2008 RugbyWA Annual Report by RugbyWA

Annual Report 2008 Western Australian Rugby Union (Inc.)

Meagher Drive Floreat PO Box 146 Floreat WA 6014 Telephone (08) 9383 7714 Fax (08) 9387 2804 www.rugbywa.com.au

Annual Report 2008 Western Australian Rugby Union (Inc.)

2008: the yeAR thAt WAs… 15 February – Emirates Western Force kick off the 2008 Investec Super 14 season against the Sharks at ABSA Stadium in Durban. Matt Giteau makes his debut as captain in the 17-10 loss.

20 February – Matt Henjak has his contracted terminated by RugbyWA after his involvement in a pre-season incident with teammate Haig Sare at the Left Bank bar in Fremantle.

15 March – Emirates Western Force wins its first match in New Zealand, defeating the Blues 27-17 at North Harbour Stadium in Auckland.

Office Bearers WESTERN AUSTRALIAN RUGBY UNION (INC)

Chairman

Founded 1893. Re-formed 1928.

G M Stooke oAM

Patron in Chief

Board Members

His excellency Dr Ken Michael AC Governor of Western Australia

G M Stooke oAM (Chairman), t J Bradbury, C Fear (appointed May ‘08), S Fink, A Harvey, D Redpath, R perry, R Viol (resigned – April ‘08), V Reid, B Stewart, J Welborn (player nominated)

Patron Dr D Haultain

3 May – Rockingham prop Kieran Longbottom becomes the first locally born and raised product to debut for the Emirates Western Force after graduating from the WA schools and club system. Longbottom was a 10th minute replacement in the 22-21 win over the Chiefs at Subiaco Oval.

18 April – James O’Connor becomes the youngest ever Super Rugby debutant, coming from the reserves bench in a 29-12 loss to the Reds at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.

28 March – Emirates Western Force captain Nathan Sharpe becomes only the ninth Australian player to reach 100 career Super Rugby caps in a 3216 loss to the Stormers at Subiaco Oval. RugbyWA appoints Greg Harris as Chief Executive Officer.

Chief Executive Officer

Vice Patrons

M Hardy (Acting, January-April), G Harris (April -)

professor D K Malcolm, the Honourable R C Kucera ApM MlA, the Right Honourable Dr p nattrass, lord Mayor of perth

Secretary

Life Members

Judiciary Board

p Bailey, Mrs V Bleakley, t J Bradbury, Dr D Butcher, p Davies-Moore, Rev R Davis, M Day, S Fink, J Green, B French, e Hall, Dr B Hartley, A Harvey, M Harvey, Dr D Haultain, A Hill, M Hunt, Dr A Johnson, J McCullough, G Mickle, B olney, Dr R perry, D Redpath, B Reinecke, M Siddons, G M Stooke oAM, J Suckling, R todman, R trend, t Wilkinson

R todman (Chairman), M Cashman (Deputy Chairman), R Brain, J Hancock, M Hunt, R Mills, n Cogin, M parker

President

M Wilson

Australian Rugby Union Delegate G M Stooke oAM

Auditor ernst & Young

A Harvey

June – november – A record number of Emirates Western Force players represent the Wallabies throughout the domestic Tests, the Tri Nations and the Spring Tour. Ryan Cross, Richard Brown, David Pocock and James O’Connor each make their Test debut. O’Connor becomes the second youngest debutant in Wallabies history.

11 July – Ryan Cross wins the West Australian/Rosendorff Emirates Western Force Player of the Year award at the 2008 annual awards night.

5 september – Rockingham hooker Ryan Tyrrell wins the 2008 PG Hampshire award for the best and fairest player in the RugbyWA 1st Grade competition.

31 August – Kalamunda stamped its dominance on the KWIK Crane & Transport Hire 1st Grade competition, defeating Wanneroo 37-13 in the 2008 grand final. It was the last match ever played at historic Rugby Park, Perry Lakes.

1 August – A 28-man Emirates Western Force squad departs for a fivematch development tour of England. David Pocock is announced as tour captain.

26 August – Volvo Car Australia announces a three-year partnership as sleeve sponsor of the Emirates Western Force.

18 october – Two WA women, Debby Hodgkinson and Melissa Rowe, make their Test debut for the Wallaroos against the Black Ferns.

RugbyWA 2008 AnnuAl RepoRt

Contents

President

1 Office Bearers

We continue to strongly develop the game in our state, both at professional and community levels, by utilising the wonderful platform of previous seasons.

3 President 4

Chairman

Chief Executive Officer

Commercial Services

10 Human Resources 11 Media 13 Head Coach

The Emirates Western Force went about their work in the early part of the season with great desire, achieving excellent success, but a mid-season slump resulted in an eigth place finish with seven wins after strongly threatening the four. Highlights included: • Having our first win in New Zealand, when we defeated the Blues 27-17 in Auckland. • Boasting the second highest finish by an Australian team.

14 2008 Investec Super 14 Season Review 28 2008 Development Tour of England 31 RugbyWA Academy 33 Community Rugby 35 Grade Tables 36 Affiliated – WAJRU

• Celebrating our first win against the Brumbies (29-22) in a sensational come-from-behind win at Subiaco in the last game after being down by 22 points. The task of RugbyWA to produce Wallabies through the Emirates Western Force was a huge success, with no fewer than four new Wallabies making the spring tour to Europe. We look forward with strong interest and desire to further improvement and success in 2009. In the West Australian competition we saw the emergence of teams from the outer suburbs, teams that had not

featured in recent years, yet who took the season by storm and finally fought out the grand final. Kalamunda, which had been well placed all year, finally defeated a rapidly improving Wanneroo. Congratulations must go to all teams for a very successful year but our special congratulations go to the boys from the hills. I must thank the CEO Greg Harris for the work he has done since assuming responsibility for the Union. Also a special thanks to Mitch Hardy who covered the position with enormous efficiency during the interim period. Our staff at RugbyWA continue to perform with extraordinary efficiency in sometimes tough circumstances, so I say thank you for a job well done. Hopefully the staff will be rewarded soon with brand new facilities. A very special thanks to those associated with both professional and club rugby – the referees, coaches, volunteers and players who continue to give their time to promote and develop our game. We acknowledge and thank the Australian Rugby Union, especially CEO John O’Neill AO and Chairman Peter McGrath and the Board, for their continued support in our desire to grow rugby. I believe we can look forward with quiet confidence to 2009. Tony Harvey President

37 Affiliated – WARURA 39 Affiliated – WACRU 40 Affiliated – WAWRU 42 Affiliated – WASRU 43 Awards 44 Development 47 Chief Finance Officer 48 Financial Report 67 Sponsor Acknowledgements

RugbyWA 2008 Annual Report

Chairman The year 2008 was a very challenging year both on and off the field for RugbyWA and the Emirates Western Force. Despite this, the purpose of RugbyWA to ‘Grow Rugby and Grow Wallabies in Western Australia’ continues to be achieved. Participation numbers have increased in all areas of the game at community level and this year the Emirates Western Force saw three of its promising young players, David Pocock, Richard Brown and James O’Connor, make their debuts for the Wallabies. Further, Ryan Cross capped off a superb second season of professional rugby to finish the year with 11 Test caps after taking out the Emirates Western Force Player of the Year at our awards night in July. In addition to the abovementioned four, another four Emirates Western Force players also represented the Wallabies in 2008 – Nathan Sharpe, Matt Giteau, Cameron Shepherd and Drew Mitchell. With Tai McIsaac and Scott Staniforth still on the books, and the recruitment of Josh Valentine, the Emirates Western Force will enter the 2009 season with 11 capped Internationals. A symbolic bridging of community and professional rugby was also achieved in 2008 when the first home-grown Academy product, local-born prop Kieran Longbottom, ran out for his Super 14 debut against the Chiefs in May. Later in that same match, another RugbyWA Academy graduate, Hale School product Dane Haylett-Petty, joined Longbottom on debut to cap off an historic evening for West Australian rugby. The standard of the local competition continues to grow – congratulations to Kalamunda on winning the 1st grade premiership. This was the first time in the club’s history that Kalamunda has won this competition and, just to further emphasise their performance in 2008, they also won the 2nd grade competition. Congratulations to all other premiership winners. The focus on developing players through the RugbyWA Academy and the local competition continues; the backup players for a number of key positions are currently members of the RugbyWA Academy. However, a number of key position players have been recruited including former Wallabies scrumhalf Josh Valentine and Richard Stanford from the Brumbies.

RugbyWA 2008 Annual Report

The performance of the Emirates Western Force in 2008 was statistically its best since its formation. In particular, another milestone was achieved when the team recorded its first win in New Zealand, over the Blues in Auckland, before backing up a week later to defeat the Highlanders in Queenstown. The team again performed strongly in South Africa; however, losses to the Waratahs at Subiaco and the Reds in Brisbane ultimately denied the Emirates Western Force a top four finish. Again talking statistics, in the three years since its formation, the Emirates Western Force has defeated all other Super 14 teams, with the exception of the Crusaders and the Waratahs, and with each of those teams they have secured one draw. Congratulations and thanks to all players, coaches and support staff on a successful 2008 season. RugbyWA and the Emirates Western Force continued to receive outstanding support from our sponsors. Particular mention must be made of Emirates, our naming rights sponsor, ET Mining, TS Marine, MBF, Woodside, ISC and Vodafone. Without their outstanding support and that of other sponsors and preferred suppliers, RugbyWA and the Emirates Western Force could not continue to operate at the level it does today.

not cancelled, but if it does proceed it will not be completed before 2020.

to minimise instances or issues that have the potential to adversely affect RugbyWA and the Emirates Western Force.

Despite the loss of Firepower as a major sponsor, RugbyWA was still able to produce a surplus of approximately $900,000 in 2008. This is an outstanding performance and the management and staff of RugbyWA must be congratulated on their management of expenditure in response to the reduced revenues while still delivering the high level of service required. In 2009 there will be even greater pressure on revenue and all areas of the business will be subject to expenditure review.

Let me take this opportunity to thank the RugbyWA Board, management and staff and all those involved with clubs and the affiliated bodies for their efforts and support during 2008. In particular, I would like to welcome our Chief Executive Officer, Mr Greg Harris, on his first year with RugbyWA and thank him for his efforts in what were often challenging times.

RugbyWA and the Emirates Western Force now enjoy a far better relationship with the media across Australia. In particular, the West Australian, the Sunday Times and the various local television and radio outlets have been very supportive of RugbyWA and the Emirates Western Force. Whilst a number of incidences and issues did attract some negative publicity, the majority of the media received was positive. There will always be matters that require attention and management; this is very much a ‘fact of life’ in an organisation with a professional sporting team. As an organisation and as a Board, our responsibility is

Expectations are high for the Emirates Western Force in 2009 and, with the squad of players now assembled, participation in the 2009 finals is a realistic possibility. The ongoing increase in participation and improvement in standard at community level is set to continue. This all goes well to continue to achieve the purpose of RugbyWA to ‘Grow Rugby and Grow Wallabies in Western Australia’. Kind regards Geoffrey Stooke OAM CitWA, Chairman

The loyal band of members and fans that support the Emirates Western Force and rugby in Western Australia are the envy of all other states. The ‘sea of blue’ at our home games at Subiaco Oval is a great example of the passion and support that the team and the game have in the West. The issue of facilities continues to be a major factor being addressed by RugbyWA. The move from our home at Perry Lakes is progressing and it is hoped that the design and location of the new building at AK Reserve will be ‘signed off’ in early 2009. Construction is likely to take up to two years. The Board of RugbyWA has decided that Emirates Western Force fixtures will no longer be played at Subiaco Oval after season 2009. Much work was done in 2008 in trying to get an upgrade approved for the Members Equity Stadium. These efforts are now showing promise but there are no guarantees on timing. However, we must move to a rectangular stadium and in the short-term this may mean a significantly reduced capacity. Priority for seating at the alternative venue will be given to existing Emirates Western Force members. It should also be noted that the proposed multi-purpose stadium is likely to be delayed if

RugbyWA 2008 Annual Report

Chief Executive Officer As a newcomer to the RugbyWA family, I would like to thank the Chairman of RugbyWA Geoff Stooke, the Board, the staff, the coaches and the players for welcoming me into their fold. It is fair to say season 2008 was a mixed one. Despite much controversy off the field prior to the commencement of the season, the team got away to a wonderful start with some great performances in South Africa. The season that promised so much unfortunately failed to fulfil the great expectations which our supporters held, including that of a possible first appearance in a Super 14 final series. In one respect it was the season that could have been. This sentiment no doubt was shared by all of our stakeholders. Nevertheless, by any assessment, the performances of our players and team in 2008, and the contribution that our group have made to Australian rugby, have been quite remarkable. In a short period of time, the Emirates Western Force has made a great impact on the game. In 2006 the team recorded one win and two draws and finished 14th. In 2007 the team recorded six wins and a draw and finished seventh. This year we registered seven wins; however, in a more tightly packed competition, we finished one rung lower at eighth on the ladder. We were competitive against the best and lost our matches against the respective finalists the Crusaders and the Waratahs by only five points, proving how close we are to reaching the top echelon of the competition. Ten players made their club debuts in 2008. In order they were Tom Hockings, Nick Cummins, James Stannard, Sitaleki Timani, Sam Wykes, Tamaiti Horua, Josh Tatupu, James O’Connor, Kieran Longbottom and Dayne HaylettPetty. Of those 10, only Tamaiti Horua had played Super Rugby before 2008. The next debutant to wear the ocean blue will be the 50th to achieve that milestone. Several of our existing players also celebrated key milestones during the season. Our captain Nathan Sharpe played his 100th match against the Stormers in April, while Drew Mitchell, Tai McIsaac, Cameron Shepherd and David Pusey each celebrated their 50th matches. We also had a total of 15 players from our squad selected in representative squads. This included four players who made their Test debut for the Wallabies. You can’t argue the fact that we’re expanding Australia’s rugby talent pool, growing Wallabies, and developing the game here in WA. Since the advent of the Force licence, RugbyWA has increased its turnover from $1m pa to over $20m. This massive increase in the economy of the game in WA has enabled RugbyWA to extend support across the board to all

of our stakeholders. The capacity of RugbyWA to continue to deliver these benefits, however, is under substantial threat. It is fair to say that we have had somewhat of a honeymoon period over the last three years with regard to the levels of support we have received from our sponsors, our corporate supporters, our members and the broader rugby community. We are now in a much more competitive and difficult economic environment. Our membership numbers have declined from 21,000 in 2006 to 14,000 in 2008; a 33% reduction over three years. Our match day attendances on average have contracted from 28,000 in 2006 to 23,000 in 2008; a reduction of 18% over three years. Sponsorship revenues are much more difficult to maintain and attract. We are in a very competitive sporting market place. Accordingly, we are indeed fortunate to have the continued support of our great corporate partner Emirates as our major sponsor. The extensive list of our other corporate partners is far too long to recite here, however, I would like to thank them on behalf of RugbyWA for their fantastic support of our team. It is essential that we as an organisation continue to develop and embrace the many partnerships that benefit RugbyWA and the Emirates Western Force. Not the least of these is our relationship with the state government, who we are currently lobbying for a redevelopment of Members Equity Stadium. Hosting our matches in an appropriate venue is key to our long-term sustainability and the viability of the game of rugby in Western Australia. In October 2008, the RugbyWA Board endorsed a move to Members Equity Stadium for the 2010 Super 14 season. Our relationships with the ARU, which have at times been somewhat strained, need to be improved and developed. We look forward to achieving closer links to our parent body and ensuring that we are pursuing strategies in line with the national direction of the game. Any future directions which our organisation embarks upon require consultation with all of our stakeholders. Our major challenge is to clearly identify these directions and develop our own culture. Rugby in Western Australia is over 100 years old. Professional rugby is only three years old. We have many lessons to learn in developing our own unique culture. It is a challenge to us all to ensure that the Emirates Western Force ‘Sea of Blue’ continues to be a highly valued asset of Australian rugby and the state of Western Australia. In conclusion, I would like to thank all of our players and the coaching staff, led by our coach John Mitchell and captain Nathan Sharpe, on their efforts in season 2008. Greg Harris Chief Executive Officer

RugbyWA 2008 Annual Report

Commercial Services Despite 2008 representing a testing year for the club commercially, RugbyWA was still able to boast the largest membership in Australia for the third successive season, showcase the largest corporate hospitality portfolio in the country, retain the lion’s share of sponsors, as well as achieve one of the largest match day crowds, second only to the rugby heartland of NSW. However, 2008 was a tough year in more ways than one. For the first time in our short history, our brand was put under pressure with a series of off-field incidents leading into the season. We started the season with another drop in memberships, resulting in a lower match day crowd than previous years. Our sleeve sponsor, Firepower, reneged on their contractual obligations to the club and players, not to mention that close to half the sponsorship portfolio was due for renewal at a period the global financial crisis had taken hold. With all of these factors weighing heavily against us, the commercial services team rallied to ensure these obstacles would be overcome. We had close to 14,000 financial members get behind the club in 2008 and show their support despite the fact that Subiaco Oval has not been the most suitable rugby venue. Whilst this represented a reduction on the 2007 membership, the reasons were very clear as to why members were not renewing – the stadium!

