Rugby History – Page 2

Pioneers of rugby in Wellington 121: Bill Freeman

by clubrugby - April 8, 2026

One of Wellington rugby’s most famed coaches, Bill Freeman was Wellington A representative coach between 1964-70. Under his coaching, Wellington teams enjoyed several memorable wins over the space of a few years, including twin victories over the touring Springboks and British and Irish Lions in 1965 and 1966, and for introducing

Pioneers of Rugby in Wellington 120: Barry Cull

by clubrugby - March 26, 2026March 26, 2026

Barry Cull was Wellington’s first choice halfback for several seasons from the second half of the 1950s to the early 1960s. Cull played for the Athletic club and was a leading player and personality in Wellington club rugby throughout this time in the competition. He was known to have a swift,

Pioneers of Rugby in Wellington 119: Kara Puketapu

by clubrugby - March 18, 2026

Ihakara (Kara) Porutu Puketapu was perhaps best known for his work in public service and in Māori business and politics, but he was also a slashing, penetrative midfield back in the 1950s and early 1960s for Petone and Wellington and part of four Jubilee Cup winning squads and played for

Pioneers of Rugby in Wellington 118: Alan Clark

by clubrugby - March 3, 2026March 4, 2026

Alan Clark was a bustling No. 8 who played 59 matches for Wellington A between 1952 and 1957. Not to be confused with the Clark brothers, Bill and Tony, who played for University, [Leslie] Alan Clark was a leading light and the captain of the Wellington Axemen club who were battling

What happened 100 years ago Part 2: Representative rugby in 1926

by clubrugby - February 19, 2026

A look back at how the season panned out 100 years ago. A recap of the 1926 representative season below. As discussed in part 1 of this series looking at the 1926 club and grassroots season, Athletic won the Senior Club Championship with University runners-up, ending the multi-year dominance of Petone and Poneke. The