Ifeanyi Tonu’u-Nnebechukwu and Pōneke chasing Jubilee Cup success

Above: Ifeanyi Tonu’u-Nnebechukwu and Pōneke are not taking it lying down this year – already through to the Jubilee Cup round, they are pressing for a top four spot. Photo: Caroline Lewis.

By Adam Julian

With his strapping frame, full-throttle playing style, and distinctive big hair, Ifeanyi Tonu’u-Nnebechukwu is rapidly establishing himself as one of Wellington club rugby’s most exciting and formidable backs.

The versatile powerhouse, a bricklayer during the week, has helped lay the foundation for “Pōneke’s impressive 8-3 record in the Swindale Shield. He scored two tries in a pulsating 41-38 victory over Johnsonville in round five and followed that up with another try in a 30-22 win against Upper Hutt in round seven, as well as a crucial try in a 28-23 triumph over Petone in round nine.

Playing against Wainuiomata early this season, with fullback Nick Robertson in support. Photo: Andy McArthur.

Last Saturday at Kilbirnie Park, Pōneke reclaimed the Beethoven Algar Bowl for the first time since 2016 with an exhilarating 25-24 come-from-behind victory against Jubilee Cup holders Old Boys University. A turnover Tonu’u-Nebechukwu snatched close to full time ignited a movement that culminated in a spectacular winning try, one of the most memorable of the season.

“The boys were tired of playing defence in the red zone. I saw an opportunity to rip the ball and went for it, Tonu’u-Nebechukwu said.

“I didn’t see much of the try; I was too busy catching my breath. When I watched the replay, the goose-step by Carlos Hihi was awesome. He got the hooker good. Then his reverse pass to Luca Belucci was unreal. Carlos Spencer was my favourite player growing up, so watching that try felt like watching Carlos himself.”

The audacity and skill to create tries with the same flamboyance as Carlos Spencer reflect the growing confidence within Pōneke. In 2024, the ‘Street Kids’ only managed four wins in the Swindale Shield.

“A shout-out to the coaching staff. They’ve created a fun and honest environment with an exciting game plan,” Tonu’u-Nebechukwu said.

“I’m very lucky to work one-on-one with Nehe Milner-Skudder. He’s an All Black who’s won the World Cup, and he’s helped me become a better winger – a position I haven’t played much in.”

Tonu’u-Nebechukwu previously played as a halfback or first five-eighth in the Scots College First XV, with whom he won a Wellington Premiership in 2019 and 2020. While he prefers to play in the midfield where he is closer to the ball, Pōneke coach Ross Bond sees advantages in having him out wide.

“He’s done an outstanding job on the wing. We’re fortunate to have Caleb Robson and Isaac Moe-Jenkins in midfield, providing depth in the backline,” Bond said.

“Ifeanyi actively looks for work in addition to being dynamic in space, so he can influence a game in several ways. He did a brilliant job covering second five in our win against Petone.

“He’s a natural at everything—powerful and deceptively quick. He would make an excellent league player. I’m surprised the NRL hasn’t picked him up.”

Playing halfback for the Scots College First XV in the 2020 Premiership final.

If rugby league were to show interest, it might be challenging to convince his parents to let him go. Rugby runs deep in the Tonu’u family. His mother, Jennie Tonu’u, was a pioneering women’s player with Johnsonville and Pōneke and even participated for Paremata-Plimmerton at the groundbreaking 1990 World Rugby Festival in Christchurch. His uncles, Hennie and Ofisa Tonu’u, are Pōneke royalty.

The late Hennie was a club centurion, fondly remembered as the heaviest halfback ever to play in Wellington, tipping the scales at 120kg during one season. He worked as a refuse collector for Kilbirnie’s General Rubbish Collection company in the 1980s and became known as “the General,” as his truck also served as the Pōneke team bus, ferrying players to and from training and games throughout the Wellington region.

Ofisa ‘Junior’ Tonu’u won the Billy Wallace Best and Fairest Award in 1991, leading to an illustrious career in Auckland. He won the NPC Premiership six times, was part of the Blues’ inaugural Super Rugby championship-winning teams in 1996 and 1997, and was capped five times by the All Blacks and nine times by Samoa.

“I’ve seen all of Ofisa’s highlights, and it’s pretty inspiring,” Tonu’u-Nebechukwu said. “I come from a large, supportive family, and I’m grateful for everything they’ve done to help me advance my rugby career.”

“I believe we have a good shot this year. It’s an even competition, but when we put it all together, we’re dangerous.

“What I like about our team is that some of our forwards can run like backs, and that energy starts up front with the brothers Moses and Noah Tuafao-Galuvao. They bring it every week.”

has plenty of energy in his genes, inherited from his Nigerian father, Chidoze Jackson-Nebechukwu, who was an accomplished footballer and kickboxer. In his spare time, Ifeanyi also channels his energy as a DJ.