The Rogues Rant

Welcome to The Rogues Rant, an occasional look at all things Rugby.

For the second year running the Wallabies year has ended in frustration and disappointment. After an appalling start to the rep season against the All Blacks in Sydney the Wallabies slowly got their act together throughout the Rugby Championships, and finished the local matches with a great win over the Kiwi’s in Brisbane. A romp against Japan and a dominate performance against Wales in Cardiff lifted everyone’s spirits for the remainder of the Northern Tour. But just as we saw last year the Wallabies fell away badly against the Poms and Scotsmen, looking jaded and way off the pace as their opponents registered their biggest wins in history on the Wallabies. So once again we are asking the question, just where is Australian Rugby heading.

IDRU Rugby Chairman Steve Tresidder has won a spot on the NSW Country Board for the next two years. Steve’s new job was confirmed at the Country AGM two weeks ago at which the well-respected Peter Veenstra was bestowed with Life Membership of NSW Country Rugby. Peter has recently retired as General Manager of Central West Rugby and after many years of service with Country Rugby is looking forward to a well -deserved rest. I’m sure his many friends in Country Rugby will get plenty of opportunity to say G’Day as it will be impossible to keep him away from the Rugby.

On the local front long time Shamrocks clubman Tom Ellicott has joined the IDRU Board for 2018. Also at the AGM last week at the Builders Club former IDRU Rugby Chairman and longtime Referee Peter Leiner was confirmed as the latest Life Member of the IDRU. Peter has spent a lifetime in Illawarra Rugby, firstly as a player with the original Waratahs Club, before taking up Refereeing and the last ten years as Rugby Chairman. A much deserved reward for a true servant of local Rugby. Well done Peter.