Crunch afternoon in club rugby in final set of round-robin games

Some teams will be jumping for joy later on Saturday afternoon as the Premier and Premier 2 order of finishing is decided on the last afternoon of the round-robin season. Both the Upper Hutt Rams and Hutt Old Boys Marist have much to play for. Photo: Caroline Lewis. 

• By Scott MacLean & Steven White

Update there have been a number of alterations owing to more unpropitious weather conditions – these are reflected in the Premier 2 and Colts content below and are mostly ground changes.

It’s unlucky 13 for some, good fortune for others. The final regular season round-robin weekend in the top two grades of Wellington club rugby look set to go down to the wire as far as final finishing order and match-ups for the following weekend’s opening championship games.

Two rounds to play in the first round Colts competition and the U85kg is well into the second round, while it’s round six of the college Premiership and Premier 2 competitions.

Several player milestones coming up this weekend too.

Tipping Competition: Enter your tips by Saturday 2.30pm at: https://www.faceyoursfears.com/games/WGTN2025/join Update we have some prizes from our friends at Dynasty Sports and the Bellevue – if you are in the top 3 after this weekend please get in touch and we can get these to you. The competition rolls overs for the following four weeks.

Radio Commentary. This Saturday, the E Tū Whānau Footy Show comes from the Petone Rec in the fixture between Petone and HOBM for the McBain Shield. On air at Te Upoko Radio – 87.6FM in the central city, 1161AM across the region, or stream it on iHeart Radio, the Whare Kōrero app, and online at www.teupoko.nz.

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Draws & Results website. These pages and all historical information 2005-24 at at https://clubrugby.co.nz/wellington/games-results.php?competition=71&season=22&Submit=Go  (Access to our administration pages still remains offline, and are now pivoting towards a rebuild for this site_

For Draws & Results please visit this page here: https://clubrugby.nz/wp/2025-wgtn-club-live-scores/

For this week’s line-ups please visit the article link here:

Swindale Shield Round 13: Just the teamlists

Premier Swindale Shield

While the trophy itself has been handed over of the summer, there’s still plenty to be determined in the final round as aside from Ories, almost any of the top eight could finish in the top four.

As it is whichever week it gets played, the McBain Shield clash at the Hutt Rec between Hutt Old Boys Marist (43) and Petone (45) takes top billing. A win for Petone would lock them into that top four, and depending on the result at Ngati Toa could have them at home next week in those top four clashes, and while a win for HOBM could lead to the same outcome, they’re more reliant on results elsewhere. However, that future will play second-fiddle to the match tomorrow.

Some tweaks in Eagleland this week, with Harry Press coming back to hooker and Fred Sunia into blindside flanker for Lise Soloa. Khya Wilson back to first-five for Flynn Ruscoe and Fritz Rayasi on the right wing.

Petone will look to inflict McBain pain on HOBM with a strong line-up named that includes Hurricane Brad Shields at lock and Moana Pasifika player Losi Filipo at centre, outside Hurricanes TJ Clarke at first-five. Conley Alexander starts at hooker with Ryan Imrie coming off the bench, while Tom Carter moves from the midfield out to the right wing. Blindside flanker Jarrod Hrstich starts his 100^th Premier game.

That game at Ngati Toa features two sides presently in those top four places as Paremata-Plimmerton (47) welcome Tawa (45) to the shark tank. Needless to say, both sides will covet staying there rather than falling out of it though just a single competition point for the hosts will ensure they don’t. Tawa can’t fall any lower than sixth, but on recent form they’ll be seeking more than that.

Paremata-Plimmerton have made some changes to their line-up from that which knocked over Petone last week. Front row changes see James Coburn, Davis Eni and Werdna Maligi-leota start, while Ezekiel Fiso starts at lock for Junior Davey. Alex Fidow is blindside and ChristianFa’avae is over illness and captains the side at No. 8. A more settled backline, but Emery McGill comes on to the right wing for Joe Faleafaga.

Visitors Tawa continue with experienced locks, veteran Chris Middleton and Hurricane Hugo Plummer, while Metolu Petaia comes back into the side to line up at No. 8.  Hurricanes U20s player Jacob Denyer returns to the line-up at fullback, with evergreen Randall Bishop returning to the wing.

Next up are the Upper Hutt Rams (43), who’s win over HOBM last week vaulted themselves back into that top four picture. They’re back at their Maidstone home with Johnsonville (40) making the journey to face them. The Rams can’t make it into the top two but can crack that top four if results elsewhere go their way, though that won’t matter if they can’t get the job done against the Hawks first. Johnsonville can’t make the top four, but a win here would likely have them at home in one of the elimination games next week.

Jack Wright lines up at openside flanker for the Upper Hutt Rams in his 100th Premier game for the side. No changes to the tight five for the Rams, but Sio Fidow starts at blindside and Josh Mallon at No. 8. In one change to the backline, Tyana Barrett replaces Todd Svenson at fullback in his first start of the year.

