End of an era for Raetihi rugby

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 14, Issue 655, 24 September 1996, Page 16

End of an era for Raetihi rugby

Ruapehu Rugby Club took a step closertobecoming a reality last Wednesday, when the Raetihi Rugby Club unanimously agreed to join forces with the Ohakune Karioi Club.

The Raetihi Rugby Club held a special general meeting last week to decide the future of the club. The club's president, Stu Haitana welcomed all those present, acknowledging the presence of the club's life

member, Dave Kinnaird, patron of the club, Jessie Seaman and Lionel West; who has had a long association with the club, both as player, coach, supporter and one of many who played representative rugby for

several years. A letter of apology received from Ray Parr, who also played for Raetihi at club and representative level. Everyone expressed their

views on how important it was to unite when considering the youth of today and their future in rugby. The successful development of under 21s' rugby in this re-

gion was acknowledged. The club will wind up on 31 October 1996, that being the end of the club's financial year. It was agreed by all those present that

plans for the Raetihi Rugby centennial, due to take place in the year 2001, still go ahead. Details of a separate steering committee are to be discussed at a later date.