Round 13 lucky for some ahead of knockout rounds as all college and lower club games cancelled

• By Scott MacLean 

Friday late afternoon edition: Calamitous climatic conditions have put paid to all rugby in Wellington bar two grades. The only grades going ahead are the Women’s and the Premier Men’s.

Assuming it all goes ahead, it is the end of the beginning tonight and tomorrow for the 13 Swindale Shield clubs ahead of the scheduled four-week knockout championship series running throughout July. Petone have already won the Swindale Shield, but seedings for the second round and who will be starting in the top eight for the Jubilee Cup are being confirmed.

The Swindale Shield points table is here: https://stats.clubrugby.nz/table/2026-swindale-shield/ 

The weather forecast for Saturday is very angry, hence the cancellation of all junior, college and lower grade club rugby. View it here: https://www.yr.no/en/forecast/hourly-table/2-2179537/New%20Zealand/Wellington%20Region/Wellington%20City/Wellington?i=1

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Draws & Results – visit https://stats.clubrugby.nz/ for these. Click on a fixture for teamlists and match details. Teamlists as received and subject to change.

Radio commentary  – online at teupoko.co.nz or by tuning into 87.5FM or 1161AM is the Wainuiomata v Paremata-Plimmerton fixture commented by Mayor Ken Laban.

Tipping Competition – Visit https://www.faceyoursfears.com/games/WGTN2026/join   To make your picks for round 12. The gap has narrowed marginally in the Tipping Competition been incumbent leader Nate W and the challengers who are 20 points adrift. There are a number of tippers who can come through and win still and all it takes is a couple of blinders here and some shockers over there and its all on.

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Premier Swindale Shield

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A quick reminder of the tiebreaker rules:

• If two teams are tied, then the tiebreaker is their head-to-head result. As Ories and OBU drew their match, if they are tied the tiebreak is their points differential which currently favours Ories (+114 to +100)
• If three or more teams are tied, then they are broken firstly by the number of match wins in the Swindale, then by points difference.

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The action starts with some Friday Night Lights, as the Upper Hutt Rams (47) and Avalon (6) take to Maidstone Park tonight. For the Rams it’s straightforward; win and they lock down second place and host a first-round playoff match but lose and they could fall as far as fourth. Should they win – and they’ll be favourites to do just that – and the next problem will be where they play next week with Maidstone booked out for the Hurricanes Poua’s Aupiki match. Avalon can’t pull themselves off the bottom, but can alter the picture for next week.

It’s an unchanged tight five for the Rams, with Zacc Maguren debuting on the blindside opposite the evergreen Josh Hunt. Kaide McCashin is at halfback, and Ieti Campbell makes his return to the run-on side. There’s also a Leon Tuiloma sighting on the bench. Tai Bryce, Tui Yandall, and Junior Misa come into the Wolves front eight, with Brian Lima and Tom Fleming joining the run-on backs.

Moving into tomorrow, Petone (54) already have the Swindale Shield in their possession, so their clash with Poneke (15) is a chance to finish their tune up for the weeks ahead and focus on finally reclaiming the Jubilee Cup. Like Avalon, Poneke can’t alter their position but will want a morale-boosting performance before they get their defence of the Hardham VC Cup underway.

Prop Alapati Soke joins the list of Petone centurions tomorrow, anchoring a much-changed Villagers pack as the likes of Harry Rankin, Jono Bailey, and Braith Ingram get some time off sitting on the bench. Losi Filipo shifts out to the wing, and Stanley Solomon lurks at fullback. Ifeanyi Nnebechukwu starts on the wing in his Blazer game for the home side with Psalms Latu returning in midfield. Nathan Marsh and Moses Tuifao-Galuvao return to the starting pack.

Leading off those matches that have a real impact on the playoff picture is out through the cutting at the Polo Ground where Oriental Rongotai (41) welcomes Hutt Old Boys Marist (43). At stake is one of those top-four places which bring either a bye or a life whereas the loser drops into win-or-out matches. Should the Magpies make it, it would be a remarkable turnaround from losing their first three matches (and having their continued participation this season under threat during the week), while it would be a slightly stunning fall by the Eagles to have to go the long way.

