Hands going up for GCDRU
NOMINEES for the soon-tobe revived Gold Coast District Rugby Union board will be interviewed next week as a new era for the competition rapidly approaches.
The Bulletin understands about 12 names have been put forward for consideration at the region’s annual general meeting on November 1 at the Mantra on View in Surfers Paradise.
The AGM will mark an important moment as Queensland Rugby Union hands back control of the competition, having had to step in less than two years ago when the previous management racked up a debt of $265,000.
An event was held on Wednesday night at the Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Club, where a number of applicants discussed their vision.
Several topics were floated, including competition structure, the pathway provided by the Gold Coast Cyclones representative system and promoting women’s sevens.
The chance to train up club staff in counselling via Rugby Unite, run by nominee Darren Gaffney, was also mentioned.
“You have medics and coaches and whatever else. They’re happy to have a specific person trained in being able to have the players come and discuss things in a private manner so that in itself was a major positive to put forward,” said applicant Kim Bending.
Former Gold Coast Breakers coach Bending described the night as a success.
“The one thing I really liked about the vibe in the room is that everyone hung around and the clubs were actually talking,” he said.
“To me it showed that there is a lot of good positive rugby people there wanting to see change happen for the right reasons instead of the bloody Chinese whispers that go around the traps.”
Five directors will be elected at the AGM. Among others believed to be in the running is Bond University general manager Luca Liussi.
Following interviews next week, the incumbent board – which includes QRU chief operating officer David Hanham – will make their recommendations.
Liussi said it is important for Bond to have a voice.
“Bond Uni is part of the Gold Coast as obviously the only premier grade club on the Coast that completes that pathway to NRC and Reds and Wallabies,” he said.