Last Saturday 10th December, the newly appointed members of the Raglan Rugby Sports Club Committee invited the wider community to their Whanau Day held at the rugby grounds.

The new committee members, appointed mid-October at the annual general meeting, include Paul Gillett (president), John Rippey (vice president), Val Rippey (treasurer) and Noel Barber (secretary) along with six other members.

Along with organising the Whanau Day, the committee have been involved in refurbishing the interior of the club building. With a builder and painter on the committee, Noel Barber says that “ everyone has come together” to help out where they can.

Saturday was full of activity with around 200 people in attendance and with the sports tournaments, hangi, bouncy castle and car boot sale there was something for everyone to enjoy.

The highlight of the day, however, was the touch tournament, which had the crowds cheering on the sidelines as eight teams went head to head for the final prize.

The winner’s title was taken out on the day by team Harty Coast who won cash prizes and a voucher for a cruise on the Wahinemoe, kindly donated by Raglan Boat Charters.

The touch tournament finals were part of the existing touch modules that runs every Tuesday night at the club, an initiative “to get the community involved with the Rugby Club,” while exercising and having a bit of fun.

“I was stoked, everyone was over the moon, the touch alone saw about 100 people so it was an awesome day,” said Noel of the day’s success.

Looking ahead to next year, the committee are looking to run similar events like a one-day touch tournament and hope to invite the community for another activity filled day at the club.

The Raglan Rugby Sports Club would like to thank their sponsors and everyone for the support on the day, it was great to see all the families come down and enjoy themselves.