NEWCASTLE and Hunter Rugby Union president Paul Coles hopes the Australian Rugby Union deliver on its promise to funnel funds from a rich new television deal to grassroots.
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Chief executive Bill Pulver said on Thursday that the ARU would receive $285 million over the next five years.
“We’re in terrific shape financially,” Pulver said.
“Broadcasting revenue goes from about 23 per cent of our revenue to about 45 per cent of revenue and about an average of $23 million to about $57 million per year which we can reinvest in the grassroots of the game.”
The NHRU does not receive financial support from the ARU. NSW Rugby Union employs a development officer for the region, but the NHRU is self sufficient.
“We could use assistance with promotion, and ideally another development officer to get into the schools and help increase participation,” Coles said.
The NHRU and Hunter Junior Rugby Union have joined forces to improve the transition of juniors to senior. Juniors will stop at under-17s, down from 18s, and under 19’s replaces colts (under-20s).
“New Juniors president Marcus Vaughan is keen to work closely with the seniors,” Coles said.
“The under-18s and under-20 division have struggled to attract numbers due to the social distractions at that age. There has been a lot of interest in the under-19s tournament-style competition. Ten teams have nominated. We are hoping to offer prizemoney and are in talks with a potential sponsor.”