Despite some testing times with our sleeve sponsor Firepower, we were able to welcome a number of new partners to the fold – KWIK Transport & Crane Hire took over the sponsorship of the local community rugby competition and Volvo Cars Australia have become the new sleeve sponsor of the Emirates Western Force for 2009. With many partners due for renewal, it was also pleasing to see the sponsorship team renew Thrifty Car Rental, Lion Nathan, Fairfax Media, the Esplanade Hotel, Karma Resorts and Lavan Legal to name a few. However, 2008 also saw some of our partners move on, with Vodafone deciding to pull out of rugby at all levels nationally, and Woodside, having helped us get off the ground, deciding to channel their funds into the arts. In addition to launching a supporters’ club in Auckland this year, 2008 also saw RugbyWA partner with one of our sponsor family, TS Marine, to launch the Singapore Force Supporters’ Club. This, along with a growing presence in this market, will see some exciting initiatives realised in the next 12 months. Finally, I would like to extend my gratitude to the entire commercial services team, past and present, for all their efforts and support during 2008. Without your help none of this would be possible. Sean Lee General Manager, Commercial Services

Research conducted by Synovate showed that stadium configuration, as well as the quality of viewing and seating, were the key reasons for members deciding to let their membership lapse. However, the same study also explored demand should we move to a rectangular venue. The results showed over 34,000 people likely to become members. It is fairly clear where our future lies. In order to overcome the sentiment in the marketplace surrounding our home ground, the ‘Save it for the Game’ campaign was maintained, asking supporters to get behind the team and bring their passion to Subiaco on match days. Launching virally, the campaign was a huge success, reaching as far as Europe, South America and Kazakhstan! Our facilities were not in question from our corporate members. Corporate hospitality remained strong, with open boxes and suites continuing to be our most popular options. Our Black Swan Bar underwent a refresh of décor, with modern bars replacing the old-world timber units of the past.

RugbyWA 2008 Annual Report

Human Resources 2008 was a challenging year for HR. One of the most significant issues was the recruitment and retention of staff. With the excitement of the initial start-up phase for professional rugby over, staff turnover continued to be an area of concern and strategies were essential to address this. Recruitment The first step is to ensure that the right people are recruited in the first place. RugbyWA understands the value of good people to the success of our organisation. Our recruitment processes needed to be robust to seek to employee those who live their lives by our organisation’s values of Integrity, Unity, Courage, Excellence and Energy and will add value to our team and our business. All employees, no matter what role they hold at RugbyWA, contribute to our strategic purpose of ‘Growing Rugby and Growing Wallabies in Western Australia’ every day. A number of vacancies during the year were filled from internal applicants, which is an excellent reflection not only on the calibre of the people that form this organisation but also RugbyWA’s commitment to the development of our employees. One of the most critical positions recruited this year was our new CEO Greg Harris who came on board in April and has been kept very busy ever since. Retention RugbyWA aims to provide our employees with an exciting, challenging and rewarding work environment. We are committed to retaining excellent people and aim to provide a workplace that motivates our employees to be the best they can be. To achieve this, a number of strategies are incorporated, including an employee of the year programme as part of a wider reward and recognition scheme. Every quarter votes are cast for both an employee-voted and management-voted employee of the year. At the end of the year the votes are tallied. This year our winners were Graham Cooper, one of our development officers who is tireless in his quest to develop rugby in schools and clubs across the state, and Darryl Regan, our Manager Membership and Events for his outstanding leadership skills and work ethic. Winners are voted based on how they demonstrate living by our values, how they contribute to a team environment and how they add value to our business. 10

RugbyWA 2008 Annual Report

Media Allowing our employees to develop professionally is also an important part of our retention strategy and, as such, a training needs analysis was conducted in the second half of the year to identify areas for development. Staff communication strategies, including monthly staff meetings and social events such as a poker night, Melbourne Cup day lunch, a quiz night and regular touch rugby on Friday afternoons all contribute to integrating the teams within RugbyWA and to creating a positive culture in the workplace. Organisation Structure 2008 also saw the organisation being reviewed to ensure that our structure was appropriate; this has resulted in some significant changes. Each review followed a process that involved a consultation period with relevant staff before being presented for Board approval. The structure in place going into 2009 has therefore been formed with staff involvement, which should contribute to its success. 2008 has also seen RugbyWA affected, as many other organisations are, by the economic climate; this has seen our staff numbers fall in number slightly. Fortunately this has not occurred through any redundancies but rather by natural attrition – by not replacing non-critical positions as employees leave or by looking at ways to absorb the duties of the vacant roles into existing ones. Our employees have proven their unwavering commitment to teamwork and the good of the organisation by taking on extra duties during these times. 2009 and Beyond The continuing aim of the HR department is to facilitate making RugbyWA an innovative, enjoyable and exciting place to work where employees are provided with development opportunities, challenging work and career pathways. A focus for the coming year will be further review of our HR policies to ensure they are inline with best practice initiatives as well as putting the spotlight on work/life balance strategies to support our employees. Nicole Horrocks Human Resources Manager

2008 was a year of achievement for the media department, but it also presented a number of challenges with several off-field matters commanding substantial media attention. The ‘Left Bank’ incident one week prior to the Super 14 season opener generated overwhelming public scrutiny and brought the culture of the team into question once again, just months after the Rottnest Island incident. The media coverage of the incident highlighted the increased scrutiny on professional sportspeople and emphasised the need for sound communications policy and management in times of crisis. Other off-field matters to generate headlines throughout the year included the collapse of team sponsor Firepower, speculation on the future of Matt Giteau, the stadium issue and the inquiry into head coach John Mitchell. Despite the significance of these issues, the success of 2008 from a communications perspective cannot be overlooked. First and foremost I’d like to take this opportunity to thank my hard-working colleague Crispin Roberts, who made my transition to the organisation as smooth as possible and provided invaluable assistance and support throughout the year. The West Australian newspaper continued to support the game strongly with its two Super Rugby liftouts each week of the Super 14 season. This once again provided rugby with a dedicated 16 pages of coverage on top of general editorial in the sport pages. In addition, our strong relationship with the Sunday Times continued, both from an editorial perspective and through Matt Giteau and John Mitchell’s regular columns. We also enjoyed outstanding support from our broadcast partners 96FM and 8826PR, through live home game broadcasts and weekly programming. Players and coaches were interviewed regularly on Sports Central and Drew Mitchell continued his regular spot with the 96FM brekky crew. Rugby was once again supported in radio across the state on ABC Radio, 990AM and NOVA.

In 2008 we tried a new approach to ensuring coverage in the electronic news whilst the team was on tour in South Africa. This season our first three matches were played in the Republic – against the Sharks in Durban, the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein and the Lions in Johannesburg. In previous campaigns we have utilised the services of a freelance cameraman to compile news packages and pool these to the WA news networks. This had been an expensive exercise and yielded reasonable results; however, this year it was decided to fund flights for a local journalist and cameraman to tour with the team to produce news material. Channel Ten journo Caty Price and cameraman Nick Hatherly joined the team for the first fortnight of the tour, gaining exclusive access to stories for their own news whilst making edited packages available for the other WA news networks. This resulted in the most extensive local coverage of an overseas tour in the team’s short history. The tour was also covered by the Sunday Times team of Nick Taylor and Jody Darcy (photographer). 2008 also saw a significant rise in the usage of the internet as a news resource and this was reflected in the coverage on local websites PerthNow and the newly launched Fairfax site WAtoday.com.au Cambridge Sports Media were once again commissioned to produce RugbyWA’s suite of publications including the Linebreak match programme, season guide and annual report. Greg Paull and his team delivered a highly professional service and our relationship with CSM will continue beyond 2008. Thanks to all of our media partners, including the West Australian, Southern Cross broadcasting, Christian Sprogoe photography and Getty Images. Michael Earsman Manager, Media & Communications

Emirates Western Force training sessions and press conferences were well attended by local television networks, with Channel Ten leading the rugby coverage in the state with their 5pm news bulletin. They were closely followed by Fox Sports news, ABC news and Channel Nine news. Increasing our opportunities on Channel Seven news is a priority moving forward. RugbyWA 2008 Annual Report

Head Coach First and foremost, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all members and supporters of the Emirates Western Force for their loyal and passionate support throughout our 2008 campaign. You shared the highs and lows with us along the way and thoroughly deserve to feel that you made a difference to our team this season. Once again, the Super 14 proved to be one of the tightest and toughest competitions in professional sport. Up until the final two weeks, there were still nine teams within striking distance of the top four. Once again, the Crusaders proved they are the competition’s dominant side by collecting a seventh title in 13 seasons. The intensity of the competition means any drop-off in performance can be fatal. The evidence is in the fact that half of our matches in the 2008 season were decided by five points or less. While late season ‘derby’ losses to the Reds and Waratahs closed the door on our semi finals aspirations, the club also had to endure some significant off-field distractions. I would like to personally commend each of the players and coaching staff for their professionalism and commitment throughout a very challenging campaign.

and Nick Cummins. We also witnessed the emergence of two local West Australian products, Dane Haylett-Petty and Kieran Longbottom, both of whom we see as having a bright future in the game. In addition, we had four players make their debut for the Wallabies – Richard Brown, Ryan Cross, James O’Connor and David Pocock – as well as four players from the organisation selected in the Australian under 20s squad for the iRB Junior World Championships in Wales. Our development tour of the UK was a necessary exercise given the lack of an adequate third-tier competition for our players to compete in post Super 14. We took a developing squad of 28 players on tour, playing five tough matches under conditions that the majority of our squad were not familiar with. While it is not viable for this kind of tour to be repeated in the coming years, the benefits gained for our younger squad members were quite significant. Looking ahead to 2009, our major challenges are to continue to develop our leadership and team culture and to improve our performances at home, with particular attention to our Australian ‘derby’ matches. John Mitchell Head Coach

I firmly believe that 2008 was once again a year of progression for our team. Before the season kicked off, we openly stated that our goal was to compete in the finals. In retrospect, we may have been slightly premature in thinking the squad was ready to take the next step in its development. We are still developing our culture and playing structures and we have achieved steady success over our first three years of existence. As far as on-field results were concerned, we made some major breakthroughs in 2008. We achieved our first victory across the Tasman, and backed up the following week to defeat the Highlanders and return home from our New Zealand tour undefeated. We were also able to build on our strong history in South Africa, winning two of our three matches on tour. These achievements are even more significant when you consider that almost one third of our squad made their debut for the club in 2008, and all but one of those players were in their first year of professional rugby. Within the group we have unearthed a number of potential long-term prospects, including Tom Hockings, Sam Wykes

RugbyWA 2008 Annual Report

2008 Investec Super 14 Season Review

Emirates Western Force v Sharks

The Crusaders swept all before them in claiming a phenomenal seventh Super title in Robbie Deans’ final season at the helm, erasing any notion that they had lost their mantle as the kings of the competition. After a tough and, at times, knife-edged 80 minutes in front of a capacity crowd at AMI Stadium, the Crusaders outlasted the Waratahs 20-12 despite match statistics heavily in the ‘Tahs favour. While the 2008 season will be remembered for the dominance of the ‘Red and Blacks’ from Canterbury, it was also a time when the game embraced a new era with the introduction of Experimental Law Variations (ELVs). Fast, attacking rugby filled stadiums across the southern hemisphere, proving once again that the Investec Super 14 is the toughest and most exciting provincial rugby tournament on the planet. The win was a fitting result for five-time winning coach Robbie Deans, who started his new job as Wallabies coach the next day having won more than twice as many titles than any other Super rugby coach.

The Final Saturday 31 May, 2008

Semi-Finals

AMI Stadium, Christchurch

Waratahs 28 defeated Sharks 13

Waratahs 12

Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney

(Lachlan Turner 2 tries; Kurtley Beale conversion)

Final Standings Team

Points

Crusaders Waratahs Sharks Hurricanes Stormers Blues Chiefs

13 13 13 13 13 13 13

11 9 9 8 8 8 7

0 1 1 1 1 0 0

2 3 3 4 4 5 6

369 255 271 310 269 354 348

176 186 209 204 211 267 349

193 69 62 106 58 87 -1

8 5 4 7 7 8 6

52 43 42 41 41 40 34

Emirates Western Force

247

278

-31

Brumbies Bulls Highlanders Reds Cheetahs Lions

13 13 13 13 13 13

6 6 3 3 1 2

0 0 0 1 0 1

7 7 10 9 12 10

277 324 257 258 255 206

317 347 338 323 428 367

-40 -23 -81 -65 -173 -161

6 4 7 4 9 2

30 28 19 18 13 12

Leading Point scorers

Matt Giteau Clinton Schifcofske Kurtley Beale Morne Steyn Derick Hougaard Mark Gerrard Jimmy Gopperth Rory Kockott

Cameron Shepherd

(Botes, Terblanche tries; Pienaar 2 cons, Steyn pen)

Emirates Western Force 10 (Holmes tr y; Giteau con, Shepherd pen) Half time: 7-3 Man of the Match: Tendai Mtawarira (Sharks) Preparations for the season opener were anything but ideal for the Emirates Western Force, which left Perth under a storm of controversy for its three-match tour of South Africa after two players were involved in a serious off-field incident a week before the season kicked off.

Team

Tries

Cons

Pens

DGs

Points

6 4 5 2

30 29 24 22

21 23 16 21

0 1 0 0

153 150 121 117

Force

Reds Waratahs Bulls Bulls Brumbies Hurricanes Sharks

2 0 1 0 3 1 0

19 21 16 10 15 18 19

15 14 12 16 8 9 10

0 1 3 3 0 0 0

93 87 82 77 69 68 68

Force

3 1 1 0 8 1 7

8 5 12 10 0 9 0

6 10 6 7 0 5 0

0 1 0 0 0 0 0

49 48 47 41 40 38 35

RugbyWA 2008 Annual Report

Emirates Western Force 1. Gareth Hardy 2. Tai McIsaac (vc) 3. AJ Whalley 4. David Pusey 5. Tom Hockings (debut) 6. Scott Fava 7. David Pocock 8. Richard Brown 9. Matt Henjak 10. Matt Giteau (c) 11. Drew Mitchell 12. Scott Staniforth 13. Ryan Cross 14. Nick Cummins (debut) 15. Cameron Shepherd

Reserves 16. Luke Holmes (rep McIsaac at 54 mins) 17. Troy Takiari (rep Whalley at 50 mins) 18. Sitaleki Timani (debut, rep Pusey at 54 mins) 19. Matt Hodgson (rep Pocock at 66 mins) 20. James Stannard (debut, rep Henjak at 66 mins) 21. Scott Daruda (DNP) 22. Josh Tatupu (DNP)

Controversy erupted when Force flanker Matt Hodgson was denied a try which would have given his side the opportunity to tie the game in the dying seconds, after a knock-on was ruled at the lineout. The performances of rookies Nick Cummins and Tom Hockings gave heart to coach John Mitchell, while reserve hooker Luke Holmes was impressive in posting his first five-pointer in Super rugby. In a tight affair the Sharks prevailed, even in the absence of star recruit Frederik Michalak, to record a 17-10 win.

On the field the visitors looked anything but undermanned however, with the match hanging in the balance until the final frantic moments.

Leading Try scorers

Chiefs Blues Crusaders Stormers

Earl Rose Lions Mike Delany Highlanders Conrad Barnard Cheetahs James Wilson Highlanders Lelia Masaga Chiefs Stirling Mortlock Brumbies Ma’a Nonu Hurricanes

Sharks 17

Then, just hours before game time, skipper Nathan Sharpe was overcome by a bout of food poisoning and was forced to withdraw from the match. Matt Giteau was quickly anointed as the team’s stand-in captain but the odds were against the men in blue escaping ABSA Stadium with a victory over the 2007 finalists.

