Feb 25, 2010

Rugby on the North Shore is being given a lift with a new approach to supporting the amateur ranks by the North Harbour Rugby Union.

With its focus on providing assistance so that everyone enjoys rugby, the Union is planning to spread its resources with maximum efficiency. "First up we have to listen and observe what's needed" said Mark Mayerhofler, Manager of Community Rugby at North Harbour Rugby Union.  "When we've got a good feel for what's needed, we can deliver our resources in the right way, rather than a one size fits all approach."

Key to this is a regional approach to support rugby in the North Shore's communities.  Clubs and Schools are grouped together to be served by a single officer from the Union, charged with observing and putting in place the assistance.  Cory Sweeney, one of the new breed of Community Support Officers (CSO) sums it up, "I used to have the role of developing all Junior rugby in the whole Union, now I have a much smaller group of clubs and schools to support in all their rugby." 

Clubs and Schools will have their own CSO as one point of contact with the Union, and this person will have the Union's resources to call upon. 

The great North Harbour and All Black legend Frano Botica is all for it. "This is a great idea. It all comes down to relationships and if we know one guy will help us out, then good."

For more information and to see who your Community Support Officer is, click here.