost.

The carrying amounts of financial assets and liabilities in each of the financial instrument categories are as follows:

2017$

2016$

Financial assets measured at amortised costCash and cash equivalents 191,245 406,486Short term investments - -Trade receivables 331,620 626,856Loans to affiliated clubs - 5,208

522,865 1,038,550

Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost Trade creditors 364,975 338,795

Borrowings - -

Liability owing to associates 300,000 400,000

664,975 738,795



10 Trade creditors and accruals

Accounting policyTrade creditors and accruals

Payables are recorded at the amount payable.

2017$

2016$

Trade creditors 364,975 338,795Accrued expenses 110,519 101,455

475,494 440,250

11 Revenue received in advance

Accounting policy

Season ticket revenue received in advance

Season tickets purchased for future seasons are recognised as income in advance for the proportion of matches that the tickets are still valid for after balance date. Tickets that are valid for longer than the next season are apportioned and recognised as non-current for the portion pertaining to games not held within the 12 month period after balance date.

Refer to note 2 for the policy on grant funding revenue which leads to the recognition of grants received in advance.

Current portion

2017$

2016$

Grants received in advance 47,500 328,500Season ticket revenue received in advance 102,856 488,199

150,356 816,699

Non-current portion

Season ticket revenue received in advance - 27,702

150,356 844,401



12 Employee entitlements

Accounting policy Employee benefits that are due to be settled within 12 months after the end of the year in which the employee provides the related service are measured based on accrued entitlements at current rates of pay. These include salaries and wages accrued up to balance date, annual leave earned but not yet taken at balance date, and sick leave. A liability and an expense are recognised for bonuses where there is a contractual obligation or where there is past practice that has created a constructive obligation and a reliable estimate of the obligation can be made.

2017$

2016$

A breakdown of employee entitlements is as follows:Accrued salaries and wages 27,036 47,841Annual leave 100,253 77,072

127,289 124,913

13 Investments in controlled entities

Accounting policy

Basis of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the parent entity WRFU and its subsidiary Wellington Rugby Limited. Controlled entities are entities in which 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.

2017% Owned

2016% 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.



14 Investments in associates

Accounting policy 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 surplus or deficit is recognised in the consolidated statement of comprehensive revenue and expense, 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 surplus or deficit, 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.

Movements in the carrying amount of the Group’s investment in associates

2017$

2016$

At 1 January 1,870,655 1,811,974Share of total recognised revenue and expense 302,621 183,681Distributions Received (175,000) (125,000)

At 31 December 1,998,276 1,870,655

15 ContingenciesThe Group has $0 contingent liabilities or assets (2016: $0)

The Group has a 50% interest in the Hurricanes Investment LP, a limited liability partnership responsible for the management of the Hurricanes rugby club. Hurricanes Investment LP holds an eight year franchise license, from 2013-2020 inclusive.

The equity accounted profit or loss from Hurricanes Investment LP is based on audited financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2017.

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



16 Related parties Related party disclosures have not been made for transactions with related parties that are:

• within a normal supplier or client/recipient relationship; and• on terms and conditions no more or less favourable than those that it is reasonable to expect the Group would have adopted in dealing with the party at arm’s length in the

same circumstances.

The following are related parties due to being members of the Group and are controlled by the Group:

• Wellington Rugby Trust; and• Wellington Rugby Investment Limited Partnership.

The following are related parties due to their close affiliation with the Group, either as members of the Group or due to their significant influence over the Group:

• Marist St Pats Rugby Club;• New Zealand Rugby Union.

Related Party Nature of transaction / balance 2017$

2016$

Wellington Rugby Trust (WRT) Receivable from WRFU 7,062 264,877Payable to WRFU 5,194 34,931

Hurricanes Investment Limited Partnership Management fee received 557,000 502,000Rental payments 410,394 388,341Receivable from WRFU 83 2,810Payable to WRFU 72,183 44,987

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) Management fee received (including KPI Payments) 922,618 691,419Grants received from NZR 2,029,041 1,975,776Receivable from WRFU 680 7,897Payable to WRFU 81,958 255,818

Marist St Pats Rugby Club Loan from WRFU - 5,208



Key Management Personnel remuneration Number of FTEs 2017$

2016$

Board 8 - -Senior Management 4 485,574 509,397

The Board are all voluntary members and are therefore not remunerated for their services.

17 Capital commitmentsAt 31 December 2017 there were $0 capital expenditure commitments (2016: $0).

18 Subsequent eventsNo subsequent event has occurred since balance date that would materially impact the financial statements as at 31 December 2017.

19 Income tax

Accounting policy WRFU is exempt from income tax as a promoter of amateur sport, under section CW46 of the Income Tax Act. Its subsidiary, Wellington Rugby Limited (WRL) is a taxable entity.

WRL is the corporate trustee for the Wellington Rugby Trust. Net surpluses from the Trust are not taxable provided they are distributed to beneficiaries with six months of the end of the financial year. The current tax expense in the statement of comprehensive income represents the estimated tax payable on non-deductible expenditure.



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

http://www.wrfu.co.nz

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