Hi Onka Family,
One of the things I am wanting to do this year is to provide an update on what the committee is doing: the things we’re working on, what we have achieved and our focus points. It’s come to my attention that a lot of people don’t really know what the committee is up to and I thought this would be a great way to keep up communications.
As you may have seen on the Facebook page, we have started with our new committee in preparation for the 2026 Season. We’re still finding our feet, but we have been busy since the AGM, getting things in line for next year.
We have interviewed and assigned all our junior coaches, except for U18s and U7s, which we hope to announce soon with Seb working to set up a Junior Committee. With Chris stepping down as A grade coach to pursue some work opportunities we offer him a huge thanks for everything he has done for the club and are chasing up some options for a replacement coach who has some big shoes to fill.
We are also excited for the new U16s Girls comp which Rugby SA are hosting this year and are looking at getting a team organised.
We have been working with Rugby SA to finalise the draw for the year, and we have received the draw early this year, allowing us to look at our social calendar – which Grace, Troy and Daniel have been working on finalising. Heather has been chasing up lots of new sponsorship opportunities and working with our existing sponsors to see what we can do to better work with them.
Tracey and Mick have a few grant applications in process, including a big one for solar batteries which will greatly reduce our power costs. Ryan has organised upgrading our club internet, giving us a much faster connection and has set up a guest connection for member use. We're also looking into updating the club website.
Mooka has been working with the council on getting the potholes in the road fixed as well as some all the maintenance tasks around the club and grounds.
Kaedan has been set up as our treasurer, with access to all the accounts. A huge thanks to Sally for her massive effort in the role over the last few years.
Ollie has been looking into our new merchandise options for next year, including our Members Shirts, and Gemma is continuing with her awesome work in the Canteen, preparing meals for Thursday nights and passing her council check with flying colours.
I have been working on the important task of updating the Club Constitution. Because of recent changes to laws and regulations from the Department of Sports and Recreation, Rugby SA are updating their constitution and requesting all clubs to do the same. I have been working at keeping the same rules for the club, while fitting to the new template. As this develops, the new constitution as well as a list of any changes made, will come out for members to review and will be voted on in a Special Meeting to be called next year.
Currently going on at the club we have:
Tuesday night pre-season training – for all grades, and inclusive for U16s and U18s.
Sunday morning pre-season training – C grade led, but open to all
Thursday night Touch Football, and canteen meals.
Some of the junior grades, such as the U16s have also started training – so keep an eye on the Facebook page for details.
We have a great committee this year and I believe we are looking really good heading into the start of 2026.
If there are any questions feel free to give me a yell online or catch me when you see me down at the club.
Keir Puplett
President – Onkaparinga RUFC, 2025/2026