Well done Wairarapa Bush

Well done Wairarapa Bush

On behalf of the Wairarapa Bush Rugby Union, we would like to thank all our supporters, sponsors, clubs, players, managers, coaches and administrators for a wonderful season.

The achievements of 2019 have been a combined effort by all and the continued positive approach by all involved has seen some major steps forward by the union.

The Farriers Wairarapa Bush secured three trophies, The Bruce Steele Cup, the Jeremy David Cup and the PGG Wrightson Cup and made the top 4 of the Mitre 10 Heartland Championship.

The Under 20’s won the Hurricanes Under 20 Cup for the first time.

All our other representative teams performed well and in 2019 the WBRU Under 16’s entered the A division of the Hurricanes Under 16’s competition and show how competitive we are at age group rugby.

The WBRU back in 2015, started the long process of developing our young talent through the Hurricanes U20 competition and then finding selection to the NZ Heartland Under 19 team.

On Saturday against North Otago, eight players were named in the 22 which had come through the system.

The performance of our club players is highly dependent on our efforts of our clubs. We are so lucky to have our clubs passionate about their communities they represent.

With the 2020 season just around the corner, it is pleasing to hear that all our clubs have appointed or in the process of appointing their coaches and management teams.

The policy of selecting local players or players of origins has been a bold but necessary approach. The reasons have been outlined many times before and the 2019 season is a testament showing we do have the talent, culture and the belief we can do it.

To Farriers Wairarapa Bush coach Joe Harwood, captains, Kirk Tufaga and James Goodger, congratulations on showing the way.

To the Farriers Wairarapa Bush management team and players, congratulations:

Coach: Joe Harwood
Assistant Coach: Deon Van Deventer
Manager: Shay O’Gorman

                    Physio: Davide Casterina
                    Team Assistants: Blue Hansen, Warren Reiri and Olivia Browne
                    Fitness Trainers: Scott Cottier, Joe Nuku
                    Scrum Coach: Stan Wright
                    Video Crew: Deane Cronin

Heartland Match Day Officials and representative referee appointments: Peter Debney and the Wairarapa Bush Referee Association

To our Supporters Club, who make the Gravel Pit the best after-match function place in NZ rugby and to all our supporters and people who have assisted in so many ways, thank you.

To all our major sponsors we thank you for your generous support and in particular, Trust House and Farriers for their long-term commitment to rugby in the Wairarapa.

Thank You

Tony Hargood
On behalf of the
Wairarapa Bush Rugby Union.