AMI Stadium, Christchurch

(Mose Tuiali’i tr y; Dan Carter 4 penalty goals, drop goal)

Stephen Donald Nick Evans Dan Carter Peter Grant

Conditions: Humid, clear Referee: Kelvin Deaker (NZL)

Crusaders 33 defeated Hurricanes 22

Crusaders 20

Player

Friday 15 February, 2008 ABSA Stadium, Durban

Week 1

Player Lelia Masaga Ma’a Nonu Akona Ndungane Jongi Nokwe Stephen Donald Fetu’u Vainikolo Jacques Botes Odwa Ndungane Peter Hynes John Roe Rudi Wulf Daniel Carter Andrew Ellis Aaron Bancroft Adam Thomson Hosea Gear Andrew Hore Bryan Habana JW Jonker Ryan Kankowski

Team

Tries

Chiefs Hurricanes Bulls Cheetahs Chiefs Highlanders Sharks Sharks Reds Reds Blues Crusaders Crusaders Highlanders Highlanders Hurricanes Hurricanes Bulls Cheetahs Sharks

8 7 7 7 6 6 6 6 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

RugbyWA 2008 Annual Report

Emirates Western Force v Cheetahs Friday 22 February, 2008 Vodacom Park, Bloemfontein

Conditions: Humid, light rain periods Referee: Chris Pollock (NZL)

Emirates Western Force 16 (Giteau tr y; Giteau con, 3 pens)

Cheetahs 15 (Daniller, Brossouw tries; Potgieter con, Barnard pen) Half time: 10-12 Man of the Match: Drew Mitchell (Force) Distanced from the ongoing media frenzy back home, the Emirates Western Force carried on with business, controlling most facets of their week two encounter with the Cheetahs. The match kicked off in humid conditions but that turned to light rain in the second half as both sides produced desperate performances in chasing their first win of the season. The tight encounter came down to the final play of the game after a try-less second forty minutes when Matt Giteau was given a chance to steal the match with a penalty goal, after Cheetahs replacement Conrad Barnard missed an earlier strike which would have secured the win for the home side. Giteau, who proved how dangerous he can be at number 10 throughout the match, calmly slotted the ball between the uprights to earn his team a one-point victory with time expired. Drew Mitchell was another standout for the visitors, bouncing back from an early head knock to ignite the attack from fullback

Week 2

Emirates Western Force 1. Pek Cowan 2. Tai McIsaac 3. Troy Takiari 4. Tom Hockings 5. Nathan Sharpe (c) 6. Sam Wykes (debut) 7. David Pocock 8. Richard Brown 9. James Stannard 10. Matt Giteau (vc) 11. Nick Cummins 12. Scott Daruda 13. Scott Staniforth 14. Ryan Cross 15. Drew Mitchell

Emirates Western Force v Lions Friday 29 February, 2008 Ellis Park, Johannesburg

Conditions: Cool, overcast Referee: Kelvin Deaker (NZL)

Reserves 16. Luke Holmes (rep McIsaac at 55 mins) 17. AJ Whalley (rep Cowan at 46 mins) 18. David Pusey (rep Hockings at 67 mins) 19. Tamaiti Horua (rep Brown at 64 mins) 20. Scott Fava (rep Wykes at 46 mins) 21. Lachlan MacKay (DNP) 22. Josh Tatupu (DNP)

with a series of flashy touches. Rookie James Stannard, a 25 year old boilermaker from Queensland, was equally impressive in his starting debut after regular scrumhalf Matt Henjak was ordered home earlier in the week to face a disciplinary hearing over the pre-season incident.

Emirates Western Force 18 (Horua, Shepherd tries; Giteau con, pen; Shepherd pen)

Lions 16 (Van Schalkwyk tr y; Str ydom con, 3 pens)

Half time: 15-16 Man of the Match: Ryan Cross (Force)

Week 3

Emirates Western Force 1. Gareth Hardy 2. Luke Holmes 3. Troy Takiari 4. Tom Hockings 5. Nathan Sharpe (c) 6. Scott Fava 7. Matt Hodgson 8. Tamaiti Horua 9. James Stannard 10. Matt Giteau (vc) 11. Drew Mitchell 12. Scott Daruda 13. Ryan Cross 14. Nick Cummins 15. Cameron Shepherd

Reserves 16. Tai McIsaac (rep Holmes at 40 mins) 17. AJ Whalley (rep Takiari at 40 mins) 18. Sam Wykes (DNP) 19. Richard Brown (rep Horua at 54 mins) 20. David Pocock (rep Hodgson at 47 mins) 21. Lachlan MacKay (DNP) 22. Josh Tatupu (rep Cummins at 54 mins)

With the dust beginning to settle on a tumultuous start to the season off the field, the Emirates Western Force entered Ellis Park intent on concluding the South African tour with a second victory. Once again the competition points weren’t going to come lightly for the visitors, with the Lions determined to bounce back in front of their home crowd after a humiliating 55-10 loss to the Blues the previous weekend. The visitors, however, jumped away to a 15-6 lead in the opening stanza through tries to Cameron Shepherd, returning from a knee injury, and Tamaiti Horua, who notched his first five-pointer in Force colours. For the second straight week John Mitchell’s men had the weight of possession on their side but failed to convert their dominance into more points, allowing the Lions to claw back into the match and take a one-point advantage into the break. In a try-less second half which had degenerated into a dour defensive struggle, a booming 54-metre penalty goal strike from Shepherd ended the scoring and completed the WA side’s mission of two wins from three matches in the Republic. Centre Ryan Cross had his best game in the ocean blue jersey since joining the club in 2007, turning on a powerful display in both attack and defence.

RugbyWA 2008 Annual Report

Emirates Western Force v Crusaders Sunday 9 March, 2008 Subiaco Oval, Perth

Conditions: Hot, sunny Referee: Willie Roos (RSA)

Crusaders 29 (Carter, Somer ville, Williams, Ellis, Laulala tries; Carter 2 cons)

Emirates Western Force 24 (Pocock, Brown, Cross, MacKay tries; Giteau 2 cons) Half time: 12-17 Man of the Match: David Pocock (Force) Over 27,000 rugby-starved supporters embarked on Subiaco Oval to welcome the WA side home from South Africa for a much hyped home opener against Robbie Deans’ six-time champion Crusaders. The home side was treated to rapturous applause as they took to the field and from there the excitement levels continued to climb on a blazing Sunday afternoon in Perth. In what was easily the team’s best performance in the opening month of the tournament, spectacular tries to man of the match David Pocock, Ryan Cross and Richard Brown in quick succession gave the home side a 5-point advantage at the break before Lachlan MacKay charged to the tryline in his first appearance

Week 4

Emirates Western Force 1. Gareth Hardy 2. Tai McIsaac 3. AJ Whalley (rep Hardy at 65 mins) 4. Tom Hockings 5. Nathan Sharpe (c) 6. Tamaiti Horua 7. David Pocock 8. Richard Brown 9. Chris O’Young 10. Matt Giteau (vc) 11. Drew Mitchell 12. Lachlan MacKay 13. Ryan Cross 14. Scott Staniforth 15. Cameron Shepherd

Reserves 16. Luke Holmes (rep McIsaac at 57 mins) 17. Troy Takiari (rep Whalley at 45 mins [blood]) 18. Sam Wykes (rep Brown at 62 mins) 19. Matt Hodgson (rep Pocock at 68 mins) 20. James Stannard (rep O’Young at 63 mins) 21. Scott Daruda (rep MacKay at 71 mins) 22. Josh Tatupu (DNP)

since 2006 to open up a 24-12 lead with 25 minutes left on the clock. But two tries in as many minutes, and a third soon after, delivered the title favourites a thrilling victory to keep their unbeaten start to the season intact. John Mitchell’s men gained some consolation by picking up two bonus points from the 5-point loss, but were left to lament their second defeat of the year after skipping away to a commanding lead during the second half in a wonderfully entertaining contest that kept the huge home crowd on the edge of their seats throughout.

Emirates Western Force v Blues Saturday 15 March, 2008 North Harbour Stadium, Albany, NZ

Conditions: Warm, slightly overcast Referee: Craig Joubert (RSA)

Emirates Western Force 27 (Brown, Horua, Shepherd tries; Giteau 3 cons, 2 pens)

Blues 17 (Woodcock, Tuitavake tries; Atiga con, pen; Evans con) Half time: 7-17 Man of the Match: Nathan Sharpe (Force) Buoyed by their performance in a tight loss to the tournament’s benchmark team, the Emirates Western Force departed for their two-match tour of the Shaky Isles desperate to break through for the team’s maiden victory on New Zealand soil. Adding to the enormity of the task was a first up visit to North Harbour Stadium for a clash with a team they had never defeated, the Blues. And for at least the first 40 minutes it appeared as if the WA side would have to wait at least one more week to break the Kiwi drought.

Week 5

Emirates Western Force 1. Troy Takiari 2. Tai McIsaac 3. AJ Whalley (rep Takiari at 76 mins) 4. Tom Hockings 5. Nathan Sharpe (c) 6. Scott Fava 7. Matt Hodgson 8. Richard Brown 9. James Stannard 10. Matt Giteau (vc) 11. Drew Mitchell 12. Lachlan MacKay 13. Ryan Cross 14. Scott Staniforth 15. Cameron Shepherd

Reserves 16. Luke Holmes (rep McIsaac at 70 mins) 17. Pek Cowan (rep Whalley at 49 mins) 18. Sam Wykes (rep Hockings at 77 mins) 19. Tamaiti Horua (rep Hodgson at 60 mins) 20. Chris O’Young (rep Stannard at 49 mins) 21. Scott Daruda (DNP) 22. Nick Cummins (rep MacKay at 53 mins)

tries in quick succession to set up an unassailable 10-point lead late in the match. Captain Nathan Sharpe was inspirational in the win, assisted well by Brown and Scott Fava while Matt Giteau called the shots with precision from flyhalf to lift the team to a memorable and historic victory.

Leading 17-7 at the break thanks to a second converted try in the 36th minute, the home side appeared in control of the match, however the final quarter proved its undoing. Having lost playmaker Nick Evans late in the opening half, the sting went out of the Blues attack and, after dictating play for long periods of the second half, the WA side eventually overpowered the home team when Richard Brown and Tamaiti Horua grabbed

RugbyWA 2008 Annual Report

Emirates Western Force v Highlanders Saturday 22 March, 2008 Queenstown Events Centre, Queenstown, NZ

Conditions: Cool, overcast Referee: Mark Lawrence (RSA)

Emirates Western Force 36 (Cross, Brown, Hockings tries; Giteau 3 cons, 3 pens; Shepherd 2 pens)

Highlanders 28 (Bancroft, Vainikolo, Williams tries; Bowden 2 cons, 3 pens) Half time: 17-13 Man of the Match: Ryan Cross (Force)

Week 6

Emirates Western Force 1. Pek Cowan 2. Tai McIsaac 3. AJ Whalley 4. Tom Hockings 5. Nathan Sharpe (c) 6. Tamaiti Horua 7. David Pocock 8. Richard Brown 9. James Stannard 10. Matt Giteau (vc) 11. Drew Mitchell 12. Lachlan MacKay 13. Ryan Cross 14. Scott Staniforth 15. Cameron Shepherd

Emirates Western Force v Stormers Friday 28 March, 2008 Subiaco Oval, Perth

Conditions: Warm, clear Referee: Lyndon Bray (NZL)

Reserves 16. Luke Holmes (rep McIsaac at 64 mins) 17. Troy Takiari (rep Whalley at 46 mins) 18. Sam Wykes (DNP) 19. Scott Fava (rep Horua at 46 mins) 20. Matt Hodgson (rep Pocock at 64 mins) 21. Scott Daruda (rep MacKay at 59 mins) 22. Nick Cummins (DNP)

Riding the coattails of a first ever win on Kiwi soil, the Emirates Western Force converged on spectacular Queenstown to attempt the unthinkable and complete an undefeated tour of New Zealand.

Stormers 32 (Chavhanga 2, De Villiers, Harris tries; Grant 3 cons 2 pens)

Emirates Western Force 16 (Mitchell, Cross tries; Giteau 2 pens)

Half time: 20-11 Man of the Match: Tonderai Chavhanga (Stormers) Returning home from an unprecedented undefeated tour of New Zealand, the stage was set for a blockbuster clash with the surprising Stormers as the Emirates Western Force looked to provide skipper Nathan Sharpe with the gift of victory in his 100th Super rugby match.

Standing in their way was a determined Highlanders outfit languishing at the foot of the competition table and chasing its first win of the season.

Supported by a strong crowd of almost 25,000 at Subiaco Oval, it took Sharpe 48 seconds to realise that his opponents were not about to surrender with a sentimental gesture on his milestone night.

In a match played in cooler conditions than its previous outings, the WA side was slow to hit top gear and trailed for the majority

Week 7

Emirates Western Force 1. Pek Cowan 2. Tai McIsaac 3. AJ Whalley (rep Cowan at 64 mins) 4. Tom Hockings 5. Nathan Sharpe (c) 6. Scott Fava 7. David Pocock 8. Richard Brown 9. Chris O’Young 10. Matt Giteau (vc) 11. Drew Mitchell 12. Scott Daruda 13. Ryan Cross 14. Scott Staniforth 15. Cameron Shepherd

Reserves 16. Luke Holmes (rep McIsaac at 64 mins) 17. Troy Takiari (rep Whalley at 50 mins) 18. Sam Wykes (rep Hockings at 68 mins) 19. Tamaiti Horua (rep Brown at 59 mins) 20. James Stannard (rep O’Young at 55 mins) 21. Lachlan MacKay (rep Daruda at 40 mins) 22. Nick Cummins (rep Giteau at 67 mins)

In the end the visitors slammed down four tries to two in a stunning upset, while an error-riddled performance saw the Force slump to fifth on the competition ladder. On an off-night for the entire team, the home side’s downfall was brought about by its failure to deal with the high ball and inability to match the physicality of the Stormers, who were led by a fired up Schalk Burger. The result was a bitter pill for John Mitchell’s men, who had hoped for a much better outing to celebrate their captain’s century.

Man of the match winger Tonderai Chavhanga silenced the blue crew with his first strike in the opening minute and when he scored his second with fifteen minutes remaining in the first half, he had helped his side to a 20-11 lead at half time. of the first half before crossing the line twice in the space of four minutes to take a four-point lead into the half time break. The points continued to flow as the home side stole the lead in the second period, but it was pegged back thanks to flawless goalkicking displays from Matt Giteau and Cameron Shepherd. Both sides crossed the stripe on three occasions, leaving fans more than entertained at the small but picturesque ground at the foot of the ‘Remarkables’ mountain range. In the end it was superior kicking that clinched the win for the visitors, who would return home to Perth for three consecutive home games firmly entrenched in the competition’s top four.

RugbyWA 2008 Annual Report

Emirates Western Force v Bulls Friday 4 April, 2008 Subiaco Oval, Perth

Conditions: Warm, overcast Referee: Steve Walsh (NZL)

Emirates Western Force 15 (Cross, Giteau tries; Shepherd con, pen)

Bulls 14 (Habana 2 tries; Hougaard 2 cons)

Half time: 3-14 Man of the Match: Matt Giteau (Force)

Week 8

Emirates Western Force 1. Pek Cowan 2. Tai McIsaac 3. AJ Whalley 4. Tom Hockings 5. Nathan Sharpe (c) 6. Scott Fava 7. David Pocock 8. Richard Brown 9. Chris O’Young 10. Matt Giteau (vc) 11. Drew Mitchell 12. Scott Staniforth 13. Ryan Cross 14. Nick Cummins 15. Cameron Shepherd

Emirates Western Force v Waratahs Saturday 12 April, 2008 Subiaco Oval, Perth

Conditions: Warm, clear Referee: Brett Bowden (AUS)

Reserves 16. Luke Holmes (rep McIsaac at 66 mins) 17. Troy Takiari (rep Whalley at 53 mins) 18. Sam Wykes (rep Hockings at 66 mins) 19. Matt Hodgson (rep Pocock at 67 mins) 20. James Stannard (DNP) 21. Josh Tatupu (DNP) 22. Dane Haylett-Petty (DNP)

Waratahs 17 (Horne, Turner tries; Beale 2 cons, pen)

Emirates Western Force 12 (Shepherd 3 pens; Giteau pen)

Half time: 10-9 Man of the Match: Lote Tuqiri (Waratahs)

Determined to erase the memories of their shock loss to the Stormers the previous week, the Emirates Western Force returned to Subiaco Oval to face a Bulls team equally as desperate to stay in contention for the semi-finals on the final leg of a winless Australasian tour.

Emirates Western Force 1. Pek Cowan 2. Tai McIsaac 3. Troy Takiari (rep Cowan at 73 mins) 4. Tom Hockings 5. Nathan Sharpe (c) 6. Scott Fava 7. David Pocock 8. Richard Brown 9. Chris O’Young 10. Matt Giteau (vc) 11. Drew Mitchell 12. Scott Staniforth 13. Ryan Cross 14. Nick Cummins 15. Cameron Shepherd

Reserves 16. Luke Holmes (rep McIsaac at 60 mins) 17. AJ Whalley (rep Takiari at 55 mins) 18. Sam Wykes (rep Hockings at 60 mins) 19. Matt Hodgson (rep Pocock at 73 mins) 20. James Stannard (rep O’Young at 69 mins) 21. Lachlan MacKay (rep Giteau at 24 mins) 22. Haig Sare (rep Cummins at 75 mins)

Trailing for the entire match, the WA side edged ahead for the first time on the back of Cameron Shepherd’s penalty strike to take a 12-10 lead at the 67minute mark. Then, a shocking piece of luck saw a grubber-kicked ball rebound off the leg of Shepherd and into the arms of Lachie Turner, who crossed in the corner to snatch back the lead for the Waratahs.

Two first half tries to Springboks World Cup hero Bryan Habana set the defending champions up for an improbable victory with the home side failing to fire a shot, other than a Cameron Shepherd penalty goal, in the opening forty minutes.

The home team had a chance to steal the game though, launching phase after phase on the Waratahs line as the siren sounded before Turner again proved the villain, plucking an intercept to break the hearts of the near 23,000 faithful at Subiaco Oval.

