Sign In / Register
Despite the forecast that 2022 is likely to be another disruptive year for sports clubs, local rugby clubs are remaining optimistic.
“We’re working on the premise that we will have a rugby season,” Mahurangi Club chairperson Charmaine Gravatt says.
“North Harbour is requiring all players, coaches and managers to be double vaccinated so this will impact on small clubs like ours.”
Nevertheless, the club plans to enter a Premier side, as well as an Under 21 team this season and is also keen to field an Under 85kg team, but this will depend on players, as well as coaches, stepping forward.
Senior coach is Nick Makea, assisted by Bruce Gravatt and manager, Mike Rodden.
Charmaine says the side has a lot of potential and the club is looking for a big year from them.
Junior Makapelu is playing in the North Harbour side in the curtain raiser to the Blues/Hurricanes game on the weekend and Tane Pendergrast also made the North Harbour development side last year, but unfortunately wasn’t available for the game.
Standout players for Mahu Prems last year were props Keith Sikulu and Gideon Dolan.
“Both the 21s and the Prems had a very competitive year and were supported by a great coach and management team, and though the scores did not always reflect it, there was always exciting footy to watch.”
The U21s have already started training and will be coached by Warren Jennings, assisted by Paul Mackinnon and Paul Leslie.
About 300 juniors played under the Mahurangi colours last year and it is hoped this level of interest will be sustained. Registration days will be held on February 24 and 26.
“What we want is a full and competitive season,” Charmaine says. “We have a great Mahurangi rugby family and onclub days, there’s a great vibe.”
Anyone interested in joining the club should contact Haden Kose on 021 0451 186.
Wellsford
Wellsford Rugby Club president Mike Fletcher says Wellsford suffered last season from being in Auckland’s lockdown because it plays in the Northland competition.
“We missed a few games and finished eighth out of 10 teams,” he says. “We struggled with numbers but did pick up some additional players when Tomarata folded.”
Head coach this year will be Stu Oldfield, assisted by Matthew Wright and Heath Colthurst.
Wellsford will field both Premier and Premiers Senior Reserve teams, and hopes to resurrect an Under 18s team, which plays under the name Kaipara Wolves.
“We normally field an Under 18s that plays against Otamatea and Dargaville teams, but with everything else that was going on last season it didn’t happen.”
Training for the Prems started this month with a good turnout of about 18 players to the first session.
Lock Sean Sweetman is returning to the fold after being out last year due to injury.
“We could probably do with a couple more front rowers and a lock, and we could be a bit light in the midfield, although it is on the cards that Rene Ranger will be back.”
The competition starts at the end of next month, and whether or not there will be the usual Mahurangi versus Wellsford pre-season match is still to be confirmed.
Fletcher says the juniors will start at the end of the second school term.
Info: Premiers & U18, Stu Oldfield 021 423 778; juniors Rachel 021 886 466.
