News in briefs

Monday morning edition: Week four of pre-season 2024 and kickoff for the Horowhenua-Kapiti Ramsbotham Cup competition coming right up. Look out for our preview at the end of the week canvassing what's coming up next Saturday, but there are at least five inter-club Premier fixtures between Wellington clubs scheduled. Poneke also

Above: In the absence of any rugby photos from this past weekend, we've gone back to the summer of 2007 for the headline shot! Who can remember beach rugby at Oriental Bay, won by the beach's namesake Oriental-Rongotai, who beat Hutt Old Boys Marist in the final. Monday AFTERNOON edition: The second

The Wellington Academy side after their 41-12 win over Manawatu on Saturday. In blustery conditions, Wellington won 7 tries to 2, after scoring the game's first try in the 25th minute. The Hurricanes U20s squad selection is imminent.  UPDATED Monday afternoon: For all clubs, the countdown is on to the start

By our thinking, this coming weekend is the last weekend of 'summer' for many club rugby players and officials throughout the lower North Island. Pre-season matches will start on Saturday 2 March and continue on 9, 16 and 23 of March. In Wellington most clubs will be in camp over Easter

Paremata-Plimmerton competed at the National Club 7s tournament on Saturday - dipping out in their semi-final against Auckland University despite drawing. More details below. PHOTO: Paremata-Plimmerton Facebook  After a long, languid off-season, 15s rugby returns to Wellington and for Wellington teams this coming Friday and Saturday. The Hurricanes squad faces Moana Pasifika