SIRUF has new Executive

Following two days of Constituent Congress deliberations and consultations last week on the 7^th and 8^th of March the Solomon Islands Rugby Union Federation (SIRUF) has adopted a new revised Constitution and elected a new Executive Committee. The two days of intense remaking of the SIRUF Constitution was overseen by the International Rugby Board Business Manager for Oceania, Mr Bruce Cook, and the Chairman of the National Sports Council Mr Andrew Nori. Following the adoption of the constitution the representatives of Rugby Union Associations in the country and a representative from the Referees Association elected a new Executive with the guidance of Mr Bruce Cook as scrutineer. The new look SIRUF Executive includes; Frank Wickham (President), Bishop Tuhenua (Vice President – Development), Golden Kiloko (Vice President – International), Kwan Amatanga (Treasurer), Don Temoana (Secretary), Jim Seuika (Member), Randy Hatigeva (Member). A women’s rugby representative to the Executive will also be appointed soon.

Following the elections the new Executive together with representatives from Provinces and Honiara Rugby Union were guided by the IRB in framing a SIRUF Strategic Plan and Business Plan. These are now being put to further consultations before being finalized and submitted to the national government, national sporting bodies and the IRB.

The newly elected President Mr Wickham expressed his thanks to the IRB and the National Sports Council and National Olympic Committee of Solomon Islands for their on-going guidance, support and collaboration and looks forward to a strong working relationship between his Executive and Provincial Rugby Unions, Honiara Rugby Unions supporters, organizations and the corporate sector. The new President has expressed confidence in the Executive team who he believes has a lot of potential to play a strong role in supporting the growth of rugby union in Solomon Islands. He also acknowledges with gratitude the efforts of previous SIRUF Presidents and Executives for their important contributions to the sport and looks to their continued support into the future.

Wickham calls on all Member Unions in the Provinces and Honiara to prepare for their Annual General Meetings, elect new office bearers where necessary and submit their applications to renew their affiliations to SIRUF for this year. All existing and new Unions are advised to contact Bishop Tuhenua (Vice President – Development) on Phone 7523529 or the Rugby Development Officer (Nick Hatigeva) on Phone 7488930 for further information and guidance.

With proper governance restored SIRUF is now looking to further developing the sport in the country and compete strongly in upcoming regional tournaments including the upcoming South Pacific Games in New Caledonia. The new Executive also plans to renew consultations and negotiations with China United over the lease of the Town Ground sports ground, forge new partnership arrangements with Member Unions, Rugby Clubs, organizations and corporate entities and also grow the sport amongst women, pikininis and secondary school students. 

In preparation for the South Pacific Games SIRUF is calling on interested individuals to apply for the position of National 7’s Rugby Team Coach and Team Manager. Individuals with the following track record are encouraged to apply:

i)          Proven record of coaching senior Club, Member Union’s or National teams.

ii)         Have attended and successfully completed training sessions for coaches conducted by the IRB through its licensed Trainers and Educators and possess an IRB coaching accreditation  

iii)        Proven up-to-date knowledge of the IRB Laws of the Game

iv)       Having effective communication skills

Applications shall be in writing, addressed to the SIRUF Secretary and must be submitted before the end of day on 30^th March 2011. For further enquiries please contact Don on phone 7475122 or Nick on Phone 7488930.