After regrouping in the dressing rooms, it was a different looking team that ran out in the ocean blue jersey for the second stanza. But the home side needed to strike fast and it was man of the match Matt Giteau who provided the spark, bursting through the line to post his team’s opening try two minutes after the break.

It was billed as the battle of the two best Australian teams as the Emirates Western Force shaped up to their east coast rivals with national bragging rights and a place in the top four on the line.

From that point the momentum shifted and the Bulls were playing to protect their lead.

The frenetic start to the match lived up to the pre-game hype, with both sides committed and willing to chance their arm in the high stakes battle.

It was a ploy that almost paid dividends for the visitors, who held out wave after wave of attack from the WA side before finally submitting after the siren had sounded, when sheer numbers allowed Ryan Cross to dive over in the corner to secure one of the club’s most dramatic victories.

Week 9

The home side’s chances took a dive at the 20 minute mark when star pivot Matt Giteau was felled by a sickening head knock after colliding with the hip of Waratahs fullback Sam Norton-Knight as he attempted to shut down the play. Giteau did not return in the match however his teammates immediately recognised the need to lift with their chief play caller reduced to a spectator for the remainder of a bruising contest.

RugbyWA 2008 Annual Report

Emirates Western Force v Reds Friday 18 April, 2008 Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Conditions: Overcast, wet sur face Referee: Stuart Dickinson (AUS)

Reds 29 (Walker, Houston, Turinui tries; Schifcofske con, 3 pens; Barnes pen)

Emirates Western Force 12 (Shepherd 4 pens) Half time: 13-12 Man of the Match: Leroy Houston (Reds) After slipping out of the top four for the first time in three weeks, the Emirates Western Force left home turf for the first time in a month for a second interstate ‘derby’ in as many weeks. The Reds, out of finals contention and under fire from supporters and the media alike, were aiming to play the spoiler and send their rivals home with a second straight defeat. In one of the season’s shocking upsets, the defiant Reds performed like a team with more to play for, sinking a dagger into the lacklustre visitors’ finals chances with a commanding victory that never looked in doubt after half time. The signs were ominous for the WA side when the Queenslanders registered their first try after just two minutes before taking a slight 13-12 advantage into the break.

RugbyWA 2008 Annual Report

Week 10

Emirates Western Force 1. Pek Cowan 2. Tai McIsaac 3. Troy Takiari (rep Whalley at 68 mins) 4. Tom Hockings 5. Nathan Sharpe (c) 6. Scott Fava 7. David Pocock 8. Richard Brown 9. Chris O’Young 10. Lachlan MacKay 11. Drew Mitchell 12. Scott Staniforth (vc) 13. Ryan Cross 14. Haig Sare 15. Cameron Shepherd

Emirates Western Force v Chiefs Saturday 3 May, 2008 Subiaco Oval, Perth

Conditions: Warm, clear Referee: Marius Jonker (RSA)

Reserves 16. Luke Holmes (rep McIsaac at 50 mins) 17. AJ Whalley (rep Takiari at 47 mins) 18. Sam Wykes (rep Hockings at 50 mins) 19. Tamaiti Horua (rep Brown at 56 mins) 20. James Stannard (DNP) 21. James O’Connor (debut, rep Horua at 59 mins) 22. Nick Cummins (rep Sare at 40 mins)

Emirates Western Force 22 (Hodgson, Stannard, Mitchell tries; Giteau 2 cons, pen)

Chiefs 21 (Donald, Masaga tries; Donald con, 2 pens; Bruce dg) Half time: 14-3 Man of the Match: Drew Mitchell (Force)

Held try-less for the second consecutive week and without chief playmaker Matt Giteau, the visitors wilted in the second stanza as the home team ran in two more tries on their way to a redeeming victory in front of their home fans.

Refreshed from their bye week but still with heavy hearts after the biggest defeat of their season in Brisbane, it was a determined Emirates Western Force outfit that returned to Subiaco Oval to face the Chiefs.

The humiliating 17-point loss for the WA side was compounded by season-ending injuries to three of its star forwards, Scott Fava, Tom Hockings and Tamaiti Horua on a night when 17 year old James O’Connor became the youngest ever Super rugby debutante.

Having suffered the worst defeat in team history to their opponents the season before and with the 2008 Chiefs rolling on the back of a five-match winning streak, the WA side were prepared for an epic battle to keep their finals chances alive.

Week 12

Emirates Western Force 1. Pek Cowan 2. Tai McIsaac (rep Takiari at 74 mins) 3. Troy Takiari 4. David Pusey 5. Nathan Sharpe (c) 6. Scott Fava 7. David Pocock 8. Matt Hodgson 9. James Stannard 10. Matt Giteau (vc) 11. Drew Mitchell 12. James O’Connor 13. Ryan Cross 14. Nick Cummins 15. Cameron Shepherd

Reserves 16. Luke Holmes (rep McIsaac at 70 mins) 17. Kieran Longbottom (debut, rep Cowan at 10 mins) 18. Sitaleki Timani (rep Pusey at 51 mins) 19. Richard Brown (rep Hodgson at 57 mins) 20. Chris O’Young (rep Stannard at 64 mins) 21. Scott Daruda (rep O’Connor at 64 mins) 22. Dane Haylett-Petty (debut, rep Cummins at 64 mins)

products, Keiran Longbottom and Dane Haylett-Petty, debuted in Super rugby. Two quick tries and a drop goal from Callum Bruce in the final 15 minutes and the visitors had all but stolen the victory before, once again, the wizardry of Matt Giteau came to fore as the star playmaker nailed a clutch penalty goal after the siren to get his team out of jail and maintain their finals dream.

In stark contrast to their previous outing, the home side seized the upper hand early and appeared nothing like the team which had failed to cross the tryline in its previous two matches, striking twice in the opening 12 minutes to take a 14-3 advantage into the break. The Waikato men, like the home side, were playing for their survival and soon worked their way back into the contest after the Force bounced out to a 19-8 lead on a night where two local WA

RugbyWA 2008 Annual Report

Emirates Western Force v Hurricanes Friday 9 May, 2008 Westpac Stadium, Wellington, NZ

Conditions: Windy, heavy rain Referee: Jonathan Kaplan (RSA)

Hurricanes 21 (Gear, Hore tries; Weepu con, 3 pens)

Emirates Western Force 10 (Shepherd tr y; Giteau con, pen) Half time: 10-3 Man of the Match: Andrew Hore (Hurricanes) Needing to win their two final matches to remain in the hunt for a post-season berth, the Emirates Western Force were faced with not only a surging Hurricanes outfit, but a notoriously wet and windy night in Wellington. The match started in driving rain and both sides struggled early on, even Matt Giteau’s trusty left boot let him down more than once in the abysmal conditions. It was the home side, however, who managed to steel themselves in time, demonstrating a rare unity of purpose in the forwards and backplay which belied the weather to register the first try and assume a 10-3 lead entering the break.

Week 13

Emirates Western Force 1. Gareth Hardy (rep Takiari at 79 mins) 2. Tai McIsaac 3. Troy Takiari 4. David Pusey 5. Nathan Sharpe (c) 6. Matt Hodgson 7. David Pocock 8. Richard Brown 9. James Stannard 10. Matt Giteau (vc) 11. Drew Mitchell 12. James O’Connor 13. Josh Tatupu 14. Dane Haylett-Petty 15. Cameron Shepherd

Emirates Western Force v Brumbies Friday 16 May, 2008 Subiaco Oval, Perth

Conditions: Cool, overcast Referee: Nathan Pearce (AUS)

Reserves 16. Luke Holmes (rep McIsaac at 68 mins) 17. Kieran Longbottom (rep Hardy at 50 mins) 18. Sitaleki Timani (rep Pusey at 51 mins) 19. Sam Wykes (rep Hodgson at 67 mins) 20. Chris O’Young (rep Stannard at 70 mins) 21. Scott Daruda (rep O’Connor at 70 mins) 22. Haig Sare (rep Mitchell at 77 mins)

Tight defence was the order of the night and neither side gave an inch in the early exchanges of the second half. The Hurricanes added two penalties in the third quarter before the visitors eventually cracked to allow Hosea Gear to cross for the matchwinner. It wasn’t a night for the WA side to shine but some reward came when Cameron Shepherd scored a spectacular solo try in the dying stages. Unfortunately it came too late to have any impact on the end result and, despite having one match left on the schedule, the Force were consigned to missing out on an elusive maiden semi-finals berth.

Emirates Western Force 29 (O’Connor, Giteau, O’Young, Tatupu tries; Giteau 3 cons, pen)

Brumbies 22 (Fainifo 2, Gerrard, Ashley-Cooper tries; Mortlock con) Half time: 7-22 Man of the Match: Matt Giteau (Force) Pride and the honour of a higher finish on the competition table was all that was left to fight for when the Emirates Western Force hosted the Brumbies at Subiaco Oval in the final match of the season. The home side had extra motivation for the clash and were determined to give its adoring blue crew a send off to remember after narrowly missing out on a maiden semi-finals appearance for the second consecutive year. But the script for a happy ending to the 2008 campaign was thrown completely into chaos in the first half. The visitors struck early and often to post the fastest four-try bonus point of the season and stun the Perth crowd into silence.

Week 14

Emirates Western Force 1. Pek Cowan 2. Tai McIsaac 3. Troy Takiari 4. David Pusey 5. Nathan Sharpe (c) 6. Matt Hodgson 7. David Pocock 8. Richard Brown 9. Chris O’Young 10. Matt Giteau (vc) 11. Haig Sare 12. James O’Connor 13. Josh Tatupu 14. Dane Haylett-Petty 15. Cameron Shepherd

Reserves 16. Luke Holmes (DNP) 17. Kieran Longbottom (rep Takiari at 25 mins[blood]) 18. Sitaleki Timani (DNP) 19. Sam Wykes (rep Pusey at 45 mins) 20. James Stannard (DNP) 21. Scott Daruda (DNP) 22. Junior Pelesasa (DNP)

brigade in the Force backline to make their mark and overturn the stunning 22-0 deficit. James O’Connor provided some initial relief, slicing through to reduce the margin to 15 points at the half time break, after which the home side completely transformed. In a blitzkrieg to rival the Brumbies first half attack, the WA side was unstoppable in the second stanza, scoring two tries in the opening five minutes and a third at the three quarter mark of the match to snatch a remarkable victory.

With star backs Drew Mitchell (ankle), Scott Staniforth (knee) and Ryan Cross (cheekbone) on the sidelines, it was up to the young

RugbyWA 2008 Annual Report

2008 Development Tour of England With the abolishment of the Australian Rugby Championship (ARC) after one year of existence, the Emirates Western Force packed their bags for England in search of high quality rugby to fill the breach on the rugby calendar post Super 14. On the final day of July, a 28-man squad departed Perth for a five-match programme, to include matches against Guinness Premiership sides Newcastle Falcons, Saracens, Northampton Saints and Leicester Tigers. For many in the developing squad, the tour provided a first taste of elite level rugby. For the rest, it was a lesson in the heavier conditions and different approach to the game in the northern hemisphere.

campaign. A pair of second half tries from centre Junior Pelesasa lifted the visitors to a 25-15 result against a Falcons lineup boasting former All Blacks scrum chief Carl Hayman.

The month-long programme would also provide coach John Mitchell and his staff with an opportunity to experiment with combinations in the squad and to test players under a jam-packed match schedule.

The touring party suffered major blows in the days following the win, with flanker Sam Wykes (shoulder) and World Cup Wallaby Scott Staniforth (knee) returning home after sustaining serious injuries.

Rising star David Pocock was awarded the honour of leading the squad for the tour, following the success of his earlier appointment as captain of the Australian Under 20s at the Junior World Championships in Wales. The tour touched down in Newcastle where the boys got the blood pumping with a friendly game of Twenty20 cricket to celebrate Wallaby great Matt Burke’s farewell from the Newcastle club. While the men in blue were easily trumped on the cricket pitch, the light-hearted clash set the scene for the serious business of the tour. Kingston Park played host to the opening match and the WA side wasted no time notching their first victory of the

The squad was also facing a short four-day turnaround before its next match, against a Saracens Academy outfit. However, it failed to halt the tourists’ early momentum as flanker Matt Hodgson led the side to a handsome 36-17 win in St Albans. The team returned to the Old Albanians ground just three nights later for its third match, although this time it was the home side who prevailed in another rugged encounter dominated by the set piece battle. With former Wallabies mentor Eddie Jones at the helm, Saracens defended stoutly and limited the WA side to just one try in a 19-10 loss. After three tough encounters in eight days, the players finally had an opportunity to take a breath and, with the tour moving to London, grabbed their chance to take

Luke Holmes and Filipe Manu try to halt a Falcons attacker. Dane Haylett-Petty is somewhere under that ruck.

Haig Sare was a standout in England.

in some of the sights. This included a visit to the Emirates Stadium, home of English Premier League soccer giants Arsenal, where tour skipper David Pocock and team management took in the electric atmosphere of the Gunners’ home opener against West Bromwich Albion. With a week to prepare for the fourth tour clash, against ‘King’ Carlos Spencer and the Northampton Saints, it was a much anticipated clash at the picturesque Franklins Gardens. The newly-promoted League One champions proved too strong for the young WA outfit though, pressuring teenage flyhalf James O’Connor and dominating at scrum time to run out convincing 22-3 victors. (L to R) Scott Daruda, Dave Pocock and Luke Holmes pose under the Tyne Bridge.

The view from the captain’s seat at Arsenal’s season opener at Emirates Stadium.

After two straight defeats, the injury toll was also building for the tourists, with new recruit Caleb Brown (hamstring) and winger James Dougall (fractured hand) joining the list of casualties. The match against Northampton Academy, scheduled for the Wednesday night, was abandoned in light of the injury situation, which meant the next match on the tour itinerary, against Premiership finalists Leicester Tigers, would also be the last. A Tigers outfit featuring no less than 14 Internationals took to the field for its final hit out before the Premiership kick off and proved far too experienced for the young Force side in a 48-7 rout. The home side ran in seven tries to one in what proved to be the biggest lesson for the young squad as the tour came to a close.

Squad Andrew Barrett (mid-tour replacement), Dion Berryman, Caleb Brown, Pekahou Cowan, Scott Daruda, James Dougall, Gareth Hardy, Dane Haylett-Petty, Matt Hodgson, Luke Holmes, Tamaiti Horua, Kieran Longbottom, Tai McIsaac, Tom Murday, Brent Murphy, James O’Connor, Pat O’Connor, Chris O’Young, Junior Pelesasa, David Pocock (c), Filipe Manu, Haig Sare, Scott Staniforth, Troy Takiari, Josh Tatupu, Valeni Tia Tia, Justin Turner, AJ Whalley, Sam Wykes.

Results Friday 8 August

EWF v Newcastle Falcons

Tuesday 12 August EWF v Saracens Academy Saturday 16 August

Won 25-15 Won 36-17

EWF v Saracens Lost 10-19

Saturday 23 August EWF v Northampton Saints Lost 3-22 Wednesday 27 August

EWF v Northampton Academy

Saturday 30 August

EWF v Leicester Tigers Lost 7-48

Match abandoned

Leading try scorers: Junior Pelesasa 3, Haig Sare 2, Matt Hodgson 2, Caleb Brown 2. Leading points scorers: James O’Connor 22pts (1t, 4c, 3p), Junior Pelesasa 15pts (3t), Scott Daruda 14pts (4c, 2p). Scott Daruda fires a pass at Welford Road.

Throughout the 34-day campaign the side was well led by skipper Pocock with senior squad members Matt Hodgson, Junior Pelesasa and Haig Sare each leaving their mark.

The scrum battle was a key component of every match on tour.

RugbyWA 2008 Annual Report

One of the purposes of the tour was to uncover new talent, which was clearly achieved with giant flanker Filipe Manu (acquired from Souths in the Brisbane competition) and RugbyWA Academy lock Brent Murphy making the most of their opportunities.

RugbyWA 2008 Annual Report

RugbyWA Academy Season 2008 saw some subtle changes to the RugbyWA Academy programme. The most significant of these changes was to the selection process, whereby only athletes that had the potential to play at the next level were to be offered Academy positions. With the abandonment of the Australian Rugby Championship, athletes would therefore only be considered for an Academy position if they possessed the potential to play for the Emirates Western Force. This decision meant around 80% of our 2007 Academy athletes were released, resulting in an entity that, though lighter in numbers, was of a much higher quality. It also enabled us to invest more into our senior Academy apprenticeships such as our Academy level 1 athletes. The success of this decision can be seen on-field with all four of our initial senior apprentices playing Super 14 in 2008 – Dane Haylett-Petty, James O’Connor, Sam Wykes and Sitaleki Timani. This figure increased to six with both Kieran Longbottom and James Stannard being added to the senior apprentice list after an arduous pre-season trial and training campaign. What is also of interest is both HaylettPetty and Longbottom are products of our local system and Academy/NTS programmes. Add Stannard to the mix of those educated in our system and this gives reason for optimism looking forward.

