Wednesday, 02 June 2010 22:48
Team Talk 39 is now online.
Who scored the first ever try in Super Rugby?
Wellington Maori successfully defended the Hikaia Amohia Trophy at the "Te Tini a Maui" Maori Rugby Tournament held in Palmerston North on February 26 & 27.
This is played by provincial Maori teams from within the Hurricanes region.
Coached by former Maori All Black, Ray MacDonald and assisted by Rangi Kelly, the team was guided to an 11th title in the 24 year history of the competition.
On the Friday they won against Taranaki 59 - 21, and in the grand final on Saturday they faced a strong Manawatu side, holding on to win 25 - 23. Players to stand out for Wellington Maori over the two days were the hardworking Upper Hutt pair of lock James Measor and prop Apa Heemi. Leon Ellison (Norths) was in great form at fullback, and 2009 NZ U20 rep Frae Wilson (Wainuiomata) busy in his work. James Proctor (Oriental-Rongotai) was a tower of strength at first five, kicking goals and guiding the team round the park.
Next up for the Wellington Maori side is the September representative programme which will be announced before the end of this month.
Hutt Valley Competition
Rippa Rugby hit the Hutt Valley on Tuesday 9 March at Fraser Park with over 400 Year 5/6 kids attending the event. They dodged and ran all day, and were given Hurricane posters, tattoo's and a voucher from the Pirates Cove Mini golf. Also in action was the Hurricanes bouncy castle which took a pounding from continual use!
Winner on the day were:
o Cup Section - Silverstream School 1
o Plate Section - Wellesley School 1
o Shield Section - Pomare School 2
o Pool 4 - Te Ara Whanui Kura Kaupapa Maori
o Pool 5 - Trentham School
Wellington City Competition
32 teams from 13 schools round the Wellington city region formed a Hurricane by running around in the Year 5/6 & Year 7/8 Rippa Tournament held at Ian Galloway Park on March 2nd.
Perfect conditions were maintained until the kids ran riot on the fields and also the Hurricanes bouncy castles that were available. Heaps of fun was had with the following teams winners on the day:
Year 5/6 Winners
o Pool 1 - Khandallah School
o Pool 2 - Karori Normal School 1
o Pool 3 - Kelburn School 2
o Pool 4 - Newtown School
Year 7/8 Winners
o Cup section - Hataitai School 1
o Plate Section - Brooklyn School 1
o Pool 3 - Hataitai School 2
Again a big thank you to all the parents and teachers involved in bringing the players to our event.
Western Bays Competion
This was held on Tuesday 16 March at Ngati Toa Domain.
WRFU Emerging Player sessions are underway this month at Petone RFC. Squads from the top 30 players were selected for each age group of U14, U15, U16 and U17/18. Sessions were held on Monday 8 and 15 March, with the final one on 29 March.
Squad members are working with some of the top coaches in the province to develop their skills and game understanding. The High Performance schools group of players is also involved and is helping to coach the younger players to develop their leadership skills.
A new feature of the programme this year is that players have been asked to bring an item of food each week to donate to the local food bank. They are being provided with an opportunity to learn about giving.
The following officers were elected for the 2010 season on Wednesday 10 March:
President: Mike Russell
Vice President: Nigel Hughes
Immediate Past President: John Burrows
Secretary: Brian Coomber
Treasurer: Ray Rowsell
Club Captain: Hamish Vance
Committee: Graham Stephen, Mike Reedy, Tracey Smith, Matt Anderson, Ian Tulloch, Keith Mansill and Brendan Gard'ner.
There are now a number of Sportsville projects underway throughout New Zealand They aim to streamline administration, improve financial sustainability and develop joint facilities for sport clubs through an innovative partnership model.
A recent workshop organised by New Zealand Recreation Association and SPARC was attended by over 80 delegates from around New Zealand.
Please contact William Strang should any further information be required:
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or 021 278 8015
Season Start
Premier, S1, S2, Womens: on 3 April
Reserves, Presidents, Under 85s, S3: on 10 April
Age Grade: on 17 April
Junior Rugby: on 17 April
Free Transfer Period ends 5pm 19 March
If a player is transferring between clubs in the Wellington area they are required to complete an interclub transfer. During the free transfer period, sign-off is not required by the old club.
The required form can be found here. Please return completed forms to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Grade Entries Due: 22 March
This is the deadline. Clubs are asked to send in their grade entries before this date if possible. The sooner all Grade Entries have been received the better, as draws can then be published. Please also remember that for U85 and Age Grades, specific team sheets need to be filled out and forwarded with the grade entries.
These forms can all be found here.
Rugby Smart Courses (all at 6pm)
Wednesday 17 March: Poneke
Thursday 18 March: Rimutaka
Monday 22 March: Upper Hutt RFC
Wednesday 24 March: Wellington College
Monday 29 March: Johnsonville RFC
Small Black Courses
Sunday 21 March: Wests RFC 10am
Sunday 28 March: Petone RFC 10am
Sunday 7 April: Johnsonville RFC 6pm
Wednesday 11 April: Poneke FC 10am
Sunday 14 April: Upper Hutt RFC 6pm
The WRFU AGM will be held at 7.30pm on Wednesday 31 March at Petone RFC Clubrooms.
Gaming Trusts
With guest speaker Tony Gill, National Grants Manager, NZCT.
On Monday 22 March from 7 to 8.30pm at Sport Wellington, 113 Adelaide Road, Newtown. Further information is available at http://www.sportwellington.org.nz/courses-workshops/
NB You need to book to be certain of a place!
WCC Sports and Recreation Forum
Wednesday 7 April 2010, 6 to 8 pm in the Renouf Foyer, Michael Fowler Centre, Wakefield Street.
Guest speaker Martin Snedden, CEO Rugby New Zealand 2011.
Please RSVP by Wednesday 31 March to
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31 May "I'm on a Committee - What the Heck can I do?"
21 June Club Planning - Create Your Club's Future
13 Sept Gaming Trusts - Form Filling, Get the ABC's Right
Information can be obtained at www.sportwellington.org.nz/courses-workshops .
Junior Rugby, in association with Ken Laban, ran a very successful Leadership Clinic for the eighth year in a row. Over 120 U11, U12 & U13 players attended.
JRZE ran a raffle, plus a quiz and auction night, which raised $8,000 for the U13 Development Programme.
On Thursday 27 February clubs held their first registration night with Hurricane players attending. It was a very successful night with huge first night numbers registered. Holding it on a weeknight meant that children who play sport on Saturdays could still attend.
Alama Ieremia - Hurricanes vs Blues at Palmerston North in 1996.