As we look back at the 2014 year, we can again see how the club has taken more steps to improve the Barbarian brand in New Zealand and other rugby circles.
With fixtures at the ‘great’ Ponsonby club’s 140th anniversary celebrations, and against the Blues in Whangarei and the Highlanders in Invercargill, this involvement of Barbarians teams at the higher levels places us in a good position to obtain future such fixtures in the years to come.
Our involvement and sponsorship of fun days in Ngataringa Bay and Paengaroa, Top 4 boys and co-ed secondary schools tournaments, NZ Area Schools, NZ Barbarians Schools and support for middleweight (under 85kg) rugby, have once again been very successful.
The Barbarians club and our jersey have received genuine acknowledgement and commitment from players and management for the contribution we have made this year.
Sponsorship and funding of these games and events still remains an issue for the club and we are continually looking at new areas to raise funds.
For our golfers, we had our first NZ Barbarians/NZ Rugby Foundation charity golf tournament this year, which was very successful and an enjoyable day was had by all. The John Drake Memorial Day at Hauraki Golf Club was postponed until early in 2015, and I will shortly notify everyone with a new, confirmed date. In addition, while our annual game with the Eagles did not take place, a date of April 13 has been set for 2015.
Once again, the clubrooms functioned superbly under the guidance of Dean Paddy and his team. The clubhouse was very busy on test nights and Super Rugby games and generally there were a good number of members and their guests for ITM Cup games. Thanks to Dean’s team and all custodians for their support on game days.
From a club captain’s point of view, I must thank all the management, committee, staff and members for the huge amount of time and effort that has been given to running all the club’s fixtures and events in 2014.
Relax and enjoy the festive season and we will look forward to seeing you in the club in 2015.
Mark Moore
Club captain 2014
Barbarians RFC
