Latest news with #NZR
NZ Herald
11 hours ago
- Business
- NZ Herald
Swann reflects on Gisborne's Rugby Park redevelopment, surge in player numbers
Swann said the success of locally born-and-bred Black Ferns and Black Ferns Sevens players such as Renee Holmes, Charmaine McMenamin, Kaipo Olsen-Baker and Kelsey Teneti also promoted women's rugby and showed there was a pathway for talented players. He said Horowhenua-Kāpiti was the only one of the other 25 unions to match Poverty Bay's increased player numbers, which came at a time of economic challenges and growing competition from other codes. The Covid-19 era was another testing time, Swann said. 'We were still having matches. Rugby was operating in a bubble. We worked so hard. It was really, really hard to keep going, but we did. 'We were wiping down posts and pads. We were wiping everything. We were breaking people down into groups, but we got there.' Gisborne's Kelsey Teneti in action for New Zealand against France at the Singapore 7s earlier this year. The success of Teneti and other Gisborne-connected female players is a factor in the increase in female player numbers in Tairāwhiti, says Hayden Swann in reflecting on his tenure as Poverty Bay Rugby Football Union chairman. Photo / Jayne Russell, Photosport The annual report said the Rugby Park redevelopment had been impacted significantly by the Covid-19 pandemic, Cyclone Gabrielle and inflation. But the union decided to develop 'our ageing asset' and the $12.5 million grandstand redevelopment, originally costed at $8m, had been fully funded by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment/ Kanoa Regional Economic Development and Investment Unit and Trust Tairāwhiti. Swann told the Herald the union was showing huge profits for the past two years of around $2.5 million, 'which of course' related to capital project funding for the grandstand redevelopment which had not yet been spent. 'It is not a real profit.' But the union had made an operating profit in 2024 of $45,000. Swann attributed that to an increase in commercial revenue and New Zealand Rugby (NZR) funding being boosted because of increased player registrations. The union retained strong relationships with local sponsors and funders and took a conservative approach to spending, resulting in more revenue and less spending in 2024, he said. The union was now endeavouring to 'put money away'. Swann said interest earned from the union's $500,000 share of the Silverlake equity payout to NZR would be ring-fenced for maintaining assets and would not be spent on staffing or operations. The union wanted to avoid the example of other sporting infrastructure in the district ageing to a point where it was not fit-for-purpose. The grandstand was due for completion next June and would result in a significant uplift in the equity of the union. Swann said the union had assets of only $321,000 back in 2018 and recorded a deficit of $129,000. Swann, who has stepped aside after serving as an independent member of the PBRFU board for the maximum period of three three-year terms (seven years as chairman), said his nine years had been the most rewarding and enjoyable time of any organisation he had served on. 'Being chairman is a privileged position because you are working for New Zealand Rugby,' the Makaraka School principal said. 'There are 25 other provincial union chairmen [and] you learn from their knowledge, experience and capabilities. 'Rugby is such a neat network and such a giving network.' The new union chairman is Trust Tairāwhiti general manager economic development Hayden Green.
NZ Herald
3 days ago
- Sport
- NZ Herald
Warriors v Knights: Live updates from the round 20 NRL clash in Newcastle
Live updates of the round 20 NRL clash between the Newcastle Knights and Warriors at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle. The Warriors are seeking their 12th win of the season as they look to maintain their four-point gap over the fifth-placed Brisbane Broncos. Meanwhile, Code Sports claims a virus has ravaged the Knights' playing group, with only six players present at their captain's run. Warriors: 1. Taine Tuaupiki, 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 3. Adam Pompey, 4. Kurt Capewell, 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita, 7. Tanah Boyd, 8. James Fisher-Harris (c), 9. Wayde Egan, 10. Jackson Ford, 11. Leka Halasima, 12. Marata Niukore, 13. Erin Clark Interchange: 14. Te Maire Martin, 15. Jacob Laban, 16. Demetric Vaimauga, 17. Tanner Stowers-Smith. 18th man: Samuel Healey Knights: 1. Dane Gagai (c), 2. Dominic Young, 3. Fletcher Hunt, 4. Bradman Best. 5. Greg Marzhew, 6. Jackson Hastings, 7. Jack Cogger. 8. Jacob Saifiti, 9. Jayden Brailey. 10. Leo Thompson, 12. Kai Pearce-Paul, 17. Jeraine McEwen, 13. Phoenix Crossland Interchange (from): 14. Tyson Gamble, 15. Mat Croker, 16. Tyson Frizell, 17. Jeraine McEwen. 18th man: Jack Hetherington Warriors boss Cameron George addresses speculation around New Zealand Rugby role By Michael Burgess Warriors boss Cameron George has ruled out any interest in taking on the top job at New Zealand Rugby (NZR). Over the past two years the Australian has been mentioned as a possible contender for a role at NZR, given the impact he has had at the NRL club and on the local sporting landscape. He was linked with the head of NZ Rugby Commercial when Craig Fenton departed last October and has since been earmarked as a contender for the chief executive role. That talk has intensified since Mark Robinson confirmed his departure last month, with the former CEO due to step down at the end of this year after six and a half years leading NZR. The Daily Telegraph reported last month that George had been approached by a 'figure of influence' at NZR to canvass his potential interest in the job, while George's name has been regularly mentioned in sporting circles here. NZR has told the Herald since that no approach to George has ever been made. George didn't want to comment on any possible approaches and assured that he was solely focused on continuing to grow the NRL club, on and off the field. 