The majority of these financial resources are supplied to the RUPA by the rugby bodies in Australia, most notably the ARU, who undoubtedly are the RUPA’s major business partner. The scope and detail of this relationship is principally defined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement. It is highly desirable that the ARU and the RUPA endeavour to ensure that their relationship is at all times cooperative and productive. The common goal is the health of the game of Rugby in Australia and we need to work together in order to achieve this. Since my appointment there have been a number of discussions with the ARU on matters such as the CBA negotiations where there is a divergence of opinion between the two organisations. Both parties have their respective positions and have a responsibility to support what they think is in the best interests of the game. It is important that the RUPA and the ARU at all times maintain a respect for each other and display a cooperative approach to the challenges which confront our game. I would like to acknowledge the support of the various members
New Rebels’ recruit, Jarrod Saffy.
of the ARU and Super Rugby team management and staff who I personally, and the RUPA staff, deal with on a regular basis and thank them for the professional and supportive manner in which we have been able to conduct business since my appointment.
form the backbone of the RUPA. The organisation is indeed fortunate to have people who have such dedication and passion for the interests of the players. The staff make a considerable contribution to the RUPA culture and they are to be congratulated on this. No doubt there will be many tests and challenges for the Players’ Association to address in 2011 and beyond. I am confident of the RUPA’s capacity to successfully address these challenges and to contribute to the growth and development of Rugby in the Australian and international sporting landscape.
The RUPA’s capacity to fulfil its responsibilities to the players is dependent upon the support which it receives from a variety of external partners. A number of these I have referred to earlier in this report. Some others who I would like to acknowledge include, PKF Chartered Accountants & Business Advisors, Link Market Services Air Pacific, The Wine GREG HARRIS Society, Standard Chartered Bank, The CEO Trans Tasman Business Circle and the many RUPA educational partners who are covered in more detail elsewhere in this report. On a personal note I would like to thank the RUPA staff, in particular, Omar Hassanein, Rosemary Towner and Glynis Smith for the support and assistance which they have provided to me since my appointment. Together with the PACD staff located at each of the Super Rugby teams these people
Top: RUPA CEO, Greg Harris. Bottom: Soseni Anesi in action, off the field.
RUPA ANNUAL REPORT 2010 PAGE 11