From the folks at Stuff......
NZRU profit, progress make 2003 a success - Hobbs
28 April 2004
The pain of World Cup failure could at least be eased by the performance of New Zealand rugby in most other areas in 2003.
That was the message from chairman Jock Hobbs to today's annual meeting of the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) in Wellington.
The union's annual report showed a record annual income of 93.6 million, up from 91.2 million in 2002.
Expenditure was up $1.1 million to $82.5, leaving a record profit of $11.1 million. That amount would go into NZRU reserves, which climb to $37.2 million.
Hobbs was pleased with the union's financial performance and a range of other initiatives aimed at keeping the game strong at both the top and base levels.
"It is not possible to look back over 2003 without immediately acknowledging the shadow that was cast over the year because we did not win the Rugby World Cup," Hobbs told delegates today.
"But to solely judge the performance of New Zealand rugby on one 80-minute match of rugby (World Cup semifinal loss to Australia) would be too harsh and would ignore the many on and off field achievements by New Zealand rugby in 2003."
Hobbs said implementing the community rugby plan was one of the most important projects for this year.
A budget of $1.8 million has been set aside to boost rugby at junior level.
". . . we want to make rugby the game of choice for children; we are aiming to retain teenage players in the game, improve club health and develop a plan for greater Auckland.
"We believe the key to ensuring rugby in New Zealand is healthy, strong, vibrant and enduring, lies within community rugby, principally in clubs and schools," Hobbs said.
NZRU profit, progress make 2003 a success - Hobbs
28 April 2004
The pain of World Cup failure could at least be eased by the performance of New Zealand rugby in most other areas in 2003.
That was the message from chairman Jock Hobbs to today's annual meeting of the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) in Wellington.
The union's annual report showed a record annual income of 93.6 million, up from 91.2 million in 2002.
Expenditure was up $1.1 million to $82.5, leaving a record profit of $11.1 million. That amount would go into NZRU reserves, which climb to $37.2 million.
Hobbs was pleased with the union's financial performance and a range of other initiatives aimed at keeping the game strong at both the top and base levels.
"It is not possible to look back over 2003 without immediately acknowledging the shadow that was cast over the year because we did not win the Rugby World Cup," Hobbs told delegates today.
"But to solely judge the performance of New Zealand rugby on one 80-minute match of rugby (World Cup semifinal loss to Australia) would be too harsh and would ignore the many on and off field achievements by New Zealand rugby in 2003."
Hobbs said implementing the community rugby plan was one of the most important projects for this year.
A budget of $1.8 million has been set aside to boost rugby at junior level.
". . . we want to make rugby the game of choice for children; we are aiming to retain teenage players in the game, improve club health and develop a plan for greater Auckland.
"We believe the key to ensuring rugby in New Zealand is healthy, strong, vibrant and enduring, lies within community rugby, principally in clubs and schools," Hobbs said.
