Sport
24 October, 2025
Neeves named as new head of Western Plains Rugby Union
Gilgandra's Shire Council's general manager, David Neeves has been elected as president of Western Plains Rugby Union.
In a significant announcement for the 15-player code in the local area, David Neeves was elected unopposed as president of Western Plains Rugby Union (WPRU) at the organisation’s annual general meeting on Saturday, October 11 at Nevertire.
Neeves, the general manager of Gilgandra Shire Council, will bring a local flavour to the WPRU board with Gulargambone Rugby Union Club representation.
He replaces outgoing WPRU president Tom Cullen, who was in the role for three years.
“It’s been a while since Gular Rugby rep has held an executive on the board, so I’m looking forward to building on the good work of the previous boards,” Neeves said in statement prepared by WPRU.
“Community sports is essential in maintaining wellbeing in our rural communities.
“Sport builds community spirit, so I feel it’s very important people contribute to help run sporting organisations particularly in the bush.”
Cullen, from Coonamble, said he enjoyed his time as WPRU president, but it was time to move on from the top role.
“Whilst it’s been a great journey overseeing the continued development of Western Plains Rugby Union, it was time to stand down and I intend to focus my energies coaching in 2026,” Cullen said in the statement.
All clubs were represented at the annual general meeting with the Cobar Camels signalling their intention to rejoin the men’s competition in 2026.
The WPRU board also welcomes back Ange Hanigan as secretary and Brent Barwick as treasurer, both re-elected unopposed.
Fi Bowden from Bourke was re-elected as a vice-president. Rob Kennedy from Nyngan was elected to his first term as the other vice-president.
WPRU commented in its statement that the Western Plains board is well-represented from most teams within the zone.
