New chiefs of Wellington rugby

Wellington rugby has unveiled a new chairman and president as well as a small deficit for the year.

After much hand-wringing last year, the Wellington Rugby Football Union announced an operating surplus of $286,969 for the year ended December 31, 2008, at its annual meeting last week.

However, the figure, which was before profit from associates, depreciation and taxation, while up on $237,883 in 2007, was tempered by a drop in income from associate company Union Projects, which provides signage at sports stadiums.

That fall was due to a $1 million investment in the Newtown training facility and higher depreciation in 2008.

When taken into account, it led the WRFU to post an overall deficit of $9731.

Wellington accountant Rhys Barlow, from Old Boys-University, replaces Colin Dallas as president, while Marist St Pat's Tony Duffin was elected chairman of the board. Duffin takes over from Joe Pope who has retired.

Northern United's Gary Poole was re-elected as deputy chairman and Old Boys-University's Peter Scott was elected as chairman of the rugby board.

- © Fairfax NZ News