Tough year for Otago rugby

Rugby Southland boss Roger Clark said times were just as tough as ever, as he juggled the union's financial books.

However, despite this it seems Southland is singing from a much sweeter-sounding song sheet at the moment than that of neighbours Otago.

It was revealed yesterday that the Otago Rugby Union had recorded a $764,000 loss for 2009.

That substantial loss follows a financial hit of $467,000 in 2008, $1.5 million loss in 2007 and $1.14 million loss in 2006.

Otago Rugby Union officials highlighted the recession, restrictions on access to gaming funding, and poor results on the field as key factors behind the financial hit.

Clark sympathised with Otago when agreeing that attracting sponsorship dollars at the moment was tough.

He also said the restrictions on the availability of gaming funding had had an impact on income revenue.

But, despite the tough financial battle, come mid-March Rugby Southland is expected to announce a significant surplus for the year 2009.

Clark said it was too early to release a figure yet but was willing to say it would be "a significant surplus".

Like the Otago Rugby Union, Rugby Southland has had its own financial problems.

However, with continued financial backing from community funders the Invercargill Licensing Trust and the Community Trust of Southland, Rugby Southland has been able to post much better results in the past two years.

Clark said positive results on the field from the players had also helped the union generate income.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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