Rugby Southland’s profit of $177,000 included about $80,000 that had been budgeted for a Covid subsidy repayment.
That repayment, like those of all the major unions, was covered by New Zealand Rugby.
Nevertheless, Rugby Southland still reported an operational profit of nearly $100,000, a decent effort in the modern climate.
“This is a result we can be proud of,” Rugby Southland chief executive Hua Tamariki said in a statement.
“It reflects a lot of hard work behind the scenes, careful management, and strong support from our community and commercial partners.
‘‘But we’re under no illusion - some of this came down to timing and circumstances we couldn’t predict.”
The Southland board has approved a deficit budget for the 2025 financial year as it, like the other unions, prepares for a funding cut from NZR.
“The decision to run a deficit next year hasn’t been taken lightly, but it reflects our long-term view - that investing now will pay dividends for the future of rugby in the province,’’ Tamariki said.
‘‘We are hopeful that with increased local backing, including hitting our target of 10,000 fans at our season opener against Otago, we can eat into this deficit considerably.”
Rugby Southland chairman Murray Brown praised the work done by Tamariki and union staff.
The operational profit was pleasing as it showed the union was tracking well.
“But there are some big conversations happening at a national level that will have a direct impact on all provincial unions,’’ Brown said.
‘‘We need to remain agile and financially disciplined as those changes come into play.”
Southland and other unions are watching keenly to see how the NZR provincial funding review, broadcast negotiations and collective employment agreement negotiations play out, as they could have severe ramifications.
Rex Carter, who has been on the board since 2016, has been appointed Rugby Southland’s new president.
He replaces one of the province’s great rugby men, Leicester Rutledge, whose service to the union spans over half a century.
Rutledge made his Southland debut in 1972, went on to become an All Black, and played 100 first-class games for Southland.
Since retiring as a player, he has served as Stags coach and manager, been made a life member of the union, and served as president since 2020.
“Leicester has given more to Southland rugby than we could ever sum up in words,” Tamariki said.
“He’s been a player, a coach, a mentor, and a leader. But more than anything, he’s been a presence - a reassuring, passionate, and humble presence - for over five decades.
‘‘We’re incredibly grateful for his service and proud that he will continue to support the union as a life member.”
Marc Robertson, a member of the Eastern Southland rugby and business communities, will be joining the board as a new director, as Carter moves from board member to president.
Ashley Light has been reappointed to a third term as a director.
