Thank you from the Council of Clubs

As we blow full time on the 2024 club season, and turn our focus to the representative season, we thought it poignant, to simply say – thank you.

Thank you for yet another great season of West Coast Rugby.

The endless hours organizing, kilometres driven, loads of washing done, laughs had and memories made, have all made this season a great one.

We have been impressed with not only the standard of rugby played across all grades, but the attitude and approach we have seen to the game and ensuring our values are met and maintained.

Our Junior Rugby Festival in Hokitika was an absolute success, and a fantastic way to end the season. Thank you to all those who made that day what it was.

The Senior Competition was hotly contested, culminating in a great final – played with great sportsmanship by both teams and showcased a high quality standard of rugby.

We want to also commend those who have received awards for their efforts this year, and those who received life memberships for their respective clubs – each thoroughly deserved and we wish to extend our congratulations to those who were bestowed this great honour.
Your hard work being acknowledged is a testament to your dedication to our game.

We all grew up in a rugby club, and to see our clubs prospering is exciting for the future generations to inherit.

The landscape of rugby in New Zealand is a forever changing and challenging one, but one that has some excitement ahead for our region in how we focus on the game.
One of our biggest challenges, is refereeing; we simply do not have enough referees – If we don’t do anything, we won’t have any.

So, we ask you to look within your clubs, to those who have ‘hung up the boots’, and to entice them to stay involved and get into refereeing. It is a great way to stay active, stay involved and give back to the game.

Best wishes to those representing our great region in the red and white hoops – we know you will wear them with pride!

We would like to wish you all a safe and enjoyable off-season, and we will see you all next year!

Yours in Rugby,

Mike Lash

Council of Clubs Chair
(On behalf of – West Coast Rugby Council of Clubs)
West Coast Rugby Union