A definite highlight was our young side, predominantly Academy and club players, taking it to a near fully capped Queensland A and having a chance to win but for a failed conversion attempt after full-time. With our Academy still very much in its infancy, we are looking at new initiatives in 2009 to give the Emirates Western Force a chance to compete on a level playing field with our rivals and in some instances exceed their benchmarks. This will be achieved with an aggressive approach to development and recruitment. It would be remiss of me not to mention the people that provided assistance throughout 2008. Warren Andrews continues to push the athletes to higher standards both on and off the field. JP Caneiro and his team have insured our athletes were able to get back on the field expediently. Thanks to Dwayne Nestor, Matt Tink for on-field assistance, and Ian Fowler who acted as an assistant for the competition. Finally thanks must go to Mitch Hardy who in his many roles provided excellent insight and knowledge. Season 2009 should be viewed with expectation as we continue to refine and develop our Academy programme. Geoff Townsend Academy Head Coach

Further optimism in our future development can be seen by the number of athletes in the Academy that have been upgraded in their situations for season 2009. The likelihood of our youngsters progressing through the ranks next year and beyond is increasing. Another new initiative that was well received was the introduction of a senior development group that train periodically with the Academy and provide us with a number of athletes to consider for higher selection to play with the Academy team. With Perth Gold being excluded from the Australian Rugby Shield, this provided an avenue for aspirational club players. Unlike our east coast counterparts, the vagaries of distance prevents our Academy group from playing in any form of competition but, apart from our pre-season trial with the Emirates Western Force which was competitive and provided the professionals with a useful first hit-out, we were able to organise games against a very experienced Queensland A and an outclassed Singapore national side.

RugbyWA 2008 Annual Report

Community Rugby

1st Grade Premiers Kalamunda

2nd Grade Premiers - Kalamunda

Season 2008 was a year of significant change for the Community Rugby department. Mitch Hardy changed roles, moving to the Professional department and taking up the role of General Manager, Rugby, the competitions unit was formed and we saw the final games played at Rugby Park. The decision to move Mitch Hardy away from Community Rugby was made in June. As a consequence, I moved into the role of Manager, Community Rugby. This transition was made incredibly easy due to the outstanding foundations that Mitch had put in place. On behalf of all volunteers, players, coaches and match officials, I would like to sincerely thank Mitch for his significant contribution to the development of our game here in Western Australia.

Under 20 Premiers - Nedlands Gold

3rd Grade Premiers - Cottesloe

5th Grade Premiers - Arks

RugbyWA 2008 Annual Report

Under 18 Premiers - Perth Bayswater

4th Grade Premiers - Nedlands

Women’s Premiers - Perth Bayswater

was very successful and we saw a healthy increase in the number of referees. Particularly pleasing was the emergence of many young referees. Furthermore, the increased number of coaches has meant that our players are receiving improved tuition, which is paramount to ensuring we keep players in our game. The emergence of Kieran Longbottom and James Stannard from the senior competition to the Emirates Western Force, and Dane Haylett Petty from the school system is a great result for those from community rugby who assisted with the development of these players. Added to this is the increased number of locals who are now with the Emirates Western Force Academy. Continued focus on our Senior Development Squad, and of course our Junior programmes, should see a steady flow of local players graduating to the Super 14 level.

The decision to form the competitions unit was also made this year. With some initial teething problems and changes to staff, this initiative did not reach its full potential. That said, the staff in this department worked tirelessly to produce what were once again outstanding competitions for Senior, Junior and Women’s rugby.

On the staff front, the Community Rugby department would like to thank Glenda Martyn, Natalie Coward, Ross James and Barry Dorsett for their contribution this year and we wish them the best for their future endeavours. Former Development Manager, Colin Richardson, chose to leave the department to take up the role of Brand Manager for RugbyWA. We also thank Colin for his contribution to Community Rugby.

Perhaps the most significant event of the year was the final matches at Rugby Park. Although the last actual games played there were the Junior Grand Finals, it must be said that the 1st Grade Grand Final between Kalamunda and Wanneroo was a fitting end to the life of a rugby field steeped in history. The day attracted a capacity crowd and the quality of rugby played across the Grand Final weekend was a fitting farewell to what has been Western Australia’s cultural hub for rugby.

On a personal note, I would like to thank all the community rugby staff for their continued support and efforts throughout the 2008 season. So much work gets conducted behind the scenes, and your dedication is to be admired. I would also like to thank all the club presidents, coaches, referees and other volunteers whom I have worked with this year. Your passion for our game is always evident and your support of RugbyWA makes our task that much easier.

We once again witnessed a rise in the playing numbers for our Junior, Senior and Country competitions. This continued growth highlights the strength of our game in Western Australia. The Emirates Western Force drive the game professionally, however, this rise in playing numbers can be directly attributed to the joint efforts of our development staff and of course the countless number of volunteers who tirelessly work within each respective club. Rugby is a game built on volunteers, and I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to all those volunteers who sacrifice so much to ensure the game we love remains pure and a game for one and all.

Season 2009 brings us many new challenges and I look forward to confronting these challenges with the continued support of all members of the Western Australian rugby community. Matt Tink Manager, Community Rugby

Further growth has also been recorded in the ranks of both match officials and coaches. The club touch judge program

RugbyWA 2008 Annual Report

Grade Tables Competition: Kwik Senior Competition Grade: 1st Grade P Kalamunda 18 Nedlands 18 Wanneroo 18 Perth Bayswater 18 Rockingham 18 Associates 18 Cottesloe 18 West’s Subiaco 18 University 18 Palmyra 18

W 16 11 11 12 11 9 8 4 4 2

L 2 7 7 6 6 8 10 12 14 16

D Bye B F A % Pts 0 0 13 667 356 187 77 0 0 17 558 363 154 61 0 0 14 590 406 145 58 0 0 9 451 294 153 57 1 0 8 413 388 106 54 1 0 12 490 395 124 50 0 0 5 387 476 81 37 2 0 16 448 495 90 36 0 0 4 343 638 54 20 0 0 4 245 781 31 12

Grade: 2nd Grade P Kalamunda 18 Nedlands 18 Associates 18 West’s Subiaco 18 Perth Bayswater 18 Wanneroo 18 University 18 Cottesloe 18 Rockingham 18 Palmyra 18

W 14 13 14 14 9 8 4 5 4 1

L 2 4 2 4 8 9 13 13 14 17

D Bye B F A % Pts 2 0 16 735 221 333 76 1 0 14 710 267 266 68 2 0 8 481 279 172 68 0 0 9 547 246 222 65 1 0 12 485 362 134 50 1 0 5 320 351 91 39 1 0 7 270 616 44 25 0 0 4 303 602 50 24 0 0 2 205 640 32 18 0 0 4 170 642 26 8

Grade: 4th Grade P Southern Lions 16 Nedlands 16 Bunbury 16 Kalamunda 16 Associates 16 Wanneroo 16 Midland 16 University 16 Rockingham 16 West’s Subiaco 0

W 14 11 12 11 9 6 5 3 1 0

L 2 5 4 5 7 10 11 13 15 0

D Bye B F A % Pts 0 2 8 377 158 239 72 0 2 15 501 174 288 67 0 2 11 457 197 232 67 0 2 12 412 228 181 64 0 2 9 318 259 123 53 0 2 9 287 255 112 41 0 2 5 194 273 71 33 0 2 5 182 418 44 25 0 2 3 153 469 33 15 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Grade: 5th Grade P Arks 17 Nedlands 17 University 16 Perth Bayswater 16 Palmyra 17 Bunbury 17 West’s Subiaco 17 Joondalup 15 Curtin 17 Cottesloe 17 Southern Lions 14 Wanneroo 17 Mandurah 17 Joondalup Ancients 16 Kalamunda 11 Associates 5

W 17 13 11 12 9 9 9 8 6 6 3 4 4 3 3 0

L 0 3 4 4 7 6 8 6 10 11 11 11 12 12 7 5

D Bye B F A % Pts 0 1 16 622 104 598 88 1 1 12 472 122 387 70 1 2 11 371 210 177 65 0 1 9 409 176 232 61 1 1 7 320 250 128 49 2 1 5 335 274 122 49 0 1 7 241 226 107 47 1 1 5 214 227 94 43 1 1 7 296 270 110 37 0 1 7 182 233 78 35 0 3 5 178 365 49 29 2 1 4 186 354 52 28 1 1 5 180 328 55 27 1 1 6 160 382 42 24 1 1 5 160 244 66 23 0 0 1 13 124 10 1

Grade: Under 20’s P Nedlands Gold 18 Associates Gold 18 Joondalup 17 Cottesloe 16 Universities Gold 16 Perth Bayswater 17 West’s Subiaco 17 Arks 18 Associates Green 16 Nedlands Blue 16 Universities Green 13 Southern Lions 10

W 15 15 12 10 11 10 11 6 3 1 2 0

L 3 3 5 6 5 7 6 12 13 15 11 10

D Bye B F A % Pts 0 0 12 506 131 386 72 0 0 9 454 133 341 69 0 1 11 458 150 305 63 0 2 14 477 130 367 62 0 2 10 357 175 204 62 0 1 15 477 156 306 59 0 1 10 358 225 159 58 0 0 5 282 460 61 29 0 2 3 188 333 56 23 0 2 3 130 492 26 15 0 0 2 68 638 11 10 0 1 1 55 487 11 5

Grade: Under 18’s P Perth Bayswater 16 West’s Subiaco 16 Nedlands 16 Kalamunda 17 Associates 17 Rockingham 17 Cottesloe 16 Wanneroo 16 Joondalup 16 Palmyra 17 Bunbury 16

W 15 14 11 11 9 7 6 5 4 3 1

L 1 2 3 4 7 9 10 10 11 14 15

D Bye B F A % Pts 0 2 16 733 104 705 84 0 2 15 646 120 538 79 2 2 9 509 241 211 65 2 1 8 526 188 280 60 1 1 7 371 342 108 49 1 1 12 428 257 166 46 0 2 6 270 293 92 38 1 2 6 235 454 52 36 1 2 4 232 402 58 30 0 1 5 259 544 48 21 0 2 3 82 896 9 15

Grade: 3rd Grade P Cottesloe 18 Mandurah 18 Joondalup 18 West’s Subiaco 18 Curtin 18 Arks 18 Nedlands 18 Associates 18 Palmyra 18 Perth Bayswater 18

W 17 11 12 10 12 8 6 5 4 1

L 0 6 4 7 6 10 11 12 13 17

D Bye B F A % Pts 1 0 9 482 131 368 79 1 0 14 365 168 217 60 2 0 7 324 170 191 59 1 0 13 473 268 176 55 0 0 4 282 183 154 52 0 0 6 271 284 95 38 1 0 4 277 382 72 30 1 0 6 239 344 70 28 1 0 6 203 421 48 24 0 0 4 145 710 20 8

P W 11 10 11 8 11 4 11 3 12 3

L 1 3 7 8 9

D Bye B F A % Pts 0 3 10 429 64 670 60 0 3 13 485 66 735 57 0 2 5 139 226 62 27 0 3 6 177 276 64 26 0 2 5 149 422 35 23

Grade: Women’s Perth Bayswater Cottesloe West’s Subiaco Kalamunda University

2008 PREMIERS 5th Grade - Arks 4th Grade - Nedlands 3rd Grade - Cottesloe Women’s - Perth Bayswater Under 18 - Perth Bayswater Under 20 - Nedlands Gold 2nd Grade - Kalamunda 1st Grade - Kalamunda

RugbyWA 2008 Annual Report

WAJRU Report Season 2008 saw Junior Rugby Union participation numbers continue to grow. The U17’s participated in the senior competition and therefore these players are not formally reflected in our numbers. The competition is strong across the three venues and our youngest club North Beach continues to grow.

WARURA President’s Report Congratulations to all the clubs and schools on their 2008 season and I look forward to the continued growth of junior rugby in Western Australia. Stephen Carrick, President Western Australian Junior Rugby Union

The WA Junior Rugby Union finances are strong and there is a range of development opportunities for our players, coaches, officials and administrators. I have decided to not stand as President of the Junior Rugby Union for 2009. I have been President for a number of years and involved for some 14 years with the union in Western Australia. I have thoroughly enjoyed my involvement, especially in the transition period over the last couple of years with a stronger and more strategic relationship with Rugby WA. I strongly urge all participants in junior rugby, whether as a parent, coach or administrator, to reflect on two issues that impact on the development of our children and youth. Firstly, carefully consider the concept of a volunteer. I have seen the role of the volunteer move away from basic principles of giving your time freely without the expectation of reward. Too many times the attitude of what is in it for me, or my child, is surfacing. I see a return to volunteering as a critical element in the growth of junior rugby in this state. Secondly the ability of objective decision making without a conflict of interest is very important in governance of junior rugby. Clubs, coaches, parents, selectors and administrators need to ensure that all decisions are clear and fair. The rise of a conflict needs to be addressed up front. Self interest makes for poor decision making and I urge all involved to carefully consider their role noting their own particular interest. I would like to thank the 2008 WA Junior Rugby Union Executive Committee for their support and work throughout the year. A special thank you to a long-time committee member and good friend Julie Skiba. I wish Julie well in her role as President. RugbyWA Board members Stephen Fink and David Redpath have always maintained their strong interest and involvement with the overall direction of junior rugby and I have appreciated their support. Mitch Hardy, Dwayne Nestor, Matt Tink and Anthony O’Shea have been very supportive of junior rugby and are always open for discussion and consideration of new initiatives. I personally have appreciated their involvement and professionalism.

RugbyWA 2008 Annual Report

Congratulations to all on yet another outstanding season. It was, as usual, a long season which for some commenced in January and culminated late in the year with the very successful Community Rugby Grand Finals. I have received a number of compliments from club presidents and officials on the continual improvement of the standard of refereeing at all levels of Community Rugby. Such compliments are satisfying and rewarding. That said, we must continue to strive for further improvement and consistency. It was a challenging year with the introduction of the ELVs to the 1st and 2nd Grade competitions. I compliment the CAB for the manner in which they managed this situation and for the seamless way in which referees who officiated under the various laws performed their duties.

U15s Central captain Olly Hoskins collects the State Championship Shield from Emirates Western Force halfback Chris O’Young.

During the year in excess of 1,500 formal appointments were made at all levels including Juniors and more than 300 coaching reports completed. Thanks must go to Senior CAB – David Procopis (Chairman), Maurie Day and Peter Hilgendorf – for their tireless efforts during the year. A special mention and thanks go to Julie Skiba who, in the absence of a junior CAB, stepped up and took responsibility for appointments at Britannia. She was ably assisted by Steve Davey, Justin Shakeshaft and Anthony O’Shea.

2008 did see some success on the development of pathways for new referees to advance up the grades as well as the retention of referees. Notably, we saw the recruitment and development of a number of new referees to both the junior and senior ranks. Looking forward, 2009 will hopefully enable us to further extend programmes to improve the standard of refereeing at community level. The incoming committee will look to work with RugbyWA to more efficiently and effectively develop strategies and programmes to achieve this. The Executive Committee again functioned superbly during the year and I thank each and every one of them for their efforts and support. Thanks also to the RugbyWA team of Matt Tink, Glenda Martyn and in particular Anthony O’Shea for his efforts during the year. The support of our sponsors Argonaut and BGC is, as always, much appreciated. Without their financial contributions we could not afford to supply new kit each year or implement the various development programmes. Finally thanks go to all of you, our members, who turn out willingly each week, support each other and promote rugby in this great state. Charles Fear WARURA President

Referee abuse continues to be an ongoing issue. RugbyWA were superb in support of the Association and in the rigorous manner with which they dealt with the various incidents. That said that clubs typically did their best to address the problem but to differing degrees. Indeed, we continue to enjoy an excellent relationship with RugbyWA. The support received from Matt Tink and his team is welcomed and appreciated. It should be noted that we receive indirect financial support from RugbyWA which is not always recognised but is certainly appreciated. In 2007 the Association, supported by RugbyWA and the ARU, established the Referee Academy. This was initially launched as a small and focused programme. This was intentional as we wanted to ensure that it was properly structured, implemented and successful. Whilst it operated in 2008, supported by the ARU, it failed to live up to expectations. The committee, in conjunction with RugbyWA, will review the programme with a view to streamlining it and ensuring its effectiveness.

