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Long before clubrooms echoed with post-match banter and Centennial Park became a familiar battleground, rugby in the Wellsford district was a game of grit, geography and determination.
The Wellsford Rugby Football Club as it exists today was officially formed in 1926, but its roots stretch back well beyond that date – into a time when travel was by water, rivalries were shaped by tides, and players thought nothing of an overnight trek for the love of the game.
Organised rugby thrived in Omaha, Matakana and Warkworth prior to 1890. At Albertland (Port Albert), matches were played against teams reachable not by road, but by boat. The Kaipara Harbour served as the district’s sporting highway. Teams embarked on trips to Batley, Maungaturoto, Paparoa and even as far as Helensville.
On special occasions – the kind players would recount for years – sides would travel overland to face eastern opponents, or endure the long, overnight journey to Waipu. These were not quick bus rides, but expeditions. A Whangaripo United Club emerged during this era, drawing players from Te Arai, Tomarata and Whangaripo. Rugby was already binding the wider region together.
War and rebuilding
World War I brought rugby, like so many community activities, to a halt. The game went into recess as young men answered a different call, but by 1921, the local competition had resumed. Port Albert competed in the Otamatea Union, signalling a renewed appetite for structured competition. Then in 1925, Whangaripo United, strengthened by its Wellsford contingent, went through the season unbeaten, a clear sign that the district was ready for something bigger.
In September of that year, discussions began that would shape the future of rugby in the area. It was decided to establish a sub-union comprising Port Albert, Whangaripo and Wellsford. The foundations of modern Wellsford rugby were being laid.
A paddock with a future
Every club needs a home. One of the first challenges was securing a playing ground.
Enter Mr Schutt, who offered the use of his paddock. That humble piece of farmland would eventually become Centennial Park – now synonymous with Wellsford sport and rugby, in particular.
From pasture to proud home ground, it was an early act of community spirit that set the tone for decades to come.
On March 7, 1926, the first Annual General Meeting was held. At that meeting, Lionel Littin moved that a Wellsford Rugby Union be formed, comprising three clubs, and that eastern clubs be invited to join, with fixtures arranged at Whangaripo. The motion was carried unanimously.
Leadership was quickly established with E.A. Vipond elected the first president. A strong group of vice presidents supported him: T. Shaw, Frank Palmer, Forrest Reid, George Prince, M.O. Came, Les Simpson, Roy Becroft, A.R. Watson and J. Lawrence.
The club colours were reserved – black with white hoops – a simple but enduring symbol of identity and pride.
Success came swiftly. In 1927, just a year after formal formation, Wellsford claimed its first major trophy, the McEwen Shield. It was not a one-off achievement. The shield returned in 1932. Further honours followed: Govan Wilson Cup (Championship Award) was won in 1934, 1935, 1956, 1962, 1965 and 1966. Roy Becroft Trophy (Champion of Champions) – 1962, 1965 and 1966.
These victories reflected not only talent, but a maturing rugby culture in the district – one built on the hard-earned experiences of those early travelling teams.
After just three seasons, the new union had proven so successful that a larger structure became necessary. In partnership with the eastern clubs, it was decided to form the Rodney Union, featuring two divisions.
What began as scattered rural teams connected by waterways had evolved into a structured regional competition.
Information compiled by Cynthia Fletcher and Juanita Oldfield.
Time to celebrate
Wellsford will celebrate a century of rugby on March 13 and 14. Festivities will start with junior games on Friday night, followed by an Old Boys match and the Battle of the Dome against Mahurangi on Saturday. This will roll into a centennial dinner on Saturday evening, from 6pm. Special guest speakers will be former All Blacks, Piri Weepu and Eric Rush.
The celebrations will recognise the players, the families, the volunteers, the friendships and the stories that built the club. A special commemorative booklet will be published as part of the centenary including stories of club legends such as Jim Malcolm, Eric Thomas and Graham McRae. Anyone who has been part of the Wellsford Rugby journey is welcome. Bookings for the dinner essential.
Info: https://tinyurl.com/4f59wdj5
Connection and consistency
As Wellsford Rugby Football Club celebrates its 100th year, there’s a renewed sense of energy around Centennial Park, and plenty of optimism about how the Premier side is shaping up for the 2026 season.
With the reintroduction of the Wellsford B’s squad, the club has seen a noticeable lift in returning players. Familiar faces are back in the fold, complemented by a strong wave of young talent graduating from the junior ranks into senior rugby.
Head coach Paul Mant says this is a clear reflection of the club’s healthy development pathways.
“It’s been fantastic to welcome back players who know what this jersey means,” Mant says. “At the same time, we’re seeing young juniors stepping up to senior level, which shows the strength of what we’re building at the grassroots.”
Adding to the sense of tradition are several Dad-and-Son combinations within the squad this season, a testament to the deep family ties and generational loyalty that run through the club.
After finishing seventh last season, the Wolves are looking to build consistency and raise standards across the board. While competitive ambition remains, the coaching group is clear about its focus.
“We’re competitive, of course we are,” Mant says. “But our focus is standards, connection and consistency. If we get those right every week, we’ll be in the fight when it matters.
“We don’t chase outcomes. We chase standards. If we win the habits every week – preparation, detail, accountability – the results take care of themselves.”
In the senior grades, Wellsford will field a standalone Reserves side this year rather than combining with Otamatea, as they have in recent seasons. The decision wasn’t taken lightly.
