Mr Worboys is the son of a passionate rugby union man, Ron Worboys, who helped form the famed Wanderers club in Newcastle and was a team-mate in their first premiership-winning team with champion halfback, Cyril Burke.

Inevitably, Ron introduced his son to rugby early on, Bruce beginning at five years of age and continuing with an under-10 team for five seasons.

Bruce eventually represented the Far North Coast and Mid North Coast Zones at NSW Country carnivals as a 100kg breakaway and loose-head prop.

A resident of Coffs Harbour, Mr Worboys has succeeded Bob Wilson after his distinguished decade as executive officer of the Mid North Coast Zone, a term of office Mr Wilson described as "a good ride".

"I have met so many great people, always the way in the rugby world," Mr Wilson said.

"The game has changed both on and off the field, especially off the field, with so many rules, regulations and guidelines for players, clubs and officials.

"These must be administered so that if something unexpected happens no legal action is taken.

"Our 'Axemen's' Rugby is very strong. The zone won the Richardson Shield at the NSW Country Championships in 2017 and our women's rugby is developing pleasingly. At both senior and junior levels, the zone is in a very sound position, better than other zones.

"It is strong because we have so many splendid club volunteers as well as a very proactive board of directors and excellent presidents.

"I suggested several years ago that each director have a portfolio, which made him accountable in his position as a member of the MNC Board. This move has proved most successful."

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr Wilson described the 2020 season as "the most disrupted season in our history".

Nevertheless, the winter produced one of the Lower Mid North Coast's most competitive premierships as the Manning River Ratz claimed their initial triumph under coaches Jacob Maurirere and Danial Stone and the astute presidency of Jim Boyce and his industrious club committee.

One of Bruce Worboys' priorities in his first term will be to ensure that prominent clubs such as the Forster Tuncurry Dolphins in the Lower MNC premiership and the Hastings Valley Vikings, Port Pirates and Kempsey Cannonballs return to action in the Upper MNC after all stood down from this year's premierships due to the pandemic.

The Dolphins announced their intentions this week by advertising for men's and women's team coaches next winter following their decision to stand down from this year's competition.

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