The function of the SRFC board is to provide governance and fiscal responsibility for the members in the management of their club and ensuring a quality club member experience. Alongside this is the requirement for the board to maintain compliance to the multiple funders and trusts upon which we rely. We also ensure that SRFC stays in touch with progress and developments within our sport working with Canterbury Rugby and also maintaining close contact with our Shirley Rugby community.

The 2021 season was another challenging year for a sports club with more lockdowns and the subsequent effects on our club operations and income streams.

The 2021 financial performance of the club is satisfactory, and it is worth noting that the recent Covid restrictions did cost us the opportunity to host our annual ‘Big Night In’. This was disappointing but completely out of our control and has subsequently been rescheduled for February 2022.

We were very happy with the commitment from within the team management of the club to increase income from player subscriptions and we thank them for their focusing on this - Shirley Rugby depends upon players paying their subs to support what is a community club and not a professional entity.

A huge thanks to our numerous sponsors – publicans, business owners, individuals, everyone who helps to support our community club to assist in providing a facility for rugby for all ages and gender. Thanks to our Fundraising committee chaired by our Patron Roger Parlane for their significant efforts this year.

We have had a successful junior season both on and off the field – as a board we have made a commitment to support and grow Shirley Junior Rugby and the investment in time on the part of the Junior committee has been huge and very well organized. We certainly have more work to do and will continue to ask our junior club members, parents, and caregivers for feedback as we take a long-term perspective on Junior Rugby and its benefits to the club.

A big thanks to Deb Calder for chairing the Junior Committee and of course the Junior Committee members. Also, thanks to Julie Briggs who has ably assisted and Chris Morel as our Junior RDO.

We are currently investigating other options to increase membership and grow revenue streams while also broadening our perspective as a rugby club. We are in early discussions with the CRFU around the feasibility Women’s rugby team to represent SRFC. We understand that there is demand on from within the Eastern Suburbs that isn’t being met by current team availability so would like to develop this concept further.

I would like to thank the SRFC members representatives that sit on the board of Shirley Sport Club Ltd -  Roger Smith, Dean Jordan and Bob Clarke represent our SRFC 50% interest in this entity that exists to manage and run the clubroom facility, bar, changing sheds and other associated activities. The board appreciates the long-term service that you three have provided and the fact that you are happy to liaise with us and work on the projects and objectives that we propose to further enhance the member experience.

So, 2022 is set to be another exciting year for Shirley Rugby – we have Graeme Moody appointed as our Director of Rugby replacing Deane Lutton who is back coaching in Japan. Graeme has a great coaching team developing to support Div2 and Colts rugby and has also appointed a dedicated Rugby Development Office in Sione Lea. Sione will be assisting with the Junior Club, working with local schools as well as focusing on recruitment and retention for the Senior Club.

Lastly, a huge thanks to our board members and various subcommittees for their attendance and valuable input throughout 2021. On top of this, thanks for the extra work that they and our volunteers carry out to support the Shirley Vikings so that footy can be played every Saturday.

As a board we have enjoyed seeing smiling Shirley faces on playing fields and sidelines irrespective of whether these members are Junior, friends, family, supporters or from the Senior Club.

Article added: Tuesday 30 November 2021