“We’ve built a strong partnership with Otamatea and we’re genuinely grateful for their support and collaboration, it’s been invaluable.
“Ultimately, this decision has been made with the long-term vision and sustainability of our senior club in mind.”
There is strong continuity in the coaching group. Ross Neal and Matt Wright continue to lead the side, bringing years of experience and a deep understanding of what it means to wear the Wellsford jersey.
Wright will also step into a player-coach role this season.
“He’s still got plenty to offer on the field, so the boots are staying on for now,” Mant says, joking that Neal’s pair are being kept close by, too – just in case.
They are supported by Ross Wright and Brad Te Haara, who continue to give back to the club despite higher-level commitments. Off the field, managers, Glyn Sykes and Mick Sweetman, provide vital behind-the-scenes support to keep operations running smoothly.
The Wolves’ first competition game is on March 21 against Kamo at Centennial Park. The weekend prior, on March 14, Wellsford will host Mahurangi Rugby Club in the traditional ‘Battle of the Dome’ fixture – a key highlight of the club’s centennial celebrations.
As the milestone season begins, there’s a strong sense of purpose around the club.
“Club rugby matters. It’s where young players learn resilience, where lifelong friendships are built, and where communities come together on a Saturday afternoon,” Mant says. “In our 100th year, we’re asking our supporters to walk alongside us, fill Centennial Park, back the boys on the road, and be part of something bigger than a scoreboard.
“The Wolves have always been strongest when the whole town stands with them. That’s what makes this club special.”
Cubs take pride of place
The spirit of the Wellsford Wolves is just strong among its youngest members.
The club is already well into planning for the upcoming junior season, building on steady participation and a culture that stretches from the five year olds to senior players.
Last year, Wellsford fielded teams in the Under-7, Under-9 and Under-11 grades in the local sub-union competition, and those grades will return again this season.
“Junior rugby is all about development,” juniors organiser Rachel Brierly says. “We have awesome volunteer coaches and the kids learn skills, camaraderie and a sense of belonging to a big rugby family.”
That sense of belonging is central to the club’s identity.
“As they say, ‘We are the Wolves’ – whether they’re five or 32 – once a Wolf, always a Wolf.”
A highlight this year will be the entry of one junior team in the Global Games Rugby Festival for the second year running. The experience proved a major highlight last year, giving players the chance to test themselves against teams from further afield while building confidence and lifelong memories.
“It was such a huge success, it was a no-brainer to send a team again,” Brierly says.
The trip has been made possible by a dedicated group of parents who have worked tirelessly on fundraising to support the squad.
Locally, junior rugby at Wellsford has adapted to meet the changing sporting landscape. With many children juggling multiple codes, the club shifted games to Friday nights under lights – a move that has helped boost participation by allowing players to remain involved in other weekend sports.
Rally evenings rotate between Maungaturoto, Kaiwaka, Tomarata and Wellsford venues, helping to strengthen ties across the sub-union.
Within the competition, teams are mixed, with boys and girls playing alongside each other through to Under-13 level, which is another reflection of the inclusive nature of grassroots rugby.
Brierly acknowledges that numbers in some grades have declined over the years, largely due to the wide range of sporting options available to young people.
“There are so many sports on offer for kids to be involved in. We’re always looking at ways to boost numbers and continue to work with Northland Rugby Union to do this.”
Part of that strategy involves creating opportunities beyond regular competition games. Wellsford has hosted visiting junior teams from Pakuranga, Beachlands, Mahurangi and Northern Wairoa, while also taking part annually in the junior invitational tournament at Mahurangi RFC and previously competing in a tournament at Silverdale RFC.
As the club marks 100 years, its junior programme remains the heartbeat of the Wolves – nurturing the next generation of players, supporters and lifelong members of the pack.
Fletcher’s Lifelong Commitment to Wellsford Rugby Club
Wellsford Rugby Club president Mike “Fletch” Fletcher’s involvement with the club spans more than two decades and, in many ways, a lifetime.
Fletcher first joined the committee in 2001, serving as junior club representative and Rodney Sub Division representative on the Northland Junior Council. He was elected club captain in 2003, a role he held until 2018, before stepping into the presidency in 2017.
With rugby administration in his blood – his great-grandfather Ernest Hoben was the first secretary of the New Zealand Rugby Union – Fletcher says his path into the sport was almost inevitable.
Wellsford Rugby Club prides itself on being community-driven and welcoming to new residents.
“It’s an excellent place for families to get involved,” Fletcher says.
He says although the club’s Premier side has celebrated two notable success, winning the Northland championship in 2009 and 2015, challenges remain.
As the southernmost team in the Northland competition, travel costs are significant, and grants to offset expenses have declined over the past decade. Despite this, many players, including some who work in Auckland, remain committed, travelling back to Wellsford for training and matches.
Fletcher hopes that the new motorway extension will bring more families to the area, expanding the club’s player base. The club is also keen to recruit more volunteers across both junior and senior grades.
He says while a girls’ team operated six or seven years ago, reviving it would likely require combining with Otamatea and sufficient interest from players.
Off the field, the club continues to invest in its facilities. The clubrooms, which are owned by the club on council grounds, have recently had the men’s and women’s bathrooms upgraded, with a kitchen renovation planned. A deck was added four years ago to enhance the space.
Fletcher acknowledged the long-standing support of key sponsors, including Mason Contractors, Wharehine Group and the Middle Four Square.
“Our club is built on community support,” Fletcher says. “That’s what keeps us going.”
