Wellington Rugby Announce New Award Celebrating Positive Contribution to Rugby in the Capital

Wellington Rugby Football Union have announced today a new Club award, The Board of Directors Cup (BoD Cup), which aims to acknowledge and celebrate positive contribution to rugby by Clubs in the Wellington Region.  

Developed by Wellington Rugby Football Union Board of Directors, with input from Club delegates and WRFU staff, the Cup will be awarded to one Club that contributes to the development and positive image of rugby in the region through participation; values; inclusivity of cultures and genders; and being a positive and family focussed environment.  

Wellington Rugby Football Union Chair Russell Poole said the BoD Cup aims to recognise and support the great work being done within our local rugby community.  

“I am constantly seeing great activities and initiatives that are happening around our 17 Clubs off the field, which too often go unnoticed and overshadowed by the odd, and disappointing occasion of poor behaviour on or around the field.” 

“This Board initiative is part of changing that landscape and giving recognition to the sterling work and outcomes by the extensive rugby volunteer network in supporting our communities and growing active participation and enjoyment under the rugby banner,” said Poole.   

"Our Clubs and their volunteers do amazing work to keep our community game going. This award will recognise and single out the outstanding work that is being done throughout the year by a club. We hope that by highlighting this positive work, that it will continue to encourage and provide examples of how our Clubs can be even better for our communities,” said Sunil Surujpal, Rugby Board Chairperson. 

Throughout the season, Clubs in the Wellington Region will be awarded points based on criteria that has been aligned with the Board of Directors Seven Strategic Priorities.   

Acknowledging the disparity in the size of Clubs, the Clubs total points awarded will be divided by the number of teams the Club has (junior and senior). The Club with the highest weighting will be determined as the winner of the inaugural Board of Directors Cup.   

To keep this positive, clubs can only accrue points. Any poor behaviour is captured through a separate WRFU Misconduct Process. However, should a club amass a certain level of demerit points, or otherwise bring the game into disrepute, they will become ineligible to win the award. 

The Board of Directors will be awarded during the WRFU Community Rugby Awards, September 2022.  

The awarded Club will receive the following prize pack:   

• Wellington Lions & Pride training session at the Club for the Junior section   
• A befitting trophy/plaque that can be permanently displayed in the Clubrooms recognising the achievement  
• A $5,000 prize pack for the following season thanks to our sponsors (e.g., balls, equipment, set of jerseys)