TVRU Staff News !!
It is with a mixture of pride, sadness, and immense gratitude that we announce that our very own Scottie Day will be finishing with the Thames Valley Rugby Union (TVRU) at the end of February. While we are incredibly disappointed to lose him, we are equally thrilled for the next chapter in his rugby journey as he takes up an exciting opportunity with Waikato Rugby, continuing to grow and challenge himself at the next level.
Across his years with TVRU, Scott has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the growth of the game. His leadership in community rugby, passion for development initiatives, and role in pioneering competitions have left a meaningful and lasting impact on the union, the clubs, and the communities we serve. The TVRU Chief Executive said, “We are losing one of the great humans, but we are also extremely proud and excited for what is ahead for him. Nobody externally will ever know the challenges, the good, the bad, and the ugly that Scott (Day)and I have been through in recent years, but that camaraderie is something that won’t be forgotten. The fact that he never changes who he is or how he does things is a credit to him and his family. We will not only lose Scott, but also a very supportive wife in Tyla, who, to be fair, will probably be missed more than Scott.”
During his time with the union, Scott has served in multiple roles, including Head of Community Rugby (August 2022 – present), Rugby Development Officer (2019–2022), Assistant Manager of the Swampfoxes, Northern Regions Rugby Delegate, and more. His fingerprints can be found on nearly every modern community rugby initiative in the Valley.
Scott has contributed immensely to our growth, helping to launch the inaugural TVRU Women’s Club of Origin Competition, strengthening community rugby culture and participation to record levels, and supporting club development and coaching pathways, which have resulted in exceptional senior numbers and team growth.
He has been a consistent, positive ambassador for TVRU, embodying inclusion, community connection, and genuine passion for the game. His leadership has seen TVRU achieve new performance and participation records, all while guiding club and school rugby development, improving coaching structures, supporting volunteers, driving participation initiatives across every age group, and managing major community rugby events and competitions with a level of calm and competence that made it all look easy.
In Women’s Rugby, Scott played a major role in helping launch the historic inaugural Thames Valley Women’s Club of Origin Competition, the first club-based women’s competition in over 100 years. He has been clear about how proud he is to be part of that milestone. His work included consulting with all 11 clubs, designing structures that support new players and family-friendly scheduling, and helping ensure women across the region had accessible pathways to play the game.
His commitment to Club Development has been equally impressive, ensuring club needs were understood, communication lines stayed open, and solutions were designed to support the unique challenges of each community. In Culture Building, Scott promoted a shift toward a more inclusive, modern, family-friendly rugby environment, positively influencing how rugby feels and functions throughout the Valley. In Coaching and Participation, he improved coaching support, strengthened environments that welcome families and young players, and oversaw programmes that significantly grew junior, secondary school, and adult participation.
His communication, from updates to celebrations to acknowledgements, has consistently showcased the Valley with pride, professionalism, and genuine enthusiasm. In Rugby Operations, Scott has been instrumental in planning and coordinating development pathways, working closely with clubs, staff, volunteers, and schools. His operational leadership has been a key driver behind the Valley’s recent successes.
His Legacy & Impact will be felt for many years: a true advocate for new competitions and pathways, a champion for community rugby, and someone whosemindset, standards, and approach to connection and communication have shaped how TVRU operates. His ability to celebrate others, elevate volunteers, promote events, and encourage the growth of rugby has helped Thames Valley punch well above its weight.
Across his years with TVRU, Scott Day has demonstrated not just outstanding professional leadership but exceptional character. His passion for community, his care for people, and his courage to pursue new opportunities make him an inspiration to all of us. We will be watching proudly from the Valley as he takes his next step.
Good luck mate, Waikato are lucky to have you, and your TVRU whānau will always be cheering you on.
