Rugby: Unison kingpin Danny Gough takes on board role

Unison Network's customer relations manager Danny Gough has taken on a HBRFU's director's role. Photo / File

Long-time Havelock North junior rugby dynamo Danny Gough has been appointed as a director of the Hawke's Bay Rugby Football Union board.

Gough, who is Unison Network's relationship manager, has been involved with rugby most of his life. He has been a player at premier level, a coach of junior representative rugby, is a current Hawke's Bay referee and a board member of the Hawke's Bay Rugby Referees Association. Gough was also instrumental in establishing and managing Unison's junior rugby sponsorship with the union.

"I'm passionate about the sport and I'm looking forward to contributing to a new era in Hawkes Bay rugby. Rugby has played a fundamental role in my own development," Gough said.

"It mirrors life in a lot of ways. You learn how to work with and influence people, how to accept defeat gracefully, and how to celebrate the wins. I feel privileged to have the chance to give back to a sport that has given me so much."

Gough believed challenging, but exciting times lie ahead for the code in the Bay.

"We have seen significant change over the past 12 months, with several new key appointments, including a new CEO, Magpies coaches and a number of new directors.

"I think the HBRFU should be applauded for the way it has tackled the change and responded to some of the criticism from its stakeholders. I am looking forward to helping position the sport in Hawke's Bay for the future," Gough said.

Gough believed for Hawke's Bay rugby to thrive at the grassroots, the province's flagship team, the Magpies, must be performing at the top of their game in the Mitre 10 Cup.

"Having successful Magpies will help to develop and inspire talent from a young age. We must create the best environment possible for our junior players to develop their genuine passion for the game well into their adult years."

Union chairman Brendan Mahony pointed out Gough will play a key role in one of the union's major challenges - working with clubs, schools and referees to help them boost and retain player numbers and volunteers.

"One of Danny's key strengths is his ability to work constructively with people from all walks of life. He has proven ability in building relationships and will be working hard to bring our stakeholders closer as well as improve communication."

Gough has been appointed for a three-year term. Reappointed for a further three years after joining the board in June last year is Mike Smith.

Gemco's financial director, Smith will continue in his role as the union's finance committee chairman. A former Napier Old Boys Marist premier player, Smith was the club's chairman for five years after a two-year stint as financial director.

During the 2016 and '17 seasons Smith was the co-manager of the Clive club's premier team. The 2017 season was the chartered accountant's fourth as manager of the Hawke's Bay Saracens team.

During this first meeting of the new board Mahony was re-elected unopposed as the chairman. Mahony has been on the board since 2004 and chairman since 2011.

Aotea's Mavis Mullins, who is tipped to be the union's chairwoman, was unanimously elected as deputy chairwoman for 2018. Like Smith, Mullins has been an independent director since June last year when she became the first female to be appointed to the board.

She is a grand-daughter of former Magpie Lui Paewai who played for the 1924 All Black Invincibles. When she was appointed to the board last year Mullins said she was prepared to remain on the board as long as the people needed her there.

"Whether it's two years or 10 years, I'm prepared to stay there as long as it takes to achieve what the people want me to achieve."