New club rugby manager following his passion

After 17 years as a senior biosecurity officer for Environment Southland, Keith Crothers was looking for a change.

What better way to leap to his next challenge than to find employment through one of his passions – that passion being rugby.

Last month Crothers replaced the departed Tony Kelly as Rugby Southland's club rugby manager and referees' education officer.

Crothers isn't new to Rugby Southland, previously holding roles within the organisation on a voluntary basis, but now the former Blues club member will be calling some of the shots.

His key tasks will be to oversee the club rugby competitions and to oversee the refereeing side of the organisation.

Unlike Kelly, Crothers isn't a former referee so doesn't have the hands-on experience his predecessor had.

Crothers said referee numbers and the skill levels were strong in Southland at the moment and his task will be to work with key people in the referees association to maintain that.

When Kelly departed from the role he said one of the more difficult parts to the job was dealing with the high number of complaints from clubs, which took up most of his Monday mornings.

Crothers was well aware various clubs would have differing views on matters and regonised conflict management was all part of the position.

Crothers intends to get around as many club rugby venues as early as possible and meet as many club officials as he can during the early part of the season.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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