Shield attracts supporters

Press, 4 May 1984, Page 16

Shield attracts supporters

When delegates representing more than 4000 rugby supporters held their national conference in Westport last week-end, it was obvious from reports that club membership fluctuates with the fortunes of representative teams.

The Ranfurly Shield holder, Canterbury, has the most supporters. The club closed its membership at 1000 in just three weeks. It recently applied for an extended liquor licence to help reduce after-match overcrowding.

The second largest club represented in Westport was Manawatu, which has about 800 members. A year ago the club lost its facilities, .furniture and equipment when the Palmerston North Showgrounds grandstand burnt down. Since then the clubrooms have been in a cattle pavilion (with a 40ft stud) which doesn’t qualify for a liquor licence. A new grandstand is not expected for two years.

The Wellington Rugby Supporters Club has 450 members. Last year the Wellington team boasted six All Blacks. This year the team is in the process of rebuilding and the club is keen to keep its members during this phase. Auckland, North Auckland and Waikato clubs have about 400 members each. Auckland’s membership is limited by the club’s liquor licence. There are 300 people on the waiting list, some of whom have been there for three years. The club has plans to extend its facilities. North Auckland’s membership has fallen from about 500 two years ago, but 400’is an optimum number for the club’s facilities. Waikato had about 600 members when it held the Ranfurly Shield. There are now about 300 members, plus 100 people who have paid $lOO each for life membership. South Canterbury (180),

Buller (15) and West Coast (50), were the smallest clubs represented at the conference.

South Canterbury had not sought members because it lacked facilities, but plans are now underway for accommodation and a liquor licence. The Seddon Shield holder, Buller, hopes the shield will mean a big upsurge in interest. Buller also has a challenge for the Ranfurly Shield this year and a trainload of 340 people will travel to Christchurch for the game. The West Coast club is at a low ebb and has had problems getting members to attend meetings. Like Buller, the club is based at a local hotel.