29th August 2014
To all our Club Members, Supporters and Old Boys

Hi Ladies and Gentlemen,

Our 2014 rugby league season has certainly come to an end with a few highs and lows, Our Richmond Premier team unfortunately have ended back down to the second division or the Sharman Cup for the 2015 season. It wasn’t from the lack of commitment or effort on our coaching staff and players. The Fox Memorial Competition is unfortunately all about the clubs with the most money. Our Richmond Board made submissions to the Auckland Rugby League in support of a points system to restrict clubs from buying their players from other club. The ARL Board has listened and will trial a points system in 2015 and implement it in 2016. The year Richmond will bounce back in to the Fox Memorial shield competition! Nonetheless, congratulations to Premier players Karl Simeti and Siliga Kepaoa on making the Akarana Representative men's team and Ley Vano, Chedyn Mani and Jonah Sofele on making the Auckland Vulcans Development Under 21s Representative team. Damon Niko was also selected but unable to attend trainings.

The Richmond Board of Directors have re–appointed Bernie Perenara as the Premier Coach for the next two years. Bernie has shown that the boys have great respect for him and his ideas, so we are certainly hoping that we could start re-building some stability through all the seniors teams and juniors coming through for the future of the Richmond club. Bernie has shown interest as well in the Richmond Academy training for this coming summer to align all teams with the club strategy.

2014 season was also a great time to start looking at the rebuilding stages of our club, beginning with recent discussions on our new Richmond club building. There has been two meetings at the Richmond club in the last three months with the Auckland City Council who are looking at future plans for a new location of the new Richmond Club rooms. At the moment the Richmond Club has indicated where we would like the club rooms built, so we will await their response. There will be lots of planning from our Board on how to raise funds in coming months as we all know there is no pot of gold at the end of the Grey Lynn rainbow. we have noted success stories with multi-sports clubs sharing facilities but under the rugby league banner (e.g. Manurewa Marlins sports club). In no way is Grey Lynn park going to be a soccer/football club simply for the saturation of other clubs in surrounding inner city Auckland. Good thing to note is that the council know of our intentions for a new building. We simply need this and as a community sports club we definitely deserve it -just ask any of our 600+ strong club members!

As trialled in 2014 was the alcohol free club policy where the Richmond club became the only Fox Memorial club in 2014 to operate without a single sale of alcohol. We have had great response from various organizations and certain community minded people this year. It has been a successful year with no complaints at all from the local residents and surrounding communities. We have taken feedback as a Board from our club members and have found that there is one element missing from our club -the social aspect of joining your mates, members and supporters in our club house for a beverage or two. So as a Board we have agreed to controlled bar opening hours from 4.00pm until 9.00pm in 2015. It has been a worthwhile trial as we encourage all club members, supporters and players to take more responsibility with alcohol when at our club room. So to re-confirm we will be opening our club bar in the 2015 season ONLY on Saturdays from 4.00pm to 9.00pm. If you are interested in knowing more about becoming apart of the Richmond club as the bar manager then please contact us.

I would like to thank all our 2014 major sponsors: LJ Hooker Ponsonby (Steve Glucina), Waterview Laundromat (Divesh Kumar), Giltrap Prestige BMW (Tony Coutinho), Shamrock Reroofing (Brendan McLoughlin), Grey Lynn Tavern (Grant Tulloch) and Peter Fell Concrete (Peter Fell). The great support we have had from the Waitemata Local Board, Grey Lynn Business Association and local businesses such as The Surrey Hotel, Kwik N Ezy Canopy and Mr Whippy has been outstanding. Without your support in 2014 we would not have been in a position to cater to and cater for our Richmond Premier grade team, Richmond Academy and overall club. If you would like more information on 2015 sponsorship then please contact us. Thank you!

Lastly, our Richmond Senior Prize Giving is on this Saturday 27th September at Mahurehure Cultural Marae, 73 Premier St Pt Chevalier. Please contact us if you require tickets or players please see your team manager.

All the best for the remaining year! Go the mighty Richmond Rovers!

Richmond Rovers rugby league is proud to announce that Shamrock Reroofing Ltd, one of Auckland’s leading roofing companies, has committed to a one year partnership with the Richmond Rovers rugby league club as a club sponsor.

Shamrock Reroofing, an Auckland-based company, has come on board as one of the club’s Key Sponsors for this season. The 2014 season kicks off on Saturday 5 April.

Richmond Chairman, Gus Fepuleai, says the future development of the sport lies in raising the specific skills and teamwork of young footballers in the community and securing the right sponsorship partner is crucial to delivering this.

“The partnership with Shamrock Reroofing provides critical support for our club programmes that will have a long-lasting effect on both senior and junior rugby league at Richmond Rovers,” says Mr Fepuleai.

Shamrock Reroofing owner, Brendan McLoughlin, is thrilled the company is able to support the inner Auckland city based club.

“It’s great to be able to support the community in a new way”, says Mr McLoughlin.

