Taking over from him will be player and committee member Jason Stuart who has been with the club for the past three seasons, having moved to the region for work.

Fleming said while he would be remaining on the committee, he was ready to stand aside and let someone else take the club forward.

"I feel proud and satisfied to hand over to Jason but with a caveat that, I've been the president of the club, but the health of the club both on and off the field can be attributed to the work of many more people than just me," he said.

"We've had a really good, enthusiastic and capable committee who have all contributed in many different ways, both big and small over the years to get the club in good shape and keep it in good shape.

"So I suppose I've been at the helm but had the support of lots and lots of really good and capable people that have made sure the club has done very well."

He said Stuart was the right man to take over the role and continue the club's success into the future.

"He's the perfect man for the job, I think he's going to do a terrific job of carrying the club forward and he will have the support of many of the same people I had over my time," he said.

"He's a really good replacement for me and he'll have the benefit of a good team behind him as well.

"He has also been a great support to me over the last few years, he's taking the job on after a few years on the committee and he's taking the job on with that experience.

"So I think he is a very, very suitable and capable replacement for me."

Fleming said there had been many amazing moments over the years but a major highlight had been the club's 50^th anniversary in 2019.

"It was a really good illustration of what time at the club means to and has meant to so many people," he said.

"It was really clearly on display on that day when we had many, many more people than we initially anticipated come back to celebrate the 50 years and their time at the club.

"I think that was, and again we had a good team to pull all that together, but it was really a highlight to celebrate that occasion in the way we did and have so many people wanting to celebrate."

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He said he was now looking forward to seeing where the club headed and focusing on his playing performance.

"It's a bit tongue in cheek but I'll see how I go," he said.

"I am looking forward to continuing my association with the club in a few forms, both playing and committee.

"It is exciting times ahead, we're trying to pull together a women's side, there's whispers of new players joining the club, so we are excited about what next year and years to come will bring.

"There's lots of momentum in our club and our comp and we expect that to continue.

"It's been an absolute pleasure and a privilege to be the president for 10 years and I reflect and look back on my time very fondly.

"All the things the club has done and achieved and all the friendships and relationships I've made with people over that time.

"Like so many others, it will be a very special time in my life, my close association with the Boorowa Rugby Club and I thank the club for that and wish it all the best."

In taking over the role Stuart thanked Fleming for the effort he had put in over the years.

"Justin has been the driving force behind Boorowa Rugby Club for the past 10 years," he said.

"As President, he has overseen a successful change from the Monaro competition to the Oilsplus South West competition, seen a new clubhouse and facilities built at our home ground, raised over $100,000 for various charities, increased our sponsorship and organised our 50th anniversary of the club in 2019.

"Throughout all of his time as President, he has ensured that our club remained a place where everyone was welcome, and all players, members and supporters were known and appreciated.

"He knows that the value of a country rugby club is not just the performances on the field, but the good times off it.

"Boorowa Rugby Club is in the successful position it is now thanks to Justin, his hard work, commitment and attitude."

He said he had decided to take on the role after discussions with Fleming as his Vice President in 2021.

"I've played the last three seasons, but I'm pretty old, slow, unskilled and soft, so I thought the best way to contribute is to get on the club committee," he said.

"I'd spoken to Justin and found out he was planning to step down for 2022 and focus on his playing career and, with him putting the club in such good shape, I happily put my hand up.

"I am certainly glad Justin will still be a committee member though.

"Our committee as a whole, and especially Steph Corcoran (Secretary), Marty Corcoran (Treasurer) are tireless workers, and they ensure everything runs smoothly for the club year round.

"Working with everyone will be a great experience, and hopefully we can continue the success of the club in 2022.

"We've also elected a new Vice President in Jeremy Dreverman, who I know well and know will do an outstanding job."

Stuart said he was excited by the opportunities presented to him by the new role.

"We're looking to continue to build on the past three seasons since we joined the South West Competition," he said.

"It's a great comp that is tough, but also based on good blokes and having a bunch of beers after games.

"It's known that Boorowa hosts great home games, both in atmosphere at the ground, but also through our major sponsor Mike Ward at the Boorowa Hotel for our after match functions and dinners.

"I am looking forward to the challenge of getting a Women's 10s Rugby Team going, it's the first time we've attempted it, and we're looking for plenty of numbers to sign up and get involved.

"We also host the Boorowa Beer and Rugby Festival on Saturday, March 26, for Men's 15s and Women's 10s, which is a huge event that has been dramatically impacted by COVID the past two years, so we're looking forward to that.

"As with every club, I'm excited for the chance for the club to lift the premiership shield on grand final day, and we've definitely got the squad for that to happen."

He said the feeling around the club continued to be great and was looking forward to the new year.

"We've only lost a couple of players that have moved away, and a few of our stalwarts are still sitting on the fence about putting the boots on next year, but I'm hoping once training starts, they'll get the itch," he said.

"We've got a great mix of young talent and quality experience across the squad, with a coaching and management staff second to none, so we'll once again give the comp a good shake.

"At one stage we had 30 active players in the men's team last year, so numbers are strong and the feeling around the club is great.

"If any men or women are keen to get involved, please get in contact through the club's Facebook page or call into the Boorowa Hotel and say g'day."

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