THE NEXT YEAR PROMISES TO BE A VERY EXCITING PERIOD FOR THE IRFU BASED UPON THE RECENT SUCCESS OF THE NATIONAL RUGBY TEAM, THE “RHINOS” WINNING THE 2007 ASIAN DIVISION 6 CHAMPIONSHIPS IN BRUNEI & THE APPOINTMENT OF A FULL-TIME DEVELOPMENT OFFICER IN MAY 2007.
2007-08 IRFU BOARD
At the recent AGM held on August 3, 2007 the following persons were elected to direct the IRFU over the coming year:
PRESIDENT - Andrew Nugroho
CHAIRMAN - Stephen Barber
VICE CHAIRMAN - Mark Manderson
SECRETARY - Bill Ryan
TREASURER - Febryani
MEMBERS -
Fikri Al-Azhar
Geoff Atkinson
Simon Chambers
Denny
Rodney Holt
Daniel Nugroho
Alan Nye
Bobby Orlando
Andrew Vater
DEVELOPMENT OFFICER -David Nye
ADMIN SECRETARY -Amie Utami
The IRFU board represents a combined National and Expatriate team who will strive to direct Indonesian Rugby in 2007-08 and in doing so strongly adhere to the guidelines set by the IRFU Constitution.
2007 ASIAN DIVISION 6 CHAMPIONS - RHINOS
The Indonesian Rhinos recently completed an undefeated tour of Brunei Darussalam completing a grand slam of victories against Lao 17-3, Cambodia 11-10 and Brunei 28-15 in the 2007 Asian Division 6 Championships. Winning the title was both a historic and monumental achievement for the Rhinos in only their second year of international rugby, leading on from their runners-up position in the same tourney in 2006.
All players, coaches and team managers can be very proud of what was achieved not only for rugby but also for Indonesian sport in general, given that the nation struggles for international sporting heroes. There were no unsung heroes in the 2007 Rhinos and it was truly an all round team effort that ensured the Rhinos’ success in Brunei.
This was the first ever major international success for the Rhinos and the entire IRFU Board is very proud of what the team achieved in Brunei.
2007-08 RUGBY DEVELOPMENT
Rugby development in Jakarta and the outlying Indonesian provinces remains a priority of the IRFU Board who in May 2007 appointed a full-time Rugby Development Officer (RDO), Mr. David Nye. This is a monumental step for the IRFU as it means Indonesian Rugby has someone who will be able to access schools, universities and mainstream society with the purpose of developing grassroots rugby. The RDO will work in Jakarta and also travel to the provincial regions to assess and aid the level of rugby development.
2007-08 JAKARTA CLUB RUGBY COMPETITION
Planning is underway for the 2007-08 Jakarta Club Rugby Competition. This is the second year of this competition following on from JIS’ inaugural title win in 2006-07. All enquiries about this competition should be sent to Mr. David Nye – indorugby@gmail.com
2007 THIESS BALI RUGBY 10’s @ CANGGU CLUB
The IRFU will host the 2007 Thiess Bali Rugby 10’s at the Canggu Club on Saturday October 27 & Sunday October 28 at the Canggu Club (please go to www.cangguclub.com for more information). It is expected that there will be 16 teams participating in this tournament, including 9 Indonesian-based club sides. For more information on this tournament please contact – indorugby@gmail.com
2008 RHINOS RUGBY LUNCH
Following on from successful fundraising lunches in 2005-07 the IRFU is planning the 2008 Rhinos Rugby Lunch in June 2008. The date and venue of this event is still to be decided. For all enquiries regarding sponsorship opportunities please contact – chairman@indonesianrugby.com
2008 ASIAN DIVISION 6 CHAMPIONSHIPS, JAKARTA
The IRFU will host the 2008 Asian Division 6 Championships in Jakarta. It is probable that these championships will be played in late-July 2008. This will be the first ever international rugby tournament to be played in Indonesia and it will give the Rhinos their inaugural opportunity play Test Rugby at ‘home’ on Indonesian soil.
Thiess Indonesia have agreed to underwrite this tournament, however the IRFU will require several other companies to assist in the sponsorship of this international rugby tournament which will also be sanctioned and supported by Rugby Asia and the IRB.
In conjunction with this tournament the IRFU proposes to host a Rugby Festival which will include Schools, Women’s and Golden Oldies Rugby being played outside of the scheduled Test matches.
More information about this tournament will be released over the coming months. Those interested in becoming tournament sponsors, please contact chairman@indonesianrugby.com
