Rugby Southland has delivered a stunning financial turnaround, posting a $110,000 surplus after forecasting a $140,000 deficit at the start of 2025.
The union shared the results at its 139th Annual General Meeting last night, with CEO Hua Tamariki highlighting the achievement as one of the year's standout successes.
"To deliver a surplus of $110,000 after entering the year with an approved forecasted deficit of $140,000 is something our entire organisation can be proud of. It reflects disciplined management, strong commercial support, and the commitment of everyone at the union," Tamariki said.
The financial success came alongside growing community support, with game day attendance at SBS Bank Stags home games increasing by 19.7 percent. Digital engagement also surged, with up to 22 percent growth across all online platforms.
Chairman Murray Brown said the numbers reflected genuine community passion. "Seeing a 19.7 percent increase in game day attendance at SBS Bank Stags home games shows just how much pride Southlanders have in their team. That passion also carries through to our digital platforms, where we've seen up to 22 percent growth across all channels. The Stags remain a loved and relevant part of our community identity."
The union fielded around 11 representative teams in 2025, including the new Southland Metro team, which competed alongside Southland Country for the inaugural Tuppy Diack Shield against Otago.
The year's highlight came when the SBS Bank Stags lifted the Ranfurly Shield against Waikato. Brown praised the union's community engagement efforts that followed. "The effort of the union that followed – in delivering a compact but extraordinary community engagement effort – ensured that the Shield was shared widely and celebrated across Southland during its time in the province. That speaks volumes on the capability of our people and their passion for our team and our community."
Commercial partnerships also strengthened, with Tamariki noting progress with both existing and new sponsors. "We've strengthened partnerships with longstanding Southland businesses and funding operators, while also welcoming new partners into the Rugby Southland family. These relationships are vital - they allow us to invest back into our people, our programmes, and our community."
The union also promoted local coaching talent, elevating Scott Eade to Head Coach. "The elevation of Scott Eade to Head Coach demonstrates the value of developing local coaching talent. Scott's journey from grassroots to NPC level is exactly the kind of pathway we want to foster," Tamariki said.
Both leaders credited the broader rugby community for the year's success. "Our players, staff, volunteers, partners, and supporters are the backbone and enablers of everything we do. The successes of 2025 belong to all of them," Tamariki said.