CLUB STATEMENT

As many of you will be aware, at 6pm on Friday August 5th 2016, Lindfield Senior Rugby Club was informed by the NSWSRU Integrity Committee that the club had been found to have breached the Amateur Status Policy. As a result, amongst other sanctions, Lindfield Senior Rugby Club will not be participating in any further rugby matches for the remainder of the 2016 Division 1 season.

In summary, the findings relate to a player who was remunerated $600 by a member of the Lindfield Committee from his own pocket and without the knowledge of the rest of Committee, to play three 2nd grade games and as a substitute in two 1st grade games.

The sanctions imposed are disappointing for all our players, supporters, sponsors and members of our community, particularly for those teams who were in contention to play finals footy this year. We deeply regret that these events have had such a devastating effect on our mates.

While we acknowledge the findings of the NSWSRU Integrity Committee, we would like to emphasise that the current Committee was unaware of the matters that have lead to this finding until recently. In light of the seriousness of the situation, the Committee considers it is in the best interests of the Club that they stand down to allow an interim board of experienced internal and external Lindfield community members to be formed and consider the best course of action moving forward.

Although the current LRU Committee considers the penalties handed down by the NSWSRU Integrity Committee are excessive and ought to be appealed, it will be up to the interim board to review and determine the most appropriate course of action in the coming days.

Lindfield Senior Rugby Club is proudly 97 years old, having been founded by Australian military servicemen returning home following World War One. This is a tough time for our club however we will come through this hardship stronger than ever. We appreciate everyone’s messages of support.

OLD SOLDIER.

Byron Stuntz
President