'My whole interest and my whole passion and commitment is to the Warriors,' George told the Herald. 'That's my dream – to be here and be successful – and that's all I need to say.' Asked if it was a compliment to be linked to such a massive role, George deflected. 'Oh, I don't read into that,' said George. 'I'd rather have the compliment of winning a [NRL] premiership. My focus is just to do the best job I can, mate. You can't control that stuff.' Advertise with NZME. However, the revival of the Warriors has turned heads across the sporting and corporate landscapes in New Zealand. In terms of franchise sport, they have become the hottest ticket in town, with crowd numbers through the roof and unprecedented commercial interest, including an army of sponsors and partners. They are also enjoying bumper television audiences, promising success on the field and have diversified investments into property. George has overseen a major overhaul – since the Covid pandemic left the club marooned in Australia for three seasons – and also had to deal with significant ownership challenges in the early years of his tenure (2018-2019). He hasn't got everything right – with the circumstances of the Shaun Johnson exit in 2018 an obvious black mark – but it's hard to find fault with many of his decisions, with the recruitment of Andrew Webster and Andrew McFadden recent masterstrokes. The Warriors have also built a remarkable connection with the community, something most Super Rugby clubs can only admire from afar, and are making significant inroads in pathways and development, with academy structures across the country. NZR is a much bigger beast – having probably eight times the revenue of the NRL club – with layers and layers of stakeholders, many and varied arms of the business, complex broadcasting deals and a global presence. There are also the constant push and pull factors between competing parties and private investment, which are less of a factor in an NRL environment. But there would be some synergies. The NZR CEO role has yet to be advertised but it's understood that global recruitment companies have already been engaged. It will be a lucrative but demanding post, even more so than Robinson faced. That's because of the likely restructure of NZR, with the new chief executive to lead NZR and NZ Rugby Commercial, in what is more akin to a group CEO role.
NZ Herald
6 days ago
- Sport
- NZ Herald
NRL: Warriors boss Cameron George addresses speculation around New Zealand Rugby role
Warriors boss Cameron George has ruled out any interest in taking on the top job at New Zealand Rugby (NZR). Over the past two years the Australian has been mentioned as a possible contender for a role at NZR, given the impact he has had at the NRL club
Scoop
16-07-2025
- Scoop
Two Dunedin Club Rugby Players Suspended After Secretly Filming And Posting Intimate Videos Of Student
Two men, both players in a Dunedin club rugby team, are before the courts after secretly filming and posting intimate videos of a woman. Green Island division 2 rugby players Thomas Ryan and Oliver Bugden have pleaded guilty to charges of filming and sharing videos without consent. The club has stood down both players for the remainder of the season. NZR has called the behaviour 'completely unacceptable'. Two Dunedin club rugby players have been suspended after both admitted to secretly filming and posting an intimate video of a female student. Green Island RFC division 2 player Thomas Ryan, 24, has pleaded guilty to two charges of making an intimate visual recording and posting the video without consent. Court documents revealed he covertly filmed himself and the woman during a sex act during the early hours of 8 June. The pair had met up 'after a few alcoholic drinks' before going back to Ryan's home. He then shared the five-second video to more than 30 people on the Green Island club's social media group chat, with the caption 'up the battlers'. 'Users of the group were able to duplicate or save the video and further distribute it,' the court summary of facts said. The other player, Oliver Bugden, 23, has pleaded guilty to identical charges after court documents showed the woman was later filmed when she was asleep. '[Ryan's] flat mate viewed the defendant's Snapchat video, arrived home and entered the defendant's bedroom with another associate from the rugby team. 'The flat mate, walked to the victim's side of the bed, pulled the covers from her and filmed her naked breast and underwear before posting it on the same team Snapchat group.' The woman, whose identity is suppressed, was alerted to the incident after the partner of one of the group members filmed the Snapchat video and sent it to associates who recognised her. Ryan is due to reappear in the Dunedin District Court on 30 October, with Bugden set to reappear on 11 November. In a social media post, Green Island Rugby Club confirmed both players had been stood down for the rest of the season. 'We want to make it absolutely clear that the behaviour reported is completely unacceptable. Our thoughts are firmly with the victim and their whānau during what is undoubtedly a deeply distressing time.' 'In both cases, we are co-operating fully with the appropriate authorities and will support any process necessary to ensure accountability and care. We acknowledge the disappointment and concern this incident has caused our community.' Before the pair's suspension, the coach of the division 2 team, nicknamed the 'Battlers', Stu Turner said the pair would play in this weekend's semi-final match against Harbour. As reported by the Otago Daily Times, Turner described Ryan as 'a good dude'. 