“Shamrock Reroofing staff work day and night with the motivation to get the job done as it should be done. The sponsorship is a wonderful opportunity to help keep young people in our community playing a sport they love and support Richmond’s goal of rising to the top of the Fox Memorial again.  The history of Richmond Rovers is immense, and being of Irish origins myself, I particularly like that the membership of this club in its first few decades was predominantly Irish workers who dominated Rugby League in Auckland.  No other club has produced as many Kiwis in New Zealand, and for 7 Richmond players to take the field for New Zealand in a test match is truly amazing.  The success of Richmond Rovers over the last 100 years links very well with the success of Shamrock Reroofing Ltd”.

Giltrap VW today announced a major sponsorship deal to support the Richmond Rovers Rugby League club in Grey Lynn.

Giltrap VW Manager Lee Small said as a proud supporter of the community, the sponsorship of Richmond Rovers Rugby League club is a perfect fit for Giltrap VW.

“There is no more popular sport in Auckland than Rugby League, particularly among the families that Giltrap VW aims to support and protect,” he said.

“This sponsorship is an exciting opportunity for Giltrap VW to support Richmond Rugby League at the grass roots level.”

Giltrap VW’s new partnership with the Richmond Rovers Rugby League club includes major sponsorship of the Premier team. 

Richmond Chairman, Mr Gus Fepuleai said: “We are honoured to have a company like Giltrap VW join our sponsor family. “Their sponsorship encompasses all levels of Richmond Rovers Rugby League from schoolboys right through to the Premier grade team.

“Partnerships like this one will help further strengthen Rugby League’s place as the premier sporting code in Auckland.”

As part of the sponsorship the Richmond Premier team, the Giltrap VW logo will appear on the sleeves of the Richmond Premier team.

“Rugby League is an important part of the community and enjoyed by families across Auckland city, which is why we are proud to take up this sponsorship,” Mr Small said.

Dear Richmond supporters,

It has been a week since the announcement of our Club’s 2014 Alcohol Free policy and I am so excited and really looking forward to the year ahead after receiving numerous positive feedbacks about the move. After 12 months we will really know how successful this positive and new initiative is. To be fair you can find alcohol anywhere these days if you want some. Note please that we have kept our Bar license open until 2015 for the concerned few. As I mentioned time after time that, if you continue to do the same thing every year you will always end up with the same result. So, as a forward thinking sports club, let’s all get going, remain supportive and move on to more exciting things happening this year. 

Firstly, let’s all get down and support our Richmond Premier Team who are finally competing in the 2014 Fox Memorial Shield competition where we should have been in the first place. The Coach, staff and the players have done the hard work during summer and are rearing to go! The Richmond Board and our whole Club have really got behind our top team this year securing some excellent sponsors for the club. We have a great group of players including new Premier 1st coach Luisa Avaiki’s players who will be great back-up for our top team. We have some young players coming through the grade as well and we are all excited about their campaigns this year. 

As a club we are also very proud that the Fox Memorial Launch this year was held at our club rooms last Friday 28 March by the Auckland Rugby League. I call on all other Richmond senior teams plus the Roses to get their teams organized and have a great year ahead. Check out some of the images from the night on our club website Photo Gallery.

Best Regards,

Gus Fepuleai
Chairman RRRLFC
021 08369836

Richmond Rovers announce Waterview Superette & Laundromat as a major sponsor.

The Richmond Rovers Rugby League club has today announced an exciting new alliance with Waterview Superette & Laundromat coming on board as a major sponsor of the Richmond Rovers.

Waterview Superette & Laundromat, who have a historic relationship with Richmond Rovers rugby league stretching back over many years, have signed a new one year agreement that will see the Richmond’s Premier team proudly sporting the Waterview Superette & Laundromat logo on the back of the Richmond Premiers playing shorts.

Richmond Chairman Gus Fepuleai stated, ‘’We are delighted to join forces with an iconic Auckland business such as Waterview Superette & Laundromat and thrilled that they have committed to being associated with the Richmond Premiers in their Fox Memorial Shield competition quest.”

The Richmond Rovers club has been a part of the Auckland’s fabric for over 100 years, with Waterview Superette & Laundromat on board this commitment clearly highlights Waterview Superette & Laundromat’s loyalty to the region and its premier sporting code.

 Waterview Superette & Laundromat Business Manager, Divesh Kumar noted the sponsorship further cemented Waterview Superette & Laundromat’s commitment to the region and would help grow awareness of the brand across Auckland.

 “As Waterview Superette & Laundromat’s local supplier for everyday goods and laundry services we’re passionate about our community and making it a strong, vibrant place for us all to live in. Our sponsorship of the Richmond Rovers club and Premier team is proof of this commitment.”

 “We’ve been the sponsor of the Richmond Rovers Junior club in recent seasons so sponsoring the Richmond Premiers really was a natural progression. We’re proud to be associated with a strong performing organisation like the Richmond Rovers Rugby League club and we’re looking forward to

cheering on our team this season.” Divesh Kumar further stated. 

Auckland Rugby League club the Richmond Rovers today announced that LJ Hooker (Ponsonby) has signed on as a major sponsor for the 2014 season.