Johnsonville lose a handful of players to injury from that which beat Norths last Saturday, but also gain some. Ha’amea Ahio is out upfront, as is Aukuso Tuitama at centre. But Lucas Aukuso comes in, to play loosehead prop, and Irishman Nial Delahunt is back at first-five and Englishman Finlay Sharp at fullback. Amongst some positional changes, Ish Perkins starts at halfback and Serge Hollis at lock.

At the opposite end of the province Poneke (40) return to Kilbirnie Park after their loss through the cutting last Saturday at Ories. Hardham-Cup bound Norths (14) are the visitors and will be looking to generate some momentum for the coming fortnight, but Poneke will be the favourites here. Like Johnsonville they can’t reach the top four bar some extraordinary events, but locking down being at home next week with a good performance is a worthwhile goal for tomorrow.

Pōneke hooker Andew Jones plays his 100th match tomorrow so the club will want to celebrate this with a win. Blindside flanker Pasia Asiata also plays his blazer game. There will also be a new locking combination for Pōneke, with David Taoipu and Bede Brown in and Adam McRandle, and Maea Tema-Schmidt out.

Norths were boosted by Jackson Garden-Bachop and Campbell Woodmass last week but neither will be on deck tomorrow. Look out for captain and openside flanker Olano Afutoto to lead the side from the front, while No. 8 Luca Rees is sitting on 99 Premier tries.

As for our Swindale Champions, there isn’t much for Oriental-Rongotai (60) to accomplish tomorrow aside from getting out of Wainuiomata (23) without any serious injuries and maybe having accomplished the Holy Grail of a clean-sweep and a full bag of bonus points. What they will be keen to do is not lost focus at this point of the campaign, and Wainuiomata will be aiming to make a statement here ahead of their Hardham Cup defence. In remembrance of Wainuiomata club legend John Morrissey who passed away this week, there will be a minute of silence before this match.

Home side Wainuiomata have a number of injuries, so their reserves bench won’t be finalised until nearer kick-off, while veteran Jason Love starts on the right wing and Mikade Fono plays fullback. In the forwards, Dion Lealofi starts at hooker, Kitiona Letufia at lock and Teru Time at No. 8 in some changes from last week.

Ories have Sione Halalilo back in the pack at blindside flanker, while Tom Maiava takes a breather from their backline and Herman Seumanufagai starts at centre as one of four Seumanufagai brothers in the 22. Elijah Ti’a is back at hooker for Penieli Poasa and Declan Hay will start his 127th Premier match for Ories at halfback with Issac Bracewell coming off the bench.

Having seen their faint Jubilee hopes finally evaporate last week, Old Boys-University (31) head for their Ian Galloway paddock this week for the visit of Avalon (4), with the two already locked-in to do it all again next week in the first round of the Hardham. It’s hard to see anything but a win here for the Goats, with both teams probably having an eye on next Saturday where they’ll do it all over again.

Louie Calvert returns to the Goats this week to captain the side at hooker, with Geordie Bean moving across to tighthead prop. A new locking combination, with Ollie Church and Johnny Falloon. The only other changes are to the flanks, with Issac Wong starting on the right wing and Calum Koebergh moving to the left wing for Josh Morgan-Ranui.

Avalon have three players playing in their blazer game tomorrow, these being blindside flanker Mateo Setefano, left wing Tobi Oliver and second five and captain JJ Puna. Puna and centre Jordan Aquila are two players that could bring some spark to the cage to tip over OBU.

Finally, milestones galore at Hataitai Park as James Tuiatua brings up 150 Premier matches as his Wellington (9) side takes on the club he’s played most of those games for in Marist St Pat’s (21); who in turn have recent Axeman Tui Tuiatua and James Zino both playing their 100^th in scarlet red. Some good news for Wellington this week with their points deduction being rescinded, although they can’t improve their position. MSP can though, as a win here will see them leapfrog Wainuiomata if the William Jones side go down to Ories and if that happens, these two will meet again next week at Evans Bay. An Axemen win will see them off to Wainuiomata instead.

Tuia runs out at openside flanker for his milestone match for the Axemen, alongside captain Ami Paongo at blindside and Cody Lokotui at No. 8. A few changes to their side from last year, including a new 9-10 combination in . Joji Vatuwaliwali and Lawrence Lotovale and some further positional and a couple of positional changes in the outside backs and the front row.

MSP have their two centurions in their pack tomorrow, with tighthead prop Tui Tuia and No. 8 James Zino both running out to play their 100^th games. MSP have mostly a settled line-up from last week, with other changes including being captain Jake Wetere in at loosehead prop for Dan Leone Villiame Raresa in at lock for Ben Gardiner and Tomasi Connor back in the team on the right wing for Max Ireland.

A reminder of the rules if two teams are tied on the same number of points:

• If two teams are tied, then the tiebreaker is their head-to-head result.
• If three or more teams are tied, then the tiebreaker is:
  • Most wins in Swindale Shield. If there is still a tie then,
  • Points-differential is applied.

