Rugby: Union reveals its latest vision

Bay of Plenty chief executive Mike Rogers has released the draft strategic plan for the next three years. Photo / File

Those resistant to jargon and corporate speak would do well to avoid the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union's new strategic plan for 2015-2017.

A release announcing the formation of the plan trumpets it as a "new vision and purpose", but in reality the plan essentially appears to repeat much of what has gone before.

The vision - "Baywide BayPride" - seeks to unify and inspire the Bay of Plenty.

The mission - to foster, administer and encourage rugby and supporters of rugby throughout the district at all levels - essentially means the same thing.

Chief executive Mike Rogers trumpeted the new plan as one built on strong consultation.

"We started this process in May this year and have been mindful throughout that it is a plan for our community," he wrote in a release.

"Overall there were over 300 individuals involved in this process ranging from coaches, referees, players, BOPRU staff and representatives from clubs and schools." The four main objectives are growing sustainable income, strengthening the community game, improving representative team success and expanding the game.

Importantly, in the wake of discord between sub-union partners concerning next season's senior competitions, the plan includes a pledge to support the entire region.

"We aligned much of the plan with New Zealand Rugby. We needed to consider our own regional priorities including how we support the Eastern and Central Bay of Plenty as well as maximizing the growth opportunities in the Western Bay of Plenty.

"We wanted to continue with the tried and true but also be prepared to be innovative and creative to deal with an ever changing population make up in Bay of Plenty as well as a shift in how people like to participate in sport. The new strategic plan offers a clear path forward. As always, time will show the success of our tactics." The consultation process will continue over the coming months, with the final plan to be presented at the union's AGM in March.