RugbyWA 2008 Annual Report

WACRU Report Country rugby had another successful year, with all Associations completing their seasons. The quality of rugby is definitely improving, coaches and referees are honing their skills and this transfers to the players and ultimately to the competition. Our great game would not be as successful as it is without the support of our volunteers who work tirelessly so that players and supporters enjoy their sport. RugbyWA has provided significant resources to country rugby with coaching, referee and other essential courses throughout the year. With the work of our regional development officers, we have seen a massive increase in participation at both Junior and Senior levels. Indeed, the growth at Junior level will have a lasting effect as players migrate to the Senior competition. Goldfields Kalgoorlie again boasted three strong teams, with the Bushwackers, Stormers and Boulder/WASM taking the field. The season was dominated by the two strong teams, the Bushies and Stormers, with clashes between the two going either way each time they met. Boulder/WASM improved with each match and came close on a few occasions to springing an upset. The final was predictably between the Bushwackers and Stormers, with the Stormers securing the 2008 championship. Great Southern The Great Southern competition was reduced to three teams to promote strength within the clubs. Narrogin and Katanning remain in the competition, with Mt Barker, Denmark and Albany combining forces to strengthen their ranks. It has taken a few years of maturing, but the new look Albany took a significant step forward this year under the leadership of Murray Hooper. Albany led all the way from start to finish in 2008, triumphing over Katanning in the Grand Final.

exception, and went down to the wire with Margs knocking off Dunsborough 25-23. WA Country Cup The start of the Country Cup proved a huge success, with the Goldfields Team taking on the Great Southern as a curtain raiser to an Emirates Western Force game at Subiaco Oval. The deciding match saw Great Southern take on the South West in a close contest in which the South West secured the trophy late in the game. Country Carnival This year’s carnival was hailed as the best yet. Hosted in Dunsborough, it was the 23rd such event. Teams from all over WA entered the tournament including sides from Albany, Bridgetown, Bunbury City, Collie, Denmark, Dunsborough, Esperance, Geraldton, Kalgoorlie, Katanning, Margaret River, Mt Barker, Narrogin and Newman. Two of these teams – Bunbury and Newman – were new to the competition this year. This is a great achievement for Country Rugby and evidences the growth in regional WA. In a high standard final, Dunsborough pleased their supporters with a gritty 8-5 win over the Kalgoorlie Bushwackers. This capped of a big year for Dunsborough by not only defending the country title, but also winning the WA Country Cup. I’m sure that they will be keen to defend both yet again in 2009. The WA Country Team took on the Perth Districts Team and lost narrowly to the highly-polished Perth outfit, 12-8. Well done to the Country. We look forward to converging on Esperance for the 2009 carnival. Ray Mills WACRU President

The 2008 WA Country Team

South West The 2007 champions, Dunsborough, started as successfully as they finished the previous season by dominating the South West competition. This year’s competition also saw the introduction of Bunbury City, who improved greatly as the season wore on. The usual combatants, Margs and the Dung Beetles, fought several times throughout year, with all matches played at a high-quality standard. This year’s Final was no

RugbyWA 2008 Annual Report

WAWRU Report Overall, the 2008 RugbyWA women’s season was a success. The highlights of the year included the Singapore 7’s team tour (November 2007), the annual 7’s tournament (March 2008), the state team tour to the National Championships (July 2008), the selection of four players in the Wallaroos squad and two players in the National 7’s squad, a successful and competitive finals series and the introduction of the Schoolgirls 7’s gala day. General administration Throughout the year attendance to committee meetings was rather poor. The introduction that each club would lose competition points if and when their delegate did not attend a meeting was enforced in order to increase attendance. This did improve attendance numbers from the previous year, however, this is still a problem which the committee needs to address. I suggest for the 2009 season that the minutes and agenda from the previous meeting are sent out within a week of the said meeting along with confirmation of the next meeting details to avoid any confusion. Another problem that needs to be dealt with in 2009 is the structure of the committee. It is important to give all committee members a role within the group to ensure the same resources and people are not continually being exhausted. Singapore Women’s 7’s The Singapore Women’s Rugby Union contacted RugbyWA with an interest in playing local club teams as part of their training tour to Perth. Due to the off-season and clashes with summer sports, only two teams (Cottesloe and University) were available, but players from other clubs were invited down to join in and participate. Six games were played at Harvey Field, Cottesloe on 24 November 2007. We thank Cottesloe Rugby Union Club for allowing us to use their facilities and RugbyWA for providing a referee. Annual RugbyWA Women’s 7’s tournament This year the annual 7’s tournament was held on 29 March 2008 at Rugby Park, Perry Lakes. It attracted all five club teams from the previous season’s competition – Perth Bayswater, Kalamunda, University, Wanneroo and Cottesloe. The day was a success, with Cottesloe and Perth-Bayswater meeting in the final. Perth-Bayswater came away with the trophy, winning 19-5. Kaylene Price of University was named Player of the Tournament. State team tour The state tour to Tallebudgerah in Queensland was the major focus for the 2008 RugbyWA Women’s Committee.

RugbyWA 2008 Annual Report

Preparation began in early 2008 with the appointment of head coach Trevor Kienzley, assistant coach Justin Martyn and manager Glenda Martyn. Trials and training began in April 2008 and were held at Cottesloe Rugby Union Club, Rugby Park and Perth-Bayswater Rugby Union Club. Players from all clubs trialled and there was at least one player from each club in the final squad.

took out the minor premiership again and beat Cottesloe in a hard-fought grand final 8-5. Congratulations to Melissa Rowe of Cottesloe, who won Player of the Final and also collected the Sue Roberts Fairest and Best Player trophy for the season as voted by the referees at the PG Hampshire Awards. Debby Hodgkinson from Cottesloe won the inaugural State Player of the Year trophy.

A lot of work went into the organisation of the tour. We were fortunate enough to obtain $14,700 in sponsorship from the following companies – Sealy $5,000, Nido $4,500, Harvey Fresh $2000, Instant Scaffolding and Austindo $1000 each, Score Pacific and Touchstone Business Management $500 each and Wanneroo Women’s Rugby Team $200.

Schoolgirl 7’s

Two major fundraising events were undertaken. These were a movie fundraiser held at Astor Cinemas and a raffle held over a number of months. In total these raised (less costs) $7,303.15. We thank RugbyWA for allowing us to sell raffle tickets before the Emirates Western Force home games as well as providing part of the tour uniforms. Our fundraising and sponsorship work meant each player only had to pay a levy of $500 for the tour.

This year saw the introduction of a Schoolgirls 7’s gala day. Glenda Martyn, Tilly Lloyd and development officers at RugbyWA have been working to put a day like this together for some time and it was finally held on 20 November 2008 at McGillvray Oval. Seven teams from five schools were represented. Charlene Clamp from Kalamunda and the state women’s team was involved with coaching Thornlie High School who edged out Kolbe in the final. The talent, skill and enthusiasm I saw on show there definitely left a positive impression on the future of women’s rugby in WA. Future

Rugby Union calendar over the next two years. This will involve starting the season approximately six weeks earlier and running a 7’s competition between local clubs followed by the ARU holding a national 7’s tournament, giving WA the opportunity to enter a State team. This is in aid of the current success of the Australian women’s 7’s team and the possible introduction of rugby into the Olympics. I feel we should not make these changes for the 2009 season, as the likelihood of sending a state team to the national 7’s tournament is very low. We should continue to focus on the development of the RugbyWA women’s 15-a-side team and gradually introduce 7’s and 10’s into the calendar by the 2010 season. I would like to thank all committee members for their assistance this year, especially Glenda Martyn and Kate Stoney. We would not have achieved the results we have without their hard work. Debby Hodgkinson President RugbyWA Women’s Committee 2008

As discussed recently, the current committee is looking at aligning the RugbyWA women’s calendar with the Australian

The tour was a success, with WA finishing fifth out of eight teams and winning two out of three games. Due to the structuring of the tournament, the fifth placing puts the 2009 team in a better place to try and challenge the top four teams. From the National Championships four women from the WA state team were selected in a 33-woman Wallaroo squad –Stacey Kilmeister, Kate Stoney, Melissa Rowe and Debby Hodgkinson. Melissa Rowe and Debby Hodgkinson went on to be picked in the 22-woman test squad that played New Zealand in October. Overall 2008 club season The season began with seven teams in the competition – Perth-Bayswater, Cottesloe, Kalamunda, University, Wests/ Subiaco, Wanneroo and Bunbury. Unfortunately within the first week Bunbury had to withdraw due to inexperience and a few weeks later Wanneroo amalgamated with the University club due to a shortage of players. And again this season, one of the problems was the number of forfeits. I suggest for the 2009 season the committee enforces the rule that each club needs to attempt to play a game, even if it is seven-a-side, just so all teams get to play more games. Aside from this, I felt the 2008 season was a huge improvement from 2007. The level of skill and quality of games played has risen across all clubs. Perth-Bayswater

RugbyWA 2008 Annual Report

WASRU Report

Awards

Season 2008 started in February with schools participating in the Welborn Cup; this is played in a knockout format as the curtain raiser to all Western Force home games. We also had our first overseas touring school from Canada visiting WA during March. This has been a result of a couple of WA schools touring the Americas in previous years.

I would like to thank all the clubs, the development team and the referees (they’re all good blokes) for their time and support during 2008. Also to the schools’ coaches who, on occasion, get the team ready, drive the bus, ref the game, and wash the jerseys – this sport would not exist in WA schools without your passion and efforts.

2008 RugbyWA Referee of the Year Award

The standard of rugby now being played in WA schools has improved markedly; this is a direct result of the impact of the Western Force, who have made the game more professional and set up pathways for our young players.

Don McNamee President WASRU

John Green (Arks)

Our state team competed well in the national championships but was beaten in the final by a very strong Victorian outfit. We had nine players selected in the Combined States team to compete in the Division 1 championships in Canberra and, from there, Alex Rovira and Ben Hailes were selected in the Australian A Schoolboys team. Justin Turner was also selected in the Australian Schools team and played in the curtain raiser against Fiji at Lang Park prior to the Wallabies game.

RugbyWA 2008 Annual Report

Paul King (Kalamunda)

Life Membership Heathway Champion 2008 RugbyWA Top Try Scorer Award Garth Zeigler (Nedlands) Laurie de la Hunty Trophy Most Improved Player 2008 – Brent Murphy (Perth Bayswater)

2008 RugbyWA Top Point Scorer Award Brad Linklater (West’s Subiaco)

CSC rugby is also showing signs of rapid growth, with new schools joining the competition and existing schools increasing the number of teams involved. This is causing a few problems as the gap between abilities will need to be accessed; schools will need to be placed in groups of similar ability to make the playing of rugby more enjoyable for these boys.

On the coaching front, we have been very fortunate to acquire some very good coaches who have moved to this beautiful state from overseas and interstate. Further, the initiative of the ARFSU Executive in setting up the seminar and training course for our senior coaches has been highly praised and it is hoped this will be part of the schools programme for years to come; if expansion is possible, then some of our schools’ coaches could attend such a valuable resource.

2008 RugbyWA Coach of the Year Award

Perth Bayswater

PSA rugby is expanding with the introduction of three teams in Years 9 and Years 8 – two year-specific teams and one mixed-year team. This will increase again as Year 7 moves into high schools over the next few years.

On a state level, the management for our Schools XV was appointed in October 2007; this gave us more continuity and hopefully a more stable approach to selection. The Rugby WA development team has been very busy in the off season running skills clinics and fitness programmes as well as selecting talented young players for elite coaching. We involve our coaches when possible and are also aligning a development officer with each representive team.

2008 PG Hampshire Award – Ryan Tyrrell (Rockingham)

Daylan Waetford

Laurie de la Hunty Trophy Most Improved Player 2008 Brent Murphy (Perth Bayswater)

George Newstead Trophy Most Outstanding Colt Player 2008 Heremaia Te Aute (West’s Subiaco) Aranmore – 2008 John Welborn Cup Champions

Sue Roberts Trophy Best and Fairest 2008 Melissa Rowe (Cottesloe) 2008 Women’s State Player of the Year – Debby Hodgkinson (Cottesloe)

2008 Women’s State Player of the Year Debby Hodgkinson (Cottesloe)

2008 State Player of the Year Under 20 Angus Neilson (Associates)

Champion Club Nedlands

2008 PG Hampshire Award Ryan Tyrrell (Rockingham)

Life Membership – John Green (Arks)

2008 RugbyWA Coach of the Year Award – Paul King (Kalamunda)

RugbyWA 2008 Annual Report

Development In 2008 the development department once again saw a high turnover of staff, with two development officers moving on and our development manager moving into the commercial services department of RugbyWA. Naturally this disruption ensured difficult and trying conditions; however we were able to achieve many positives including an increase in junior playing numbers and the establishment of two junior clubs in Busselton and Albany. The season began in a hectic manner with our development staff conducting the Smarter Than Smoking Kick Start clinics in every junior club. The coaches and players were given expert tuition and demonstrations on best practice playing and coaching techniques, and feedback from all clubs was very positive. On the schools front, our development team were kept very busy running our sampling programmes and achieved fantastic results in this area. The table below gives a comparative indication from 2007 to 2008 – these increases are a direct result of the hard work put in by the development team and the teachers they dealt with. Primary rugby sampling – participation summary

Irregular rugby

Regular rugby

2007

2433

1592

2008

3527

2913

The Smarter Than Smoking CSC competition for high schools was not as successful as previous seasons. The unfortunate situation of industrial action between the teachers and the state government meant that many teachers were unavailable to coach their respective teams. This led to a reduction in the number of teams entering the competition. Subsequent meetings with teachers indicate that 2009 will see most of these schools, and a few new ones, returning to compete in the Smarter Than Smoking CSC competitions. Looking forward, the development department will remain committed to maintaining our school-based programmes, but plan to place greater emphasis on servicing players and coaches within our junior clubs. This will involve regular visits to the junior clubs on training nights with a focus on coach education. State 15s The management team consisted of Andy Cole (Head Coach), Neil Zaltsman (Assistant Coach), Geoff O’Day (Manager) and JP Caneiro (Physio). Game 1 vs Easts Rugby Club U15s Sunday 28 September 2008 Easts Rugby Club, Brisbane 44

RugbyWA 2008 Annual Report

Team: 1 Mason Maloney 2 Richard Cooper 3 Scott Tolmie 4 Kevin Bush 5 Tom O’Day 6 Cory Garner 7 Matt Monteath 8 Ephrim Aumua 9 Ethan Carlisle 10 Antini Brown 11 Nick Wolman 12 John McCabe 13 Lane Mitchell 14 Daniel Long 15 Iasiah Rehutai 16 Klay Wikaira 17 James Milligan 18 Cole Peppiatt 19 Dylan Ainsworth 20 Adrian Shanahan 21 Connor McDougall 22 Josh Wheeler 23 Scott Nichol

Eliaschewsky 21 Jerome Rameka 22 Lachlan Burgess 23 Shaun Taggart Match results were as follows: Game 1

v Sydney Juniors Loss 7 to 22

Game 2

v ACT Loss 3 to 6

Result: WA 22 def Easts 0

Game 3

v Victoria

Scorers: Cory Garner, Ethan Carlisle, Adrian Shanahan try; John McCabe 2 conversions, 1 penalty

Tristan Ashford received the Best Team Man award for WA at the championships this year. Tristan was a unanimous choice among the management of the team.

Game 2 vs BJRU U15 Rep Side Tuesday 30 September 2008 Easts Rugby Club, Brisbane Team: 1 Mason Maloney 2 Richard Cooper 3 Scott Tolmie 4 Kevin Bush 5 Tom O’Day 6 Dylan Ainsworth 7 Matt Monteath 8 Ephrim Aumua 9 Ethan Carlisle 10 Kyle Godwin 11 Cole Peppiatt 12 John McCabe 13 Daniel Long 14 James Milligan 15 Nick Wolman 16 Connor McDougall 17 Cory Garner 18 Adrian Shanahan 19 Lane Mitchell 20 Scott Nichol 21 Klay Wikaira 22 Iasiah Rehutai 23 Josh Wheeler

Win 13 to 12

State Schoolboys The Division II National Championships were held at Geelong Grammar 29 June – 4 July. The WA team came runners-up behind Victoria. The coaching and management team consisted of Stephen Montgomery, Mercy College (Head Coach), Dwayne Grace, Aranmore College (Assistant Coach), Omar Haji (Manager) and Cameron Stevens (Physio).

Nine members of the WA Schoolboys side were named in the Combined States side for the Division I national championships – Michael D’Adamo, Ben Hales, Michael Loubser, Darryl Mitchell, Michael Parker, Alex Rovira, Reggie Simpson, Heremaia Te Aute and Justin Turner. Further, Justin Turner was selected in the Australian Schoolboys who played Fiji and Ben Hales and Alex Rovira were selected in Australia A. Junior Academy RugbyWA have restructured the Junior Academy concept from 2007 to fall in line with the NTS programme and Senior Academy. The Junior Academy is made up of 30 players from 14-17 years of age. They train three afternoons a week, incorporating a strength and conditioning programme along with core skills. Most of the sessions are held at Notre Dame University, Fremantle and ECU Joondalup with sports science assistance from both of these universities. It started in October and will phase out next year as the players enter each of the respective representative programmes.

Game 3 vs Gordon Rugby Club U15s

The WA State Schoolboys for 2008 were Andrew Carson, Mark Cornell, Michael D’Adamo, Lorenzo De Villiers, Kyle Godwin, Trent Griffin, Daniel Griffiths, Ben Hales, Michael Loubser, Ryan Louwrens, Coree Mahu, Ed Melville, Darryl Mitchell, Michael Parker, Michael Pollastri, Alex Rovira, Tom Santangelli, Zac Silulu, Reggie Simpson, Sheldon Tawara, Heremaia Te Aute, Justin Turner and Ben Yeates.

