27/11/2023
Our finalists for the Charles Monro Rugby Volunteer of the Year 🙌
The Rugby Way is about ‘knitting individuals together’, and there is arguably nobody within the rugby community in Counties Manukau who does more to connect people than John Hume. He is so much more than a President of the Pukekohe Rugby Club, he’s a cook, barman, cleaner, bus driver, pothole repairer, post-match MC, sponsor, and all-round champion of the community game.
Sharlene Wiseman from Christchurch is always the first to open the West Melton RFC clubrooms every Saturday. Sharlene is the junior/senior club captain and is responsible for recruiting coaches and managers every season, for eight years, she has done a fantastic job of recruiting good people for these roles. Not only this, but Sharlene organises the draws, the kitchen duty team, food for the kitchen, bar supplies, referees for the juniors, and is a welcoming member of the community.
As well as his work as President of the Board with Waikato Rugby, Allen Grainger volunteers countless hours at Frankton Rugby Club. In 2023, Allen has been an outstanding volunteer managing the Senior A side, contributed to getting a women’s team established, and led the resurrection of the club’s Junior Division, including a sub plan that makes the game accessible to families in his community.
Known affectionately as Fifey, Chris Fife embodies the four pillars of The Rugby Way in all aspects of his volunteering ventures within Northland Rugby. His love and passion for the game means that until 2022, Fifty had spent more than 20 seasons at Southern Rugby Club wearing several different hats in his time. Now, a Board member of Northland Rugby and the Chairman of the Northland Rugby Council of the Union, he spends his time travelling through the union to ensure all voices are heard and valued.
Ngā mihi John, Sharlene, Allen, and Chris 🖤
Counties Manukau Rugby Canterbury Rugby Waikato Rugby Northland Rugby Union