'I think [he's] pretty upset with everything that's going on and [he's] going to be getting punished enough as it is … [stopping him from playing] would just be adding further punishment, I think,' he said. New Zealand Rugby (NZR) community rugby general manager Steve Lancaster said the behaviour of both players was 'completely unacceptable'. 'Everyone deserves respect, safety, and freedom from abuse. In rugby we believe we have an opportunity to take a stance and be part of the solution,' he said. 'We extend our thoughts to those impacted, acknowledging that incidents of this nature can have deeply distressing effects on individuals and whānau alike. 'Our rugby community expects its members to uphold the highest standards of conduct, both on and off the field.' The governing body would be working with the Otago Rugby Football Union and the club to ensure this would not happen again, Lancaster said. Last year, Green Island RFC was awarded NZR's Club of the Year. Where to get help: Sexual Violence NZ Police. Victim Support 0800 842 846. Rape Crisis: 0800 88 33 00. Rape Prevention Education. Empowerment Trust. HELP (Auckland): 09 623 1700, (Wellington): 04 801 6655. Safe to talk: 0800 044 334. Tautoko Tāne Male Survivors Aotearoa. Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) 022 344 0496. If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111. Content Sourced from Original url
Scoop
16-07-2025
- Scoop
Two Dunedin Club Rugby Players Suspended After Secretly Filming And Posting Intimate Videos Of Student
Article – RNZ The Dunedin club players pleaded guilty to charges of making an intimate visual recording and posting the video without consent. Two men, both players in a Dunedin club rugby team, are before the courts after secretly filming and posting intimate videos of a woman. Green Island division 2 rugby players Thomas Ryan and Oliver Bugden have pleaded guilty to charges of filming and sharing videos without consent. The club has stood down both players for the remainder of the season. NZR has called the behaviour 'completely unacceptable'. Two Dunedin club rugby players have been suspended after both admitted to secretly filming and posting an intimate video of a female student. Green Island RFC division 2 player Thomas Ryan, 24, has pleaded guilty to two charges of making an intimate visual recording and posting the video without consent. Court documents revealed he covertly filmed himself and the woman during a sex act during the early hours of 8 June. The pair had met up 'after a few alcoholic drinks' before going back to Ryan's home. He then shared the five-second video to more than 30 people on the Green Island club's social media group chat, with the caption 'up the battlers'. 'Users of the group were able to duplicate or save the video and further distribute it,' the court summary of facts said. The other player, Oliver Bugden, 23, has pleaded guilty to identical charges after court documents showed the woman was later filmed when she was asleep. '[Ryan's] flat mate viewed the defendant's Snapchat video, arrived home and entered the defendant's bedroom with another associate from the rugby team. 'The flat mate, walked to the victim's side of the bed, pulled the covers from her and filmed her naked breast and underwear before posting it on the same team Snapchat group.' The woman, whose identity is suppressed, was alerted to the incident after the partner of one of the group members filmed the Snapchat video and sent it to associates who recognised her. Ryan is due to reappear in the Dunedin District Court on 30 October, with Bugden set to reappear on 11 November. In a social media post, Green Island Rugby Club confirmed both players had been stood down for the rest of the season. 'We want to make it absolutely clear that the behaviour reported is completely unacceptable. Our thoughts are firmly with the victim and their whānau during what is undoubtedly a deeply distressing time.' 'In both cases, we are co-operating fully with the appropriate authorities and will support any process necessary to ensure accountability and care. We acknowledge the disappointment and concern this incident has caused our community.' Before the pair's suspension, the coach of the division 2 team, nicknamed the 'Battlers', Stu Turner said the pair would play in this weekend's semi-final match against Harbour. As reported by the Otago Daily Times, Turner described Ryan as 'a good dude'. 'I think [he's] pretty upset with everything that's going on and [he's] going to be getting punished enough as it is … [stopping him from playing] would just be adding further punishment, I think,' he said. New Zealand Rugby (NZR) community rugby general manager Steve Lancaster said the behaviour of both players was 'completely unacceptable'. 'Everyone deserves respect, safety, and freedom from abuse. In rugby we believe we have an opportunity to take a stance and be part of the solution,' he said. 'We extend our thoughts to those impacted, acknowledging that incidents of this nature can have deeply distressing effects on individuals and whānau alike. 'Our rugby community expects its members to uphold the highest standards of conduct, both on and off the field.' The governing body would be working with the Otago Rugby Football Union and the club to ensure this would not happen again, Lancaster said. Last year, Green Island RFC was awarded NZR's Club of the Year. Where to get help: Sexual Violence NZ Police. Victim Support 0800 842 846. Rape Crisis: 0800 88 33 00. Rape Prevention Education. Empowerment Trust. HELP (Auckland): 09 623 1700, (Wellington): 04 801 6655. Safe to talk: 0800 044 334. Tautoko Tāne Male Survivors Aotearoa. Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) 022 344 0496. If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.
