By Gary Nichols
THERE is a buzz of excitement around the Grafton Redmen camp heading into the 2022 rugby union season.
A new president at the helm, a shift in zones, a new major sponsor and a long-term plan to diversify and strengthen player numbers has been the focal point pre-season.
First grade scrum-half and self-confessed rugby tragic Dom Bullock has been named as president, and already, along with the Redmen committee, the future looks bright for a club steeped in tradition.
After competing in the Far North Coast Zone competition the past three years, the club has decided to return to the Mid North Coast and, according to Bullock, it was the best option for the ongoing future of the Redmen.
“There has been a really positive reaction all-round,” Bullock said.
“When we made the decision to move to the Mid North Coast it was based on positive rugby reasons.
“We needed to help build the game and culture within Grafton and the club. Far North Coast had no issues with the move after we laid out our plans.
“We struggled with numbers last year and had to play in the President’s Cup for the first time in the club’s history.
“Talking to representatives from the Mid North Coast they are excited to have us back. It gives us an opportunity to merge with the juniors and field more teams.”
After fielding a men’s and women’s side in the northern competition, Grafton are hoping to increase numbers and more importantly put a healthy junior system in place.
“At this stage we are looking at nominating a firsts, seconds, under-18s and a senior women’s,” Bullock said.
“The under-18 boys are currently training with the firsts and seconds and we also have interest in under-14 and 16 girls who train with our senior women on Tuesday and Thursday nights.
“Numbers at training have been positive. There are new faces and some old ones… but more the merrier.”
The Redmen have also unveiled the Crown Hotel as their major sponsor for the 2022 season and according to Bullock, it’s a perfect match.
“We approached Charlie from the North Coast Hotel Group and they agreed to be our major sponsor,” he said.
“It was evident from the start Charlie has really good values and ideals that fit with our club and the way we want to head in the future. Not only that, it’s also the best venue in town in terms of position.”
