Wealth of gains for Tasman rugby

‘‘The Tasman Trophy last year provided 25 Mako squad members and 12 new players. ’’

For the fifth year running,Tasman Rugby Union has posted a financial surplus as its playing stocks reach new heights in national recognition.

At the union’s 12th annual general meeting in Nelson on Monday, it announceda profit of $69,249 for the year ending December 31, 2017.

Although down on the $139,832 profit in 2016, TRU chief executive Tony Lewis said the result was a pleasing one for the union after what he described as ‘‘a tough financial year’’.

Total revenue for the year was $3,918,905, down from $4,173,955 in 2016, while total expenditure of $3,849,656 was less than the previous year’s $4,034,123.

On the field, Tasman’s fortunes at national and international level took giant strides in 2017. As well as making a third national premiership final in four years, the men’s Mako team provided four All Black representatives in Liam Squire, Kane Hames, Tim Perry and David Havilli.

Tone Ng Shiu, Andrew Knewstubb, Trael Joass and womens player Jess Drummond turned out for the NZ Sevens teams.

At age group level Tima Faingaanuku, Will Jordan and Ryan Coxon were selected in the NZ Under-20 squad, while Leicester Faingaanuku was a standout in the NZ Secondary School team’s win over Australia.

Lewis said growing community rugby remained a priority in the year ahead, with junior rugby identified as a particular focus. He lauded the success of the Tasman Trophy competition, which last year provided 25 Mako squad members and 12 new players.

The annual general meeting also saw a life membership awarded to Shane Drummond. The Nelson businessman joins fellow life members Max Spence and Kieran Keane in the honorary role.

Drummond has been associated with Tasman rugby since the union’s formative years, being part of the initial working group that set up the joint venture.

The former Nelson Bays stalwart was a TRU director from 2006-2012, vice president 2012-13, and president 2014-15.

Another key player in the Tasman success story, Marlborough’s Ramon Sutherland, was also honoured at the meeting, becoming the union’s new president and the first to be elected by the board.

Selected for the Red Devils from the Moutere club, Sutherland played a record 177 games for Marlborough between 1958 and 1974. He played against the 1966 and 1971 British Lions and captained the side during their famous 1973-74 Ranfurly Shield reign.

Elected for a two-year term, Sutherland gave what Lewis described as ‘‘a rousing speech’’ in response to his appointment.

PHOTO: PATRICK HAMILTON/STUFF Businessman Shane Drummond was awarded life membership of the Tasman Rugby Union at the annual general meeting.