Dominic Ropeti is back in the hosts starting side, joining Sammy Se’au and converted midfield back Skivi Va’a in the loose trio so no Sione Halalilo this week, but David Johnston makes a timely return from injury on the bench. Declan Hay and Ethan Smyth-Rangi again anchor an unchanged backline. HOBM make just three changes with Ignatius Kasiano-Sio at hooker and Nathan Tanuvasa and Phelan Rona on the wings. Nonu Tuia is back from France and named on the bench, along with youngsters Brandon Lo and Mako Blackman.

Also in the mix for the top four are Old Boys-University (41), who for all their injuries have remained a force. They have a somewhat easier assignment than the others as they host Norths (22) at Nairnville, but the Goat faithful will be checking on events at Polo to see where they stand. Norths can’t improve their position, but don’t want to lose out on hosting a game next week.

OBU aren’t really in a position to rest players, but have switched things up. Jake Lawson is at halfback and Tomasi Palu at first-five against the club he won Jubilee Cups with, so Sam Walton-Sexton drops to the bench. Cody Quin is back on the blindside, and Levi Hadfield makes his first start at hooker. Jack Riley plays his 50^th. Norths have few changes, but they include Bradley Crichton at prop and Zion Fuiava at fullback. Jerome Va’ai again leads the side, but regular skipper Waylon Baker makes his return from injury from the bench.

Tawa (44) hold third, and will know before kick-off whether overtaking Upper Hutt is a possibility when they host Wellington (21) at Lyndhurst. If it’s not, their focus will be on avoiding a loss and slipping out of the top four entirely. The Axemen could finish anywhere between 10^th and 12^th which might not mean much, but it is the difference between being at home or on the road next week.

Tawa make a handful of changes. Joseph Samuelu, Evan Bishop, and Ryder Sao come into the pack, Cullen Dexter replaces Kemara Hauiti-Parapara behind them, and Kalim Kelemete is at centre. Hauiti-Parapara, George Risale, and Jacob Denyer are available for deployment from the bench. Prop Perry Laumalili and lock Tuitavake Manoa are the additions to the Axemen’s forwards while they are unchanged in the backs meaning Matt Proctor is again at first-five.

Perhaps the most meaningful game is at William Jones Park, where eighth-placed Wainuiomata (36) faces seventh-placed Paremata-Plimmerton (39). At stake for the winner is a guaranteed place in the Jubilee Cup playoffs next week, while the loser will be sweating on the result from Helston. Pare-Plim have a bit of a backstop, as a single point will guarantee their progress but they’d rather not have to rely on that; the hosts equivalent is that they beat MSP in their Swindale clash.

To little surprise Wainuiomata have picked their strongest available side with Dion Lealofi, Mike Sa’u, Teru Time, and Braydon Soi in their starting pack. Tyler Tane starts in midfield, perhaps hinting at a very direct game plan. Tony Coburn joins older brother James in Pare-Plim’s front row in the only change to their forwards from last week. Jono Ryan comes back in at fullback so the backline outside of halves Esi Komaisavai and Zane Edwards has been rejigged. Alby Hemopo and Tane McMillan-Parata are in reserve.

Looking to break into the eight at the expense of one of the above are Marist St Pats (34), who are at Helston to take on Johnsonville (21). It’s a must-win for MSP and then see what has transpired at William Jones, otherwise it’s the Hardham VC Cup from the start. Johnsonville are already consigned to that, and like Norths and the Axemen they could be at home or away next week depending on results.

Dr Luke Donaldson is away with the Hurricanes Poua so Bentley Faulkner takes his place at halfback, Cam Burgess is handed the #10 jersey and Francis Mettrick comes in at fullback. Corban King switches to tighthead amongst some shuffling in their forwards. Johnsonville are without Ha’amea Ahio, replaced at loosehead by Hayden Kuresa. Trey Uitime, Asafo Fa’amafu, and Serge Hollis also join the forward pack. Sukulu Cama has the job of steering them around at halfback.

All seven Premier matches have an interclub trophy in play:

