CEO's MRU Board Meeting Round-Up - August 2008

Hadyn Smith
hadyn.smith@manawaturugby.co.nz
or 021 597487

1 Address from Dave Rennie - Turbos Head Coach
Dave Rennie reported to the board on this years activities to date. Working with Jason O'Halloran, there is far more emphasis on development or growing of our own. Overall its showing young boys staying in Manawatu that they will get more opportunities here. Academy DVD is now complete (CEO note: will be shown at the next Turbos home fixture)

The pre season Kaitaia Camp went well although pre-season results were varied but we saw what needed improving, especially tackling. In the Air NZ Cup our confidence is improving. Tackling at 80% should see us win most games. Waikato game showed the belief coming through. The boys are keen and working hard. The Turbos leadership group is also working well in all aspects of game planning and team buy in.

2. Air New Zealand Cup review draft
The MRU Board has considered the draft that has been presented by the NZRU. In general terms we are extremely supportive of the stand alone club window and later start of the Air NZ Cup. In other areas the board do not quite understand the need to modify the Ranfurly Shield at all and have real concern at the suggestion that the Ranfurly Shield would have to be taken on the road after four games. Submissions on the draft will be given to the NZRU by 5 September.

3 Super 14 review
Submissions have been made by the MRU in July with no further updates in this area to date.

4 MRU Strategic Plan
In view of the changing environment that is now the Air NZ Cup in 2009 and our confirmed position in that competition we need to start the process to formulate a new strategic plan shortly. The MRU Board will be looking at starting that process shortly and will keep clubs advised as soon as the formula and timelines are confirmed.

The Strategic Plan will need to be completed well before December 2008 so that the operational plans can be formulated before the new financial year (1 December).

5 Long term funding
The MRU Board is looking at strategies to secure long term funding for this union and formulating the role of our "Underwriters" beyond 2008.

6 Player numbers
Manawatu's playing numbers have been "unofficially" set at a 6% loss this year. Comparative data is now being formulated by MRU staff so that we can understand any trends that are surfacing around that loss, if confirmed by the NZRU.

7 Legends Dinner
In conjunction with old timers day for all past Manawatu Senior Representative players the MRU will be putting on a "Legends Dinner" on the night of Friday 3rd of October. The theme is to have this regions All Black legends interviewed on stage around a dinner with old timers have first call on the 200 tickets to the event. More details will be supplied as they are confirmed.

Hadyn Smith
CEO
Manawatu Rugby Union