The Auckland Marist Old Boys Rugby Club have a rich history and are working hard to ensure the future is just as successful.

Andrew Va’a, General Manager of the club, said that the focus strengthening the club from the ground up.

This year we are nurturing an environment of professionalism and setting the bar high in terms of commitment, expectation, performance and behaviour.

While the Premier results to date have been below expectation, their premier women are undefeated, their Under 20s sitting in second and premier development are on track to make the top eight.

“I guess the obvious thing that sticks out to outsiders is the premier results but that’s not how we measure our success as a club,” he said.

“We expected it to be honest because we have new coaches and players, we are focusing on changing mindsets.”

Va’a said the club is in the second year of a five year plan, with last year focused on building a culture and attitude within the club.

“We had a good response, we thrived that the players bought into what we were doing.”

And it’s more than just the players, Va’a said the club has spent a lot of time on making sure the clubhouse was welcoming to all members. A recent restructure has meant club employees are spending more time in schools and developing coaches.

“We are heading in a positive direction,” said Va’a

“The measure of success for us is having a thriving, sustainable club; that is what we are after.”