• Upper Hutt and Avalon play for their Harper Vine Trophy. Tammy Harper was the first person elected a Life Member of Avalon after the amalgamation, and during his playing days – and after – he had an intense rivalry with Bob Vine from Upper Hutt. The trophy was donated by their families, and has been in Upper Hutt’s possession for many years.
• Poneke and Petone contest the F.J. Tilyard Memorial Shield. The Tilyard’s were a famous Poneke family of the post-WWI years, and all four brothers played not just for the club – winning four titles – but for Wellington as well with Fred and Jimmy also playing for the All Blacks. Post-playing, Fred served as a Poneke administrator for 20 years. First played for in 1958, it’s currently held by Petone.
• The Bondy Memorial Cup is the prize for Ories and HOBM. Don Bond did everything there was to do for the Magpies; player, coach, Club Captain, WRFU delegate, Chairman, President, and Life Member. Unfortunately, Bond never saw his beloved side lift the Jubilee Cup, passing away just weeks before their 2011 triumph. Ories are the current holders.
• Tawa and Wellington play for their Murray & Alan Mexted Cup. The Mexted name is synonymous with both clubs with the two brothers turning out for both, as well as playing alongside each other for the Wellington representative side in the early 80’s. This is in Tawa’s possession.
• Rather newer is the Smith & Wilson Cup between Wainuiomata and Pare-Plim. Dan Smith and Justin Wilson took the Wainuiomata Premiers to the Jubilee Cup final, and later faced each other when Wilson helmed Pare-Plim. It’s held by the Hammerheads.
• Also a recent addition is the Ken Douglas Trophy between OBU and Norths. Douglas played his rugby for Wellington College OB before moving north and joining Titahi Bay. There he was instrumental in the amalgamation with Porirua that created Norths. Douglas was better known though for his work as a trade unionist and Porirua City councillor, and in 1998 was awarded our highest honour; the Order of New Zealand. He remained a regular at Norths matches until his passing in 2022. This is currently held by OBU.
• And finally, the Trent Eagle Cup between Johnsonville and MSP gets played for the second time. Eagle played 125 matches for the Hawks, before moving to MSP and adding 95 more including three Jubilee Cup triumphs, one of which was as captain in 2002. Johnsonville have it in their possession.

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The preview continues below after thanking our sponsors and supporters, without whom there would be scant independent rugby coverage in the region:

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Premier Women Tia Paasi Memorial and Izzy Ford Cups

The only other rugby going ahead tomorrow are the four Women’s Premier matches.

Division 1 has two very intriguing matches. Petone return to the Rec where they’ll face a Wainuiomata side buoyed by their win over Oriental Rongotai last Saturday. Ories will look to rebound at home at Polo, but it won’t be easy against perpetual rivals Norths. Poneke have the bye here.

In Division 2 there’s the other Hutt derby as Stokes Valley host Avalon at Delaney Park, and Paremata-Plimmerton welcome former coach Collin Webster and his Old Boys-University team out to Ngati Toa Domain. Wellington are on the bye this week.

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Other Wellington Club Grades

The Union has made the tough and almost unprecedented decision to cancel/postpone all other club grades this weekend. What this means in terms of formats to end the year, and in particular the last round of the Premier 2 Harper Lock Shield, will be determined over the weekend and communicated next week.

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College

Mass ground closures have also impacted College rugby and seen all matches, including the Premiership, cancelled for tomorrow.

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Elsewhere

Crunch time in the last round in Hawke’s Bay’s Maddison Trophy. Defending champions Taradale and Nash Cup winners Napier OB Marist (both 25) are assured of being in the playoffs, but face each other for top spot. Hastings (21) host Pirates (17) in a do-or-die clash, because Napier Tech (20) and Havelock North (19) host minnows MAC and Bridge Pa respectively. Hastings could drop out if they lose, while Pirates need to win and for one of the strugglers to pull off a huge upset if they are to live another week.

The hosts for next week’s Hankins Shield semifinals in the Manawatu have been set for a couple of weeks. Varsity (55) tune up by hosting Linton (27), while Kia Toa (55) are also at home against city rivals College Old Boys (33). Feilding Yellows and Old Boys Marist (both 35) seem likely to be the visitors next week as they host stragglers Freyberg (12) and visit Feilding OB-Oroua (22) respectively.

Two weeks left in Horowhenua-Kapiti. Defending champions and runaway leaders Foxton (61) are already certain of hosting one semi-final but who the other will be is a battle between old foes Waikanae (42) and Paraparaumu (41). Paraparaumu have the far more difficult assignment away at the leaders, while Waikanae are at home against long-eliminated Levin College OB (14). Wanderers (31) and Rahui (30) are locked in battle for the last spot, and they meet at the Levin Domain.

Once again just a pair of matches in Wairarapa-Bush. Unbeaten Greytown will look to retake the lead when they host Marist, while Masterton Red Star seek their first win over someone other than withdrawn Pioneer when East Coast come to visit. Carterton and Martinborough are idle this week.