Time right for new face to lead union

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

MARTY Davis has resigned as chief executive of the Poverty Bay Rugby Football Union.

“After 30 months in the role, with the commencement of a new season, I feel the time is right for a new face to lead the organisation,” he said in a statement to The Gisborne Herald.

Davis said it was “a reluctant decision” and he did not want to comment any further on it.

I consider it a great privilige to have worked with many fine people here.”

“It can’t be overstated the commitment and dedication of the staff to deliver rugby across the province and the many volunteers who keep the game strong in Poverty Bay.

“I must mention the development of the female game in Gisborne and the wonderful achievement in qualifying for the national sevens championships in Rotorua.

“That will remain a particular highlight, along with the improved coach development strategies implemented, which I remain confident will see growth in other grades in the coming years, resulting in improved performances for all representative teams in the future.”

Davis said he would continue to support Poverty Bay in the Heartland Championship this year and looked forward to a positive result in the Ranfurly Shield challenge in Taranaki on July 28.

Poverty Bay rugby union chairman George Brown said the board would like to acknowledge the good work of Davis in his time as chief executive “and would actively look to find a suitable replacement”.