“People's expectations have changed and so we strive to be welcoming and fair, to ensure that all of our coaches are trained, and to provide a safer game in regard to conditioning and role modelling on the sidelines, within clubs and so on.
“The union takes responsibility for that because we're a support system for our members — we do what they need us to do, adapt — and being a small provincial union, our staff have to wear a number of hats and do things outside of their job description.
We also have many good, trusted people volunteering, who can agree to disagree on different things.
“Everyone wants a fair crack on a level playing field.
“There's been a big shift in the way decisions are made, with a better understanding of governance, which is where the Junior Advisory Board and Council of Clubs come in.
“It's our job to get as much information as we can in front of them and ensure that there's integrity in our processes and competitions.”
Poverty Bay Rugby had strengthened its relationships with the rugby community, including Gisborne Boys' High School, who allowed Poverty Bay to play a first-class game at the Rectory last year against third-placed Horowhenua-Kapiti, when Poverty Bay wore pink for women in rugby.
“We've also improved our relationship with the Poverty Bay Rugby Referees Association,” Willoughby said.
“They run, train and do what they do development-wise to support our game.
“In terms of initiatives, we've introduced the Charity Round, Town and Country, the exchange with Eastern Bay of Plenty, the Girls' Rippa Grades and the Turanga men's and women's Māori games at home and away.”
Willoughby speaks with passion about the challenges that Poverty Bay Rugby has faced — and overcome — in the past three years. He cites not being able to use the grandstand facility at Rugby Park for health and safety reasons.
Moves to make it available for use next year are well under way and he believes the rugby community will never take it for granted again.
In 2020, Poverty Bay Rugby decided to focus on achieving a full junior and senior club season in community rugby and the community game.
“It was a decision we made with the JAB and Council of Clubs, with representative games being the cherry on top,” Willoughby said.
“We had to make schedules work, 100-person bubbles work, seven bubbles work for club finals — and everyone complied.
“We and Horowhenua-Kapiti were the only unions to grow participation numbers in 2020, and the first games of rugby in the country after lock down were the Courage Cup games played here.”
In terms of representative highlights for Poverty Bay Rugby, having a 100-percent-local policy to provide opportunities for players, and the community reaching its potential, were up there.
And getting to take Sir Michael Jones up to Ruatoria on Queen's Birthday last year was a personal highlight. He was a hero of the young Josh Willoughby.
“We're so lucky to have great partners such as Civil Project Solutions and Bayleys. With their support, we've been able to get 1000 balls out to young players every year.”
Willoughby knows what's meant the most to him, in terms of job satisfaction, over the past five years.
“The greatest part has been seeing the impact that your work has in the community, and seeing that sport can motivate, unite, inspire and have a positive impact on community outcomes,” he said.
“To my mind, the role of chief executive officer should turn over regularly, every five years or so. The job attracts good candidates, as it's advertised nationally and overseas.
“Our office manager Karen Bryant is the rock of this organisation, and we have a great team. They have my trust, my confidence, and I believe there's room for improvement.
“It's great to lead a provincial union because every day is different. Some days go to plan, some don't — you do what's required. It's a privilege. I've got an incredible appreciation for everyone involved in the game locally.”
In terms of what comes next for Willoughby, partner Tineille and children Celia, Charlotte and Alfie, the word is: “I have a few options in front of me but we're looking to remain in Gisborne. After October, I'll still be connected to the union as a member of the grandstand development committee.
“We've got no reason to leave.”
