18 Jan - PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE 2020
Players, Coaches, Friends and Family – Welcome to Season 2020!
We hope you’ve all had a refreshing off-season, including a merry and festive holiday period. For those still on holiday, we envy you…
Off-Season
It’s busy a period for the Goats, spearheaded by a very successful and well-attended “Goat Off-Season Academy”. It’s clearly evident that those involved have not only enjoyed this initiative, but excelled in their development as a Rugby Player. A tremendous thanks goes to those that made this happen – particularly Austin Maugatai, John O-Reilly, David Weir and Lead Trainer, Lio Falaniko.
Our newest annual tradition of competing in Perth’s Beach Touch tournament in Scarborough Beach continued to be a fun-filled event. That day termed the ‘Goat Busters’, we had a whopping 11 teams running about in the hot sand. It’s more than pleasing to see such involvement and enjoyment amongst the Curtin Rugby Community. Big thanks to Team(s) Manager and Organiser Daniel ‘Pinky Finger Up’ Sampson and Laura Rodriguez, who designed and supplied the apparel from Vayda Sports.
The “Goats Christmas (Pub) Crawl: Fourward to Freo” was another great event. Photos showed that some of us have interesting wardrobes and we hear some of the shenanigans, particularly as the night progressed, provided stories for the future. Well done to Club Captain Philip ‘Big Red’ Whittington for organising the event and ensuring its success.
The Season Ahead
Curtin Rugby will have three Seniors Men’s teams – Premier, Reserve and Third Grade. As like 2019, the mighty Perth Rams will continue to be a large part of our Club with members playing across all grades. Unfortunately, it is with regret that we won’t be fielding a Women’s Team in 2020.
Our Coaching Group consists of David Weir & Greg Jaeckal (Thirds), John O’Reilly & Austin Maugatai (Reserves), and Daryl Prince (Premier). Great to have you all onboard.
Pre-Season officially kicks off January 30 and Coaches have been working overtime to develop a Program in which will see us reap rewards as the season progresses. Trials expected to be played during middle-late March. A Draft Draw has been produced by Rugby WA, which will be finalised shortly.
Recruitment
Overall, player recruitment is progressing well. Our strategy has targeted both local, interstate and overseas talent. We’ve engaged the services of Recruitment Agencies, reached out to our player network and advertised through various media (Facebook, Websites, etc.).
Our collective aim is to source 7 players (4 forwards, 3 backs) of Premier Grade ability. We’ve secured a number of Contracts already and are currently in communication with ~8 potential player candidates.
A lot of work has been done in this space by those involved including sourcing employment, living arrangements and more; but you too can contribute, which is always appreciated – whether it be through providing temporary accommodation, employment opportunities and networking, enticing others to join Curtin Rugby, etc. Get in touch if you’re willing to support our Club.
O Day
Curtin University ‘O Day’ is just around the corner on February 19, with both Curtin Rugby and Perth Rams Stalls being on Campus. Get in touch if you want to be involved – always a great day out.
Sponsorship
Apart from players we also need funding (and volunteers) to run the Club. Our Sponsorship Subcommittee, lead by Derrin ‘Roddy’ Rodriguez and Jonathan ‘Hammond’ Logie, has worked tirelessly raising an unprecedented amount of funds.
What’s Also Coming Up
The scrum machine earnt and needed some ‘TLC’ and some time ago was sent off to a workshop for refurbishment. No doubt all playing members numbered 1-8 are looking forward to having it back and ready for use in the next few weeks. Additionally we’ve purchased new equipment such as balls and training gear, with more to be purchased in the near future.
A number of social events will be announced in near future such as Season Launch. Stay tuned!
For now there’s two more sessions left of the Goat Off-Season Academy (Tuesdays) leading into pre-season. Did you make a new year’s resolution to lose a bit of weight and/or get fit? For the Knackered Goats (Old Boys) and any others interested, join in on the “Fat Goat Slim Program”. We will be partaking in a physical activity boxing programme delivered by Dave Godsell (Boxing for Fitness – Victoria Park). This will start on the 8th of February and run for 8 weeks, finishing the 26th.
It's an exciting season for the goats in 2020 and we look forward to seeing you all soon.