Saturday 4 October 2008

Game 1 – Saturday

The Junior Academy consists of Chance Peni, Cory Garner, Daniel Long, Ephrim Aumua, Hayden Croghan, Isaiah Rehutai, James Farr, Jared Lamatoa, Kevin Bush, Levi Aumua, Lukas Birch, Nick Sardinha, Philip Shedlbauer, Richard Cooper, Scott Tolmie, Steve Komene, Todd Wilcox, Adrian Shanahan, Curtis Rona, Ethan Carlisle, Jerome Rameka, Kane Koteka, Keagan Smith, Liam Burley, Luke Burton, Matt Monteath, Rick Le Roux, Ross Haylett-Petty, Sam Smith and Tom O’Day.

Rugby Park, Floreat

WA 44 def SA 6

National Talent Squad

Team: 1 Mason Maloney 2 Richard Cooper 3 Scott Tolmie 4 Kevin Bush 5 Tom O’Day 6 Dylan Ainsworth 7 Matt Monteath 8 Ephrim Aumua 9 Ethan Carlisle 10 Kyle Godwin 11 Cole Peppiatt 12 John McCabe 13 Daniel Long 14 James Milligan 15 Nick Wolman 16 Connor McDougall 17 Cory Garner 18 Adrian Shanahan 19 Lane Mitchell 20 Scott Nichol 21 Klay Wikaira 22 Iasiah Rehutai 23 Josh Wheeler

Tries: Kyle Godwin 2; Heremaia Te Aute, Michael Parker, Coree Mahu, Ed Melville, Ben Hales, Mark Cornell 1

The NTS recommenced in October with the new induction of players. It will continue throughout the year with an intensive S & C programme as well as skills linking with the Senior Academy.

Result: Gordon 15s 40 def WA Nil

Tries: Michael Pollastri, Heremaia Te Aute 2; Michael Parker, Lorenzo De Villiers, Trent Griffin 1

Result: BJRU 15s 17 def WA 10 Scorers: Mason Maloney try, John McCabe conversion, penalty

State 16s The management team for 2008 consisted of Brendon Loag (Coach), Matt Tink & Dwayne Nestor (Assistant Coaches), JP Canerio & Anita McCrystal (Physios) and Ross Dopson (Manager). The jerseys were presented as follows: 1 Todd Wilcox 2 Tristan Ashford 3 Oliver Hoskins 4 Lachlan Valentine 5 Hayden Croghan 6 Manasseh Gudgeon 7 Liam Burley 8 Nathan Oakley 9 Shaun Baker 10 Kyle Godwin 11 Jack Dawson 12 Jordan Smith 13 Curtis Rona 14 Jordan Simi 15 Stephan Blair 16 Nick Corsbie 17 Samual Smith 18 Christopher Johnson 19 Bryan Lush 20 James

Conversions: Darryl Mitchell 2 Game 2 (non-comp) – Sunday WA 47 def NT 3

Conversions: Darryl Mitchell 6 Game 3 – Tuesday

The squad consists of Tristan Ashford, Antini Brown, Mark Cornell, Jack Dawson, Kyle Godwin, Ollie Hoskins, Chris Johnson, Ryan Louwrens, John McCabe, Nathan Oakley, Jordan Simi, Jordan Smith, Bruce Smith-Wright and Lachie Valentine. Dwayne Nestor Junior Elite Coach & NTS/Academy

WA 30 def Lloyd McDermott 0 Tries: Dan Griffiths, Trent Griffin, Justin Turner, Michael Parker, Michael Pollastri, Michael Loubser Final – Thursday Victoria 29 def WA 14 Try: Dan Griffiths Penalties: Darryl Mitchell 3 RugbyWA 2008 Annual Report

Finance Report From a financial perspective, our third year as a Super 14 franchise was always going to be one where stakeholders would expect consolidation of the overwhelming initial support experienced by this organisation. On-field success of the Emirates Western Force is what drives our financial results; this directly impacts on our memberships, game day attendances and sponsorship support. Nevertheless, whilst we did not reach the finals this year, our financial management was able to deliver a strong result of $851,913. This result was achieved despite the increasing costs of running a professional rugby programme. With the axing of the Australian rugby championships from the programme, it was important that we provided high level rugby for the development of our team; this was achieved with the funding of a tour to the UK during July/August. Our significant investment into grass roots rugby still remains high at $1.3m; this has enabled us to remain focused on growing rugby and growing Wallabies in Western Australia.

Previously our IT function was out-sourced; during 2008 we decided to bring this function in-house. This has resulted in a much higher level of IT support across the organisation. Further, our IT department has been working closely with the ARU during 2008 on a shared services model that will take our IT infrastructure to an even higher level. Whilst our financial results weigh heavily on our team results, we are very aware that our stakeholders want to view rugby in a rectangular arena and it is important that we remain committed to delivering this. The financial impact in 2009 of playing in a non-rugby venue, together with the current global financial situation, will be significant. It is important that we continue to manage our costs during these uncertain times whilst still providing the support to all of the departments within RugbyWA and helping them to achieve their goals. Finally I would like to acknowledge my very hard-working team Dan, Madeline and Damian; I really appreciate your continued support, thank you. Maryanne Wilson Chief Financial Officer

RugbyWA 2008 Annual Report

覺

Financial Report WESTERN AUSTRALIAN RUGBY UNION (INC.) DIRECTOR’S REPORT

REVIEW OF OPERATIONS

Your board members submit the financial report of the Western Australian Rugby Union (Inc.) (“RugbyWA” or “the Association”) for the year ended 31 December 2008.

BOARD MEMBERS The names of the board members throughout the year and at the date of this report are: Geoffrey Stooke OAM: Chairman Anthony Harvey: President Terry Bradbury Charles Fear Steve Fink David Redpath Russell Perry Vern Reid Brent Stewart Robert Viol John Welborn

FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS AND RESULTS Likely developments in the operations of the Association and the expected results of those operations in future financial years have not been included in this report as the inclusion of such information is likely to result in unreasonable prejudice to the association.

CORPORATE INFORMATION The financial report of Western Australian Rugby Union (Inc.) for the year ended 31 December 2008 was authorised for issue in accordance with a resolution of the board members on 16 February 2009.

Appointed May 2008

Western Australian Rugby Union (Inc.) is an Association that is incorporated and domiciled in Australia. The registered office of Western Australian Rugby Union (Inc.) is located at: Meagher Drive FLOREAT WA 6014

Resigned April 2008

The nature of the operations and principal activities of the Association are described in the Director’s Report.

Executives Mitchell Hardy - (Acting) Chief Executive Officer Greg Harris - Chief Executive Officer Maryanne Wilson - Chief Financial Officer

The operating surplus for the financial year was $851,913. (2007: $966,131). Detailed commentary on the Association’s operations are included in the Chairman’s Report, Chief Executive Officer’s report and the Chief Financial Officer’s report included in the 2008 Annual Report.

January to April 2008 Appointed April 2008

The entity employed 78 employees as of 31 December 2008 (2007: 79 employees).

SIGNIFICANT EVENTS AFTER THE BALANCE DATE There have been no material events after balance date that are required to be disclosed.

BOARD MEETINGS The number of board meetings held and the number of meetings attended by each of the board members during the financial year are:

Board Meetings

Geoffrey Stooke OAM: Chairman 12 Anthony Harvey: President - Non-executive 10 Terry Bradbury - Non-executive 12 Charles Fear - Non-executive 7 Steve Fink - Non-executive 11 David Redpath - Non-executive 11 Russell Perry - Non-executive 12 Vern Reid - Non-executive 11 Brent Stewart - Non-executive 5 Robert Viol - Non-executive 2 John Welborn - Player Representative 10 Mitchell Hardy - (Acting) Chief Executive Officer 4 Greg Harris - Chief Executive Officer 6 Maryanne Wilson - Chief Financial Officer 12

12 12 12 8 12 12 12 12 12 4 12

ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATION AND PERFORMANCE The association is not subject to any particular or significant environmental regulation.

Signed in accordance with a resolution of the members of the Board.

Geoffrey Stooke OAM Dated: 16 February 2009 Perth

4 8 12

A - Number of meetings attended B - Reflects the number of meetings held during the time the Board member held office during the year.

REMUNERATION Non-executive directors do not receive remuneration from the Association.

PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES The principal activities of the Association during the financial year were the operation and management of Rugby Union development in Western Australia.

SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN THE STATE OF AFFAIRS There have been no significant changes in the state of affairs. 48

RugbyWA 2008 Annual Report

WESTERN AUSTRALIAN RUGBY UNION (INC.) BALANCE SHEET AT 31 DECEMBER 2008

WESTERN AUSTRALIAN RUGBY UNION (INC.) INCOME STATEMENT YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2008 Note 2008 $ REVENUE FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS 2 20,463,265 OPERATING EXPENDITURE 3 Marketing and membership expenses (2,852,575) Sponsorship and event expenses (4,079,273) Media services expenses (277,736) Community rugby expenses (1,365,176) Professional rugby expenses (8,312,267) Corporate services expenses (2,724,325) NET SURPLUS 12 851,913

2007 $ 22,457,901

(3,379,244) (4,927,137) (224,925) (1,410,768) (8,059,738) (3,489,958) 966,131

Note CURRENT ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents 4 Trade and other receivables 5 Inventory 6 Other current assets 7 TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS

2008 $

2007 $

7,715,898 427,466 14,110 362,454 8,519,928

8,361,636 530,906 27,320 622,401 9,542,263

NON-CURRENT ASSETS Property, plant and equipment 8 TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS

259,557 259,557

320,880 320,880

TOTAL ASSETS

8,779,485

9,863,143

CURRENT LIABILITIES Trade and other payables 9 Unearned revenue 10 Employee entitlements 11 TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES

917,639 5,423,639 201,839 6,543,117

1,173,321 7,027,383 144,932 8,345,636

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES Employee entitlements 11 TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

82,042 82,042

215,095 215,095

TOTAL LIABILITIES

6,625,159

8,560,731

NET ASSETS

2,154,326

1,302,412

MEMBERS’ FUNDS Accumulated surplus 12

2,154,325 2,154,325

1,302,412 1,302,412

The accompanying notes form part of this financial report.

RugbyWA 2008 Annual Report

WESTERN AUSTRALIAN RUGBY UNION (INC.) CASH FLOW STATEMENT YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2008

WESTERN AUSTRALIAN RUGBY UNION (INC.) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2008

Note CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Receipts from members and sponsors Operating grants received Payments to suppliers and employees Interest received GST paid

Net cash from operating activities

2008 $

2007 $

15,183,250 4,810,000 (20,160,556) 470,014 (863,309)

16,697,618 5,025,988 (20,932,251) 503,247 (997,590)

(560,601)

297,012

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES Purchase of property, plant and equipment

(91,483)

(33,222)

Net cash from/(used in) investing activities

(91,483)

(33,222)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES Repayment of borrowings

–

(720,000)

Net cash from/(used in) financing activities

–

(720,000)

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

(645,738)

(456,210)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

8,361,636

8,817,846

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

7,715,898

8,361,636

WESTERN AUSTRALIAN RUGBY UNION (INC.) STATEMENT OF RECOGNISED INCOME AND EXPENSES YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2008 Net Surplus directly in members’ fund balances

2008 $

2007 $ –

–

Surplus for the year

851,913

966,131

Total recognised income and expenses for the year

851,913

966,131

RugbyWA 2008 Annual Report

NOTE 1: STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (a) Basis of Preparation This financial report is a general purpose financial report, which has been prepared in accordance with the financial reporting requirements of the Associations Incorporation Act of Western Australia and Australian Accounting Standards. The financial report has also been prepared on a historical cost basis. The financial report is presented in Australian dollars. (b) Statement of Compliance The financial report complies with Australian Accounting Standards as issued by the Australian Accounting Standards Board and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. New and amended applicable Australian Accounting Standards and Interpretations that have recently been issued or amended but are not yet effective have not been adopted by the association for the annual reporting period ended 31 December 2008 and are outlined in the table below.

Reference Title Summary

Application date of standard*

Impact on Association report

Application date for Association

AASB 101 Presentation of Financial Introduces a Statement of 1 Jan-09 These amendments 1 Jan-09 (Revised) Statements and comprehensive income. are only expected and AASB consequential amendments Other revisions include to affect the 2007-8 to other Australian impacts on the presentation presentation of the Accounting Standards of items in the statement Group’s financial of changes in equity, new report and will not presentation requirements have a direct impact for restatements or on the measurement reclassifications of items and recognition of in the financial statements, amounts disclosed changes in the presentation in the financial requirements for dividends report. The Group and changes to the titles has not determined of the financial statements. at this stage whether to present a single statement of comprehensive income or two separate statements.

AASB 2008-6 Improvements to IFRSs The improvements project Amendments is an annual project that to Australian provides a mechanism for Accounting making non-urgent, but Standards necessary, amendments to arising from IFRSs. The IASB has the annual separated the amendments improvements into two parts: Part 1 deals project with changes the IASB [AASB1 & identified resulting in AASB5] accounting changes; Part II deals with either terminology or editorial amendments that the IASB believes will have minimal impact.

1 January 2009 The Group has not except for yet determined the amendments to extent of the impact IFRS 5, which of the amendments, are effective if any. from 1 July 2009.

01-Jan-09

* Application date is for the annual reporting periods beginning on or after the date shown in the above table.

RugbyWA 2008 Annual Report

WESTERN AUSTRALIAN RUGBY UNION (INC.) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2008

(c) Significant accounting judgments, estimates and assumptions The carrying amount of certain assets is often determined based on estimates and assumptions of future events. The key estimates and assumption that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of certain assets and liabilities within the next annual reporting period are:

(f) Trade and other receivables (cont.) Collectibility of trade receivables is reviewed on an ongoing basis at an operating unit level. Individual debts that are known to be uncollectable are written off when identified. An impairment provision is recognised when there is objective evidence that the Association will not be able to collect the receivable. Financial difficulties of the debtor, default payments or debts more than 60 days overdue are considered objective evidence of impairment. The amount of the impairment loss is the receivable carrying amount compared to the present value of estimated future cash flows, discounted at the original effective interest rate.

Impairment of property, plant and equipment The association determines whether property, plant and equipment are impaired at least on an annual basis. This requires an estimation of the recoverable amount to which the property, plant and equipment are allocated. Annual leave Liabilities for annual leave expected to be settled within twelve months of the reporting date are recognised in provisions in respect of employees’ services up to the reporting date. They are measured at the amounts expected to be paid when the liabilities are settled. Long service leave A liability for long service leave is recognised, and is measured as the present value of expected future payments to be made in respect of services provided by employees up to the reporting date. Consideration is given to expected future wages and salary levels, experience of employee departures and periods of service. Expected future payments are discounted using market yields at the reporting date on national government bonds with terms to maturity and currencies that match, as closely as possible, the estimated future cash outflows. (d) Revenue Recognition Revenue is recognised to the extent that it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the Association and revenue can be reliably measured. The following specific recognition criteria must also be met before revenue is recognised. Rendering of Services Where the contract outcomes can be reliably measured: – control of a right to be compensated for the services has been attained and the stage of completion can be reliably measured. For membership subscription, stage of completion is measured by reference to matches played and costs incurred. For sponsorship revenue, stage of completion is measured by reference to periods fulfilled as a percentage of total sponsorship periods. Where the contract cannot be reliably measured: – revenue is recognised only to the extent that costs have been incurred. Interest Revenue is recognised as interest accrues using the effective interest method. This is a method of calculating the amortised cost of a financial asset and allocating the interest income over the relevant period using effective interest rate, which is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash receipts through the expected life of the financial asset to the net carrying amount of the financial asset. Sale of Goods Revenue is recognised when the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the goods have passed to the buyer and the costs incurred or to be incurred in respect of the transaction can be measured reliably. Risks and rewards of ownership are considered passed to the buyer at the time of delivery of the goods to the customer. (e) Cash and cash equivalents Cash and short-term deposits in the balance sheet comprise cash at bank and in hand and short term deposits with an original maturity of three months or less. For the purpose of the Cash Flow Statement, cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and cash equivalents as defined above, net of outstanding bank overdrafts. (f) Trade and other receivables Trade receivable which generally have 30-90 days terms, are recognised and carried at original invoice amount less an allowance for uncollectible amounts. 54

RugbyWA 2008 Annual Report

(g) Income Tax The Association is a body in accordance with s50-45 of the Income Tax Assessments Act (1997) which exempts sporting clubs from income tax. (h) Other taxes Revenue, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount of GST except: – When the GST incurred on a purchase of goods and services is not recoverable from the taxation authority, in which case the GST is recognised as part of the cost of acquisition of the asset or as part of the expense item as applicable; and – Receivables and payables, which are stated with the amount of GST included. The net amount of GST recoverable from, or payable to, the taxation authority is included as part of receivables or payables in the balance sheet. Cash flows are included in the Cash Flow Statement on a gross basis and the GST component of cash flows arising from investing and financing activities, which is recoverable from, or payable to, the taxation authority, are classified as operating cash flows. Commitments and contingencies are disclosed net of the amount of GST recoverable from, or payable to the taxation authority. (i) Property, Plant and Equipment Plant and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the specific assets as follows: Furniture and fittings Leasehold improvements Motor vehicles Plant and equipment Website infrastructure

2008 2 to 10 years the lease term 7 years 2 to 15 years 3 years

2007 2 to 10 years the lease term 7 years 2 to 15 years 3 years

The assets’ residual values, useful lives and amortisation methods are reviewed and adjusted if appropriate, at each financial year end. (i) Impairment Assets that are subject to amortisation 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 amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s fair value less costs to sell and value in use. (ii) Derecognition and disposals An item of property, plant and equipment is derecognised upon disposal or when no further future economic benefits are expected from its use or disposal. Any gain or loss arising on derecognition of the asset (calculated as the difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset) is included in profit or loss in the year the asset is derecognised.

