Rugby Union: Tony Byrnes re-elected Central North president

Feeling a bit disillusioned after the proposed integrated competition between the zone and New England didn’t eventuate, Byrnes was considering stepping down at the end of the season but was encouraged to stand again and was re-elected unopposed at Sunday’s zone AGM at Barraba.

“I have been really privileged and honoured to do the job we are doing,” he said.

“There’s a bit of unfinished business I’d like to see through so I put my hand up again.”

An “opportunity missed” in his opinion, the integrated competition is off the table for now, he said, but remains a possibility “down the track”.

There was some successful integration this season with Barraba and Gwydir joining forces.

“Both those presidents were delighted with how that went,” Byrnes said.

The respective zone’s referees associations also combined resources and operated a joint appointments board.

Byrnes outlined what he sees as the main challenges ahead as: maintaining interest in local rugby, providing attractive and sustainable pathways for all age groups, community engagement, representative priorities and the diminishing number of clubs featuring colts teams. 

The latter is some of “unfinished business” he eluded to.

“I’d like to see our under-19s competition be improved,” he said acknowledging that without Gunnedah forming a side this season there may not have been a competition at all this season.

The state of the colts competition isn’t a new issue and something the zone has been trying to address for a number of years.

He said he has had unofficial discussions exploring the possibility of Tamworth Rugby Union Sporting Club reforming their under-19s and “having some sort of integrated competition” with New England. 

Barraba/Gwydir have also indicated they may be in a position to field an under-19s team in 2019.

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“The fundamental thing to all of this in the future is the North West Youth Bridging competition. It is pleasing to know that’s continuing next season,” he said.

“That has got the potential to streamline and simplify our pathway from juniors into seniors.”

He also spoke about fostering a closer relationship between the zone junior and senior associations.

”We’re all in this together, we’re trying to grow our rugby community together,” Byrnes said.

“We’ve got to get rid of all those barriers.”

This year was an historic one for the zone with the introduction of the women’s 7s competition.

It was hailed a success and could expand in 2019 with Quirindi expressing interest in entering a team.

One of the other main discussion points on Sunday was representative rugby.

The Kookaburras withdrew from this year’s Country Championships amid a lack of player interest but are looking to return in 2019 for what could be a home title tilt.

It is still to be confirmed but Byrnes said there are negotiations to hold the championships in Tamworth for the next three years.

There is also talk about the championships moving back to the June long weekend.

He will know more when he attends the Country meeting in late November.

The news did come as a bit of a surprise but Byrnes said the reaction around the table on Sunday was “pretty good”.

Byrnes will head a relatively unchanged executive.

The only change is Moree president Paul King replacing Peter Davidson, who was one of the driving forces behind the women’s competition but didn’t seek re-election, as junior vice-president.

“We believe he’ll bring about some new ideas and he’s one that’s prepared to push the boundaries a bit, and take on challenges,” he said.

Jenny Middlemiss was returned as senior vice-president, David Rodgers secretary/treasurer and Wayne McMahon the competition manager.