CLUB PRESIDENT INTERVIEW

RugbySA - August Issue - 1997

PRESIDENT'S POINT OF VIEW

The third interview in this series is with Mr Hamish Cranna, the President of Old Collegians.
Hamish has been in this position for the 1995, 1996 and 1997 seasons.

RugbySA How do you feel being President of a Club celebrating its 60th year?
HC It is on honour in normal circumstances - but even more so in this special year.

RugbySA How is the Club travelling?
HC Very solid in administration, finance, and playing numbers. I am very happy with our junior playing standards.

RugbySA The Senior grades have not won a premiership for a while. Does the on-field performance concern you?
HC Our players have the same capabilities as their opposition. We have some catching up to do in the areas of team spirit, concentration for a game's 80 minutes, and will to win when it matters.

RugbySA What changes have pleased you most during your tenure?
HC The improvement in the junior standards; the establishment of our women's team; better Rugby facilities (ie ground, drainage, training equipment). The Club was in the red 3 years ago. It now generates a profit.

RughySA Old Collegians fields sides in all ages and Divisions - unlike some other clubs - what is the problem out there?
HC We have identified 95 separate job responsibilities associated with running a Club like ours. I think some other Clubs struggle to find the right number of adequate people to service the tasks at hand.

RugbySA What has Old Collegians got to do to emulate the consistent success of Brighton?
HC Brighton's success was the 'blueprint' I set out to match. We have achieved this administratively, and our Senior grade results will reflect this in the coming years. Whilst I dearly love to beat them, I have the utmost respect for them as a Club.

RugbySA What is the future of Rugby in SA?
HC Our competition can only support 8 Clubs, each with 3 Senior Grades. These Clubs must have a full complement of Juniors. Any Club not capable of doing this should merge, or die - they surely will in the near future.

RugbySA Someone recently suggested Old Collegians could merge with University RUFC - would that be a good move for
both Clubs and the game?
HC University has 3 senior sides - they are a strong Club. A benefit may be their promising players play 1st Grade for us
and we exchange players with them to fill the gaps.

RugbySA What are your thoughts on Women's Rugby?
HC Initially I was sceptical. I am now a convert. I believe our women's players are as committed as our men at training and playing. They are now very much a part of this Club's fabric.

RughySA A 'College' junior has just made the Australian First Division Under 16 team - is this a first for Old Collegians?|
HC We had a Wallaby play out of this Club - Rod Houser played 17 Tests at scrum 1/2. Michael Raymond was a Div. II representative 1981-1983. We are delighted and proud of Brock. We were also thrilled during our 60th year celebration week to learn that 2 of our girls - Sandi Jenni and Laura Giaretto were selected in the Australian women's squad.

RugbySA If you had your time again - what would you do differently?
HC Bring in 14 more Gavin Pfisters (joke). I would spend more time coming to grips with the motivation factor amongst Old Collegians senior players. It has been said that if parties win premierships - we would be unbeatable. I wish the on-field performances matched this standard of socialising. We need to toughen up for the games that matter.

RugbySA Anything else?
HC It is a distinct advantage for anyone contemplating being a Club President to be single. As a career path it has heart attack written all over it. If you wish to stay happily married - I suggest an early morning paper run.