RugbyWA 2008 Annual Report

WESTERN AUSTRALIAN RUGBY UNION (INC.) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2008 (j) Impairment of Assets Assets that are subject to amortisation 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 amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s fair value less costs to sell and value in use. (k) Trade and Other Payables Trade payables and other payables are carried at amortized cost and represent liabilities for goods and services provided to the Association prior to the end of the financial year that are unpaid and arise when the Association becomes obliged to make future payments in respect of the purchase of these goods and services. The amounts are unsecured and are usually paid within 30 days of recognition. (l) Provisions Provisions are recognised when the economic entity has a legal or constructive obligation to make a future sacrifice of economic benefits to other entities as a result of past transactions or other past events, it is probable that a future sacrifice of economic benefit will be required and a reliable estimate can be made of the amounts of the obligations. When the Association expects some or all of a provision to be reimbursed, for an example an insurance contract, the reimbursement is recognised as a separate asset but only when the reimbursement is virtually certain. The expense relating to any provision is presented in the income statement net of any reimbursement.

WESTERN AUSTRALIAN RUGBY UNION (INC.) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2008 NOTE 2: REVENUE Memberships and marketing Sponsorship and events Community rugby Professional rugby Corporate services

(i) Wages, salaries, annual leave and sick leave Liabilities for wages and salaries, including non-monetary benefits and annual leave expected to be settled within 12 months of the reporting date are recognised in other payables in respect of employees’ services up to the reporting date. They are measured at the amounts expected to be paid when the liabilities are settled. (ii) Long service leave The liability for long service leave is recognised and measured as the present value of expected future payments made to be in respect of services provided by employees up to the reporting date using the projected unit credit method. Consideration is given to expected future wages and salary levels, experience of employee departures, and periods of service. Expected future payments are discounted using market yields at the reporting date on national government bonds with terms to maturity and currencies that match, as closely as possible, the estimated future cash outflows. (n) Leases The determination of whether an arrangement is or contains a lease is based on the substance of the arrangement and requires an assessment of whether the fulfilment of the arrangement is dependent on the use of a specific asset or assets and the arrangement conveys a right to use the asset. (i) Group as Lessee Finance leases, which transfer to the Association substantially all the risks and benefits incidental to ownership of the leased item, are capitalised at the inception of the lease at the fair value of the leased asset or, if lower, at the present value of the minimum lease payments. Lease payments are apportioned between the finance charges and the reduction of the lease liability so as to achieve a constant rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability. Finance charges are recognised as an expense in profit and loss. Capitalised leased assets are depreciated over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the asset and the lease term if there is no reasonable certainty that the Association will obtain ownership by the end of the lease term.

11,469,191 5,207,765 572,355 4,542,369 666,221 22,457,901

400,000 400,000

– –

100,000 100,000

– –

97,687 - 97,687

Depreciation expense Depreciation Employee benefits expense Wages and salaries Superannuation

107,453 91,119 198,572

146,459 146,459

183,534 183,534

7,513,488 612,692 8,126,180

7,640,807 571,171 8,211,978

(m) Employee leave benefits

2007 $

10,129,008 4,701,544 622,285 4,497,392 513,036 20,463,265

NOTE 3: EXPENDITURE Bad debt expense Bad debt expense (i) Allowance for doubtful debt Allowance for doubtful debt Finance costs Bank charges Interest

If the effect of the time value of money is material, provisions are discounted using a current pre-tax rate that reflects the risks specific to the liability. When discounting is used, the increase in the provision due to the passage of time is recognised as a borrowing cost.

2008 $

(i) Bad debt expense relates to sponsorship with Firepower Operations Pty Limited NOTE 4: CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS Cash at bank (i) 207,291 Term deposits (ii) 7,508,607 7,715,898 (i) Cash at bank earns interest at floating rates based on daily bank deposit rates. (ii) Short-term deposits are made for varying periods of between 30 days to three months, depending on the immediate cash requirements of the association and earn interest at the respective short-term deposit rates. NOTE 5: TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES Trade debtors (i) 527,466 Allowance for doubtful debt (100,000) 427,466 (i) Trade receivables are non-interest bearing and are generally on 30-90 day terms. An allowance for doubtful debts is made when there is objective evidence that a trade receivable is impaired. An allowance for doubtful debt of $100,000 (2007: $0) has been recognised by the Association in the current year.

313,832 8,047,804 8,361,636

530,906 530,906

As at 31 December 2008 $171,290 (32%) of trade receivables was greater than 90 days compared to $247,493 (27%) at 31 December 2007. Payment terms on these amounts have not been re-negotiated. However amounts that are for hospitality will have access withheld until payment is received.

Operating lease payments are recognised as an expense in the income statement on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Lease incentives are recognised in the income statement as an integral part of the total lease expense. 56

RugbyWA 2008 Annual Report

WESTERN AUSTRALIAN RUGBY UNION (INC.) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2008 NOTE 6: INVENTORIES At cost

WESTERN AUSTRALIAN RUGBY UNION (INC.) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2008 2008 $

2007 $

14,110 14,110

27,320 27,320

NOTE 7: OTHER CURRENT ASSETS Deferred costs Prepayments Other

268,891 93,563 - 362,454

483,988 135,205 3,208 622,401

NOTE 8: PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT Leasehold improvements - cost Less accumulated depreciation

166,474 (164,017) 2,457

166,474 (130,684) 35,790

Plant and equipment - cost Less accumulated depreciation

603,934 (411,298) 192,636

564,930 (342,889) 222,041

Furniture and fittings - cost Less accumulated depreciation

13,996 (8,879) 5,117

210,519 (202,603) 7,916

Website infrastructure - cost Less accumulated depreciation

35,310 (24,517) 10,793

35,310 (12,833) 22,477

Leased plant and equipment - cost Less accumulated depreciation

58,596 (53,429) 5,167

58,596 (38,152) 20,444

Motor vehicles Less accumulated depreciation

41,150 (31,530) 9,620

41,150 (28,938) 12,212

33,767

–

Construction work-in-progress

Total property plant and equipment

259,557

Reconciliations Leasehold improvements Carrying amount at beginning of year 35,790 Additions - Depreciation (33,333) Carrying amount at end of year 2,457

320,880

70,580 4,035 (38,825) 35,790

NOTE 8: PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (cont.) Plant and equipment Carrying amount at beginning of year Additions Disposals Depreciation Carrying amount at end of year

2008 $

2007 $

222,041 57,715 (6,352) (80,768) 192,636

303,484 29,187 (970) (109,660) 222,041

Furniture and fittings Carrying amount at beginning of year Depreciation Carrying amount at end of year

7,916 (2,799) 5,117

10,715 (2,799) 7,916

Website infrastructure Carrying amount at beginning of year Depreciation Carrying amount at end of year

22,477 (11,684) 10,793

34,129 (11,652) 22,477

Leased plant and equipment Carrying amount at beginning of year 20,444 Depreciation (15,277) Carrying amount at end of year 5,167

58,596 (38,152) 20,444

Motor vehicles Carrying amount at beginning of year 12,212 Depreciation (2,592) Carrying amount at end of year 9,620

17,573 (5,361) 12,212

Total property plant and equipment

225,790

320,880

NOTE 9: TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES Trade payables (i) Other payables (ii)

552,895 364,744 917,639

517,857 655,464 1,173,321

3,063,519 2,298,152 61,968 5,423,639

3,901,777 3,006,443 119,163 7,027,383

201,839 201,839

144,932 144,932

82,042 82,042

215,095 215,095

(i) Trade payables are non-interest bearing and are normally settled on 30 day terms. (ii) Other payables are non-trade payables, are non-interest bearing and have an average term of one month. NOTE 10: UNEARNED REVENUE Unearned membership revenue Unearned corporate hospitality revenue Unearned sponsorship/event revenue NOTE 11: EMPLOYEE ENTITLEMENTS Current Employee entitlements Non current Employee entitlements

RugbyWA 2008 Annual Report

WESTERN AUSTRALIAN RUGBY UNION (INC.) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2008

2008 $ NOTE 12: MEMBERS’ FUNDS Accumulated surplus/(deficit) Balance at beginning of year 1,302,412 Add: Surplus for the year 851,913 Balance at end of year 2,154,325

2007 $

336,281 966,131 1,302,412

2008 $

2007 $

(i) Details of Key Management Personnel Key management personnel of the association during the financial year were: M Earsman, M Hardy, G Harris, N Horrocks, S Lee, J Mitchell, M Tink, M Wilson

NOTE 13: CASH FLOW STATEMENT RECONCILIATION Reconciliation of surplus to net cash provided by operating activities Net surplus for the period

NOTE 17: KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL DISCLOSURES

851,913

966,131

Add/(less) non-cash items: Depreciation Loss on disposal of assets

146,459 –

183,534 –

Before change in assets and liabilities

998,372

1,149,665

Change in assets and liabilities during the financial period (Increase) / decrease in receivables 103,440 (Increase) / decrease in other current assets 259,948 (Increase) / decrease in inventories 13,210 Increase / (decrease) in unearned revenue (1,603,744) Increase / (decrease) in payables (255,681) Increase / (decrease) in employee entitlements (76,146) Net cash provided by operating activities (560,601)

(231,049) 17,890 717 (866,919) 118,187 108,521 297,012

NOTE 14: SEGMENT INFORMATION The Association operates solely within the Sporting Industry of Australia.

Total income paid or payable including termination payments, or otherwise made available to all key management personnel of Western Australian Rugby Union (Inc.) in respect of the management of the affairs of the association.

1,114,255

1,258,747

32,000 7,755

30,000 27,248

There have been no transactions and balances with key management personnel and their related parties during the year.

NOTE 18: REMUNERATION OF AUDITORS The auditor of Western Australian Rugby Union (Inc.) is Ernst & Young Amounts received or due and receivable by Ernst & Young (Australia) for: * an audit or review of the financial report of the entity * taxation advice

NOTE 19: SUBSEQUENT EVENTS There have been no significant events occurring after balance date, which may have affected the associations operations or results of their operations or the associations state of affairs.

NOTE 15: EXPENDITURE COMMITMENTS There are no expenditure commitments for the year ended 31 December 2008.

NOTE 16: RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES Members of the Board The names of each person holding the position of Board Member of the Association during the financial year were: G Stooke (Chairman), T Bradbury, C Fear, S Fink, T Harvey, R Perry, D Redpath, V Reid, B Stewart, R Viol, J Welborn The following related party transactions occurred during the year – consulting fees totalling $53,856 has been paid to Terry Bradbury. – market research costs totalling $73,040 have been paid to Synovate Pty Ltd, Brent Stewart is the chairman and chief executive of Synovate Pty Ltd. Terms and conditions of transactions with related parties Sales to and purchases from related parties are made in arms length transactions both at normal market prices and on normal commercial terms.

RugbyWA 2008 Annual Report

WESTERN AUSTRALIAN RUGBY UNION (INC.) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2008

NOTE 20: FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Concentration of credit risk The Association minimises concentrations of credit risk in relation to trade accounts receivable by undertaking transactions with a number of low risk customers. There is no significant concentration of credit risk within the Association and cash held is spread amongst a number of financial institutions to minimise the risk of default of counter parties. Management monitor the credit rating on a monthly basis. Policy states that no more than 70% of funds can be held in any one institution even if sponsored by a financial institution.

The Association’s principal financial instruments comprise receivables, payables, cash and short-term deposits. The Association manages its exposure to key financial risks, including interest rate risk in accordance with the Association’s financial risk management policy. The objective of the policy is to support the delivery of the Association’s financial targets whilst protecting future financial security. The Association uses different methods to measure and manage different types of risks to which it is exposed. These include monitoring levels of exposure to interest rate risk and assessments of market forecasts for interest rates. Ageing analyses and monitoring of specific credit allowances are undertaken to manage credit risk, liquidity risk is monitored through the development of future rolling cash flow forecasts.

Commodity Price risk The Association’s exposure to commodity price risk is minimal.

The Board reviews and agrees policies for managing each of these risks as summarised below.

Liquidity Risk Prudent liquidity risk management implies maintaining sufficient cash to meet commitments as and when they fall due. Management monitors rolling cash flow forecasts to manage liquidity risk. The only financial liabilities of the Association at balance date are trade and other payables. These amounts are unsecured and usually paid within 30 days of recognition.

Primary responsibility for identification and control of financial risks rests with the Audit and Compliance sub-committee. The committee reviews and agrees policies for managing each of the risks identified below, including interest rate risk, credit allowances, and future cash flow forecast projections. (i) Interest rate risk The Association has not entered into any interest rate swaps, forward rate agreements, interest rate options or similar derivatives. The Associated entity’s exposure to interest rate risks together with the effective interest rate for classes of financial assets and liabilities at balance date is set out below. Financial instruments

Floating interest rate

Weighted average effective interest rate

(a) Financial assets Cash

2008 $

2007 $

2008 %

2007 %

7,715,898

8,361,636

6.398

5.85

Total Financial Assets

7,715,898

8,361,636

The table below details the interest rate sensitivity analyses of the Association at the reporting date, holding all other variables constant. Financial instruments Risk Variable Interest Rate

Effect On: Sensitivity + 1.0 % - 1.0 %

Profit 2008 77,782 (77,782)

Foreign Exchange risk The Association’s exposure to foreign exchange risk is minimal.

Maturity analysis of financial assets and liability based on management’s expectation. The risk implied from the values shown in the table below, reflects a balanced view of cash inflows and outflows, trade receivables and trade payables. These assets are considered in the Association’s overall liquity risk. To monitor existing financial assets and liabilities as well as to enable an effective controlling of future risks, Western Australian Rugby Union (Inc.) has established comprehensive risk reporting commensurate with the size of its activities that reflects expectation of management or expected settlement of financial assets and liabilities. Year ended 31 December 2008

<6 months

6-12 months

1-5 years

>5 years

Total

Financial assets Cash & cash equivalents Trade & other receivables

7,715,898 427,466

– –

7,715,898 427466

8,143,364

Financial Liabilities Trade & other payables

917,639

Effect On: Equity 2008 77,782 (77,782)

Profit 2007 78,718 (78,718)

Equity 2007 78,718 (78,718)

(ii) Financial risk management objectives and policies Details of the significant accounting policies and methods adopted, including the criteria for recognition, the basis of measurement and the basis on which income and expenses are recognised, in respect of each class of financial asset, and financial liability instrument are disclosed in note 1 to the financial statements. Credit risk exposures The Association trades only with recognised, creditworthy third parties. It is the Association’s policy that all customers who wish to trade on credit terms are subject to credit verification procedures. In addition, receivables balances are monitored on an ongoing basis with the result that the Association’s exposure to bad debts is not significant.

RugbyWA 2008 Annual Report

WESTERN AUSTRALIAN RUGBY UNION (INC.) DIRECTOR’S DECLARATION The general purpose financial report has been prepared to satisfy the reporting requirements under the Association’s constitution. The Western Australian Rugby Union (Inc.) board has determined that accounting policies adopted are appropriate to meet the needs of the members of the Association. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with applicable Accounting Standards and other mandatory professional reporting requirements and other statutory requirements. In our opinion: (a) the financial statements are drawn up so as to present fairly the Association’s financial position as at 31 December 2008 and its performance as represented by the results of its operations and cashflows for the year ended on that date; and (b) there are reasonable grounds to believe that the Association will be able to pay its debts as and when they become payable. This declaration is made in accordance with the constitution of Western Australian Rugby Union (Inc.)

On behalf of the Board

G Stooke Chairman Perth, 16 February 2009

RugbyWA 2008 Annual Report

Staff

Sponsor Acknowledgements RugbyWA acknowledges and sincerely thanks the following sponsors for their support and assistance during the 2008 season.

2008 RugbyWA Board

RWA Employees of the year Graham Cooper

覺

RugbyWA 2008 Annual Report

Darryl Regan

RugbyWA 2008 Annual Report

覺

RugbyWA acknowledges and sincerely thanks the following preferred suppliers for their support and assistance during the 2008 season.

覺

RugbyWA 2008 AnnuAl RepoRt

Annual Report 2008 Western Australian Rugby Union (Inc.)

Meagher Drive Floreat PO Box 146 Floreat WA 6014 Telephone (08) 9383 7714 Fax (08) 9387 2804 www.rugbywa.com.au

Annual Report 2008 Western Australian Rugby Union (Inc.)