A quiet weekend on the interclub trophy front:

• The McBain Shield is Wellington’s oldest interclub trophy, first played for in 1934 having been donated by Hec McBain in memory of his late father Alexander who was an influential figure in rugby in that part of the Hutt Valley, and was the first Life Member of the Hutt club. Hutt won that first encounter 6-5 in front of a crowd in the thousands. Petone hold it from their win last year, though HOBM turned the tables in the Jubilee playoffs.
• Poneke and Norths play for their Cyril Collett Memorial Shield. Collett played his rugby for Porirua, with his son Paul following in those footsteps. Another son, Bruce, chose a different path and played for Poneke.
• Additionally, the Upper Hutt Rams will defend the Bill Brien Challenge Trophy against Johnsonville after taking it from HOBM last week. As it’s not at stake in the playoffs, the winner will lock it away for the summer.

Premier 2 Harper Lock Shield

Some number of alterations Friday afternoon – updated below.

Four teams are still in with a shot of claiming at least a share of the Harper Lock Shield. Petone (55) have the lead going into the final round, but travel across the river to take on HOBM (50) on Hutt Rec 2 who are in with their own chance. Splitting the two on the table is Poneke (51) who face Norths (20) at home on Kilbirnie #2, and depending on what they do and the result at the Hutt Rec, they could win it outright, get a share, or come up short. Also on 50 points are OBU, with the Goats hosting Avalon (11) at Ian Galloway #3

A win, draw, or two bonus points would be enough for the Villagers to claim it outright. But beyond that we might have chaos.

In the middle of the table the Upper Hutt Rams (28) occupy eighth spot and they’ll secure that should they beat Johnsonville (16) at Maidstone #2. If they don’t, that might open the door enough for Pare-Plim (24) to sneak through, though they in turn face Tawa (46) at Ngati Toa Domain who will themselves be looking to break into the top four. MSP (48) currently occupy that place and will keen to stay there when they visit bottom-placed Wellington (7) at MacAlister Park, while in the one game with little impact on proceedings Ories (30) will look to recover from last week’s shellacking when they visit Wainuiomata (20) at William Jones.

The same process above for tiebreakers applies here – see above below at the footer of the Swindale Shield section.

Colts Paris Memorial

Some alterations Friday afternoon – updated below.

Two weeks left to go here, and its status quo from last week. Tawa (40) retain the lead, but of the three contenders they have the most difficult assignment as they head to the Petone Rec and a clash with the fourth-placed Villagers (33). Should Tawa falter, then the Upper Hutt Rams will look to take advantage when they host Pare-Plim (16) at Trentham Memorial Park #1 at 12.30pm, as will holders HOBM (37) when they face Poneke (28*) at the Hutt Rec #3. The remaining matches have a midtable scrap between MSP (26) and Ories (27) at Polo Ground #1 at 12.30pm, while OBU (19) and Norths (15) meet at Nairnville Park at 12.30pm. Johnsonville (-7) have the bye, though their participation beyond this week is uncertain.

Under 85kg Paul Potiki Memorial and Tony O’Brien Shields

Champions Tawa are two-from-two to start this part of the season, and tomorrow they’ll be found at Fraser Park to face Avalon. The other Division 1 match is at Ian Galloway where the OBU Scallywags meet Wellington, with Johnsonville having the bye.

The Division 2 matches pit leaders Pare-Plim at home against Eastbourne, with HOBM meeting their brethren MSP at neutral Polo Ground #2.

College

One game done so far in the sixth round of the Premiership, with Silverstream having won the Upper Hutt derby over Hutt International Boys’ School 78-12 on Wednesday to stay unbeaten.

Tomorrow’s action starts at midday in Masterton where Wellington College back up from their Quadrangular with a visit to Wairarapa College, while at 1.00pm Tawa hosts Rathkeale. The 2.30pm matches has the eastern suburbs derby with winless Rongotai hosting Scots, while St Pat’s Town travel out to Lower Hutt to face St Bernard’s.

In Premier 2 just two matches are going ahead tomorrow. Unbeaten pair the Wellington College 2nds and Hutt Valley High are at Bishop Viard and host Porirua respectively. The remaining three matches – Silverstream 2nds at home to Paraparaumu, Silverstream 3rds at Mana, and the Town 2nds hosting Kapiti – have been deferred to a later date.

Elsewhere

Another round in the playoffs in the Manawatu tomorrow. In the championship Hankins Shield Massey hosts Kia Toa to decide who goes straight through to the final in a fortnight, while the loser will host the winner of the elimination game between College Old Boys and Freyberg at the Arena. In the subsidiary Val Holland Cup, Te Kawau hosts Feilding Old Boys-Oroua, with Old Boys Marist travelling to face Linton Army.

Over in Wairarapa Bush it’s the final round of matches before the playoff series. As with their fellow Heartland province there’s a table topping clash here with Greytown (38) hosting Carterton (36) for top spot. Martinborough (30) will look to hold onto third when they visit bottom-placed East Coast (8), while Marist (25) are also locked-in to be at home in the quarter-finals when they host Eketahuna (17). The fourth match sees Pioneer (15) cross the river to take on neighbours Masterton Red Star (19) looking to jump up the standings.

Meanwhile it will unfortunately be a quiet weekend in Horowhenua-Kapiti after the union and its clubs and schools have backed the referee’s association’s stand against abuse after another incident last weekend. We applaud and support them taking this action; there’s no place in our game for it.