Changes at the top of Illawarra Rugby Union
December 06, 2007
Section: Sport
CHANGES at the top of Illawarra Rugby Union (IRU) have continued with the departure of president Terry Wetherall, vice president Steve Ryder and treasurer Phil Snowden at the recent AGM.
The trio did not seek reelection to their posts weeks after the IRU was informed that its representative side, the Illawarriors, would not gain entry to a revamped Sydney first grade competition for the 2008 season.
IRU life member Peter Woods has been elected the new president.
Mr Woods played for Vikings in the 1970s and 1980s before serving as IRU secretary for 18 years.
At the same time he became a well-known referee and still referees IRU first grade games.
Mr Woods is also a life member of the Illawarra District Rugby Union Referees Association and is president of NSW Country Rugby Union Referees Association.
Another stalwart returning to the IRU board is former president John Hayne, who takes over as treasurer.
The vice presidency has been filled by Shamrocks stalwart Bert Roodenrys, while former Shamrock and Referee’s Association life member Arthur Watts has accepted the secretary’s position.
Ron Wood has been appointed rugby chairman for the new season.
The IRU board is: Peter Woods (president), Bert Roodenrys (vice president), Arthur Watts (secretary), John Hayne (treasurer), Garry Pinch (juniors chairman), Ron Wood (rugby chairman) and Paul Connor and Tony Leeder-Smith (board members).
On the Illawarriors front, the IRU is looking at taking part in the March Caldwell Cup against other country outfits.
The final of the Caldwell Cup will be played at Aussie Stadium on before the Super 14s Waratahs game on March 28. The Caldwell Cup games will be played on March 1, 8 and 15.
The IRU also hopes to discuss with NSW Rugby the chance of playing games against Sydney Clubs, Services teams and international touring teams to fill the Illawarriors’ 2008 program.
On the local scene nominations have been received for nine first grade teams, 12 second grade and 13 third grade sides, with the 2008 IRU season possibly running from mid-April to the end of September.