Hi ,

President Report 8 April 2024

What a start to the WRFU rugby season!! A bright sunny day, ground pretty much pristine, and four Tawa senior sides playing at the same place. Shame to see the old stand all boarded up, but such is progress – hmm. 

Couple of interesting comments on the day: firstly, Jacob asked me why the stand was boarded up and I told him about the earthquake strengthening. Jacob responded, “And we are to get changed underneath?” My response was: “That truly is one of life’s many mysteries”. The other comment was when Ron, Tommy, and I were discussing rugby things when along came a referee. We exchanged pleasantries and then Tommy issued some comments on the council and the upkeep of grounds. The referee had a huge smile and wandered off. I then advised Tommy he had told the right guy as the referee was Campbell Barry, the Lower Hutt Mayor. As you can imagine, we all broke into a great deal of laughter. The best part is that Campbell is out there doing it.

It is pretty hard to watch three games at once, but I guess we were all in the same boat. Our Premier 2 side had their first loss in about four seasons, with Petone finishing 27-22 ahead. It was a very good game to watch. I chatted to Josh after the game and he was very philosophical - “We start again next week”. Good call Josh.

The Ducks were on field #3. It seems our Ducks are to continue where they left off last season, with a convincing 56-14 win over Petone.

Our Colts were on the #1 field as a curtain raiser to the Premiers. This was a very good Colts game, worthy of curtain raiser. Our boys led for some time, but I guess a home town mindset pushed Petone to take the game 38-36.

So that is the start to our 2024 rugby season.

On Monday 19th February, I represented our club at a rainbow education session. Not only was it very enlightening, but an ex-All Black I have previously written about was there as well. Campbell Johnstone gave a talk on his experiences as a gay man in rugby, and the significance of respect and inclusion in our game. I enclose the attached paragraphs from the WRFU session invitation:

"Our LGBTTQIA+ (Rainbow) communities are becoming an ever-increasing percentage of our population, with young people identifying as Rainbow in numbers not experienced by previous generations. This is the Rainbow Generation!

Rainbow communities still face challenges at work, in sport, and in our communities every day when it comes to feeling safe, visible, included, and valued, and we can all play our part - it starts by building awareness and understanding.

If we can take away that stigma or that pressure ... it's going to help our game and help people normalise the whole thing." - Campbell Johnstone 

I have to admit that I thoroughly enjoyed the presentation, the discussion, and the real good chat with a top man - Campbell Johnstone. If only other clubs had have attended, they would have only gained from the session. 

I guess that kind of takes me onto another subject close to my heart – that of being the Chairperson for the Wellbeing Committee formed for WRFU after my presentation on wellbeing at the Delegates Board meeting. 

After some interesting pathways over the last year or two, and with the help of Emma at WRFU, I have realised a dream that I took to WRFU Management over 3.5 years ago. The dream is materialising in the form of a “Walk For Wellbeing” on the 27th of April this year. Hopefully you will have seen notices about this walk taking place at 10.00am on that date (assembling at 9.30am) at Ngati Toa Domain, Petone Rec, and Kilbirnie Park. There will be a BBQ, games for the kids, and some giveaways. The walk is three kilometres, or ten times around a standard rugby field. This is a fun day where all proceeds will go to Youthline Wellington. 

This is our first attempt at this walk, which we hope to do annually. You do not have to be a rugby person or family to be part of this. Everyone is welcome and will be welcomed. We are hoping to have some Hurricanes and Wellington Lions players there, along with our Hurricanes Poua and Wellington Pride Players. Bring the whānau for a fun morning. Each venue has a home game for those wishing to stay on.

Now ordinarily, I would offer some insight (unbiased) on motor racing, but I feel that would take away from the six paragraphs above.

Please come along to the Walk for Wellbeing on the 27th of April in support of Youthline, who work tirelessly in the background helping our youth (and others) find a better way. I have been very fortunate to have met some of the Youthline Wellington Team - young people, making a difference.

Allan G Davidson

President & Life Member