The partnership complements the real estate’s relationship with Richmond brand ambassador Karl Simeti who is poised to play his first grade season as captain of a Fox Memorial first division team. It also builds on the company’s role as preferred real estate agent for the local Grey Lynn, Ponsonby and Western Springs area which many club members reside in.

Announcing the sponsorship, owner Steven Glucina said backing the Richmond club was a great alignment for the real estate agent where Glucina has been major sponsor of the 2011-2012 Richmond Junior Academy and Richmond’s 2013 Championship Under 20s.

“Through our partnership with Richmond, the LJ Hooker (Ponsonby) logo will appear on the Premier team’s playing jerseys, as well as other official team apparel and ground signage at Grey Lynn Park for the 2014 season,” Mr Glucina said.

Richmond club members and supporters can also expect to see plenty of the LJ Hooker (Ponsonby) brand during the season. As a long-time sponsor of sports across Auckland, LJ Hooker (Ponsonby)is known for supporting and enhancing spectator and fan experience.

Richmond Chairman Gus Fepuleai said he was delighted to welcome LJ Hooker (Ponsonby) to the sponsor family.

“The LJ Hooker (Ponsonby) partnership is a significant 2014 sponsorship agreement for the Richmond club and we welcome them to the sponsor family. The LJ Hooker (Ponsonby) brand will take pride of place on both our playing and training apparel,” Mr Fepuleai said.

“They join us at an exciting time in the evolution of the Richmond Rovers club on and off the field and we look forward to a successful future together.”

Our Richmond Rovers Rugby League Club wants to extend our sincere thanks to STEVE GLUCINA of L.J. HOOKER for his continuous support for our Grey Lynn based Club.

Steve's continuous support for our Richmond Junior Academy has been overwhelming over the last 2 years, and he has extended himself again to become apart of our Major Sponsors for our Club and our Premiers Fox Campaign this Season. 

Please support him and his business anytime if you know of anyone selling and buying a property in the Ponsonby or the Grey Lynn Area. 

Contact L.J.Hooker ( Ponsonby Road on 09 3767530 or email: [email protected]

Thank you so much to the wonderful people who have provided much support and positive feedback about our Richmond rugby league club policy to go alcohol free. 

Click the following link for a copy of the RadioNZ publicity our humble club have received in support of this initiative:  
http://podcast.radionz.co.nz/ntn/ntn-20140417-0940-alcohol_ban_at_an_auckland_rugby_league_club-00.ogg

Click here for a video on National TVs Seven Sharp: http://tvnz.co.nz/seven-sharp/blokes-balls-and-beersies-na-mate-video-5898660

See below for a range of comments. Again, thank you for your support and we hope to see you down Grey Lynn Park in the near future.

K Smith 
Congrats! This is fantastic not only for the men and the club but the families as well. 

K Vaatuitui
I like to congratulate the Richmond club for the way its going its a good feeling to know the club being part of my life since i was 12 yrs old remember mud soft drinks in the 70s n the centre of the universe for us kids go the the bulldogs. I'm proud to know the club is even better now than ever before. It is giving all the young kids an opportunity to better themselves and lead to better lives for them and the future. I'm fortunate enough to be where I am but I had to work very hard. So to those kids that come through the club, if they work hard enough they should bear the fruit of success and live wonderful lives. God bless

K Hanara
Gus you're a legend. You can do it. For the kids.

C Spoors
Glad you're getting rid of the booze. But don't substitute it with sugar ridden fizzy drinks..they're equally unhealthy! Good luck

Anonymous
A bold move by the committee and members of my beloved Richmond Rovers RLFC - so proud of the leadership and commitment made - many years from now this will be seen as a milestone for the club and the game.

S Kuegler
Hi, On behalf of my neighbors in Wallingford St we would all like to say thanks and congratulate you on the liquor free policy at the club. It has made our neighborhood so much more enjoyable to live in and we appreciate it. Regards. 

I am absolutely lost for words after being involved in and witnessing some memorable events and images of our beloved Richmond Rovers Club in Grand Final battle action over the weekend. It never seems to amaze me about the number of talented players and people in this proud club. Add that to the incredible support from our loyal and passionate families, volunteers, supporters and past players; we look forward to a bright future on and off the playing field! I am very proud of all our Richmond teams especially the Premiers which is our show piece marching on into the Fox Memorial Shield competition in 2014. I am very grateful for this great opportunity to be part of the Greatest Club in Rugby League History!...the Richmond Rovers.

Happy new year to you all and your families and thanks again for this opportunity for me to lead us through our Centenary year! I am humbled by it with a great sense of honour to take on this role with such pride for this great  club. I thank all those that were in our committee last year for their fantastic  efforts and dedication to make it a very successful 2012 for our Club and I look  forward to continue pushing through with this momentum!

Just a heads up for some important  matters we have to attend to when everyone is back from holiday....
1. Confirmations of Committee Structure and further appointments for vacant positions
2. Sponsorship Committee to meet with Seniors Coaching Staff and Management regarding Sponsors etc.
3. For me to arrange a meeting with 2012 committee members with the hope that they will continue with the Club in 2013.

Finally, please let us know about anyone else like that want to be involved with the committee or 100 year centennial celebrations this year.

Happy Holidays and stay safe
Gus