Rugby success

RNZN RUGBY SUCCESS

By WOET Stevie Winikerei

Even though COVID-19 brought significant disruptions to our regular sports seasons, rugby in the Navy continued to thrive.

Several RNZN women played representative level rugby for North Harbour in the Farah Palmer Cup. The Royal New Zealand Navy Rugby Football Club (RNZN RFC) had their most successful season in over a decade. The Navy held its first Inter-Branch rugby match. Still to come, the NZDF men’s and women’s rugby teams, featuring several RNZN personnel, will play this month against the NZ Police. With the success of rugby in the Navy in 2020, 2021 is shaping up to be a great year.

RNZN women in North Harbour representative team

Women’s rugby in North Harbour is growing. In 2020 North Harbour entered multiple women’s teams into the Auckland Rugby women’s competition. The aim is to develop the women’s game in North Harbour to a point where they can host their own competition. Several RNZN women had standout seasons with their teams, being selected for the North Harbour representative side which competes in the Farah Palmer Cup national competition. Congratulations to Ensign Kate Williams (pictured left, also named as Captain of the North Harbour team), Able Chef Caroline Sio, Able Chef Tamea Te Rauna, Able Logistics Supply Specialist Anita Berry, Able Combat System Specialist Phoenix Littin and Clementine Varea for your representative selections.

Doggies make the semis!

2020 saw a year of growth and success for the RNZN RFC. The club’s Premier 2 ‘Doggies’ made it to the semi-finals, an achievement which the club has not experienced for several years. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, the season was cancelled before the team was able to compete for a championship trophy. The team will be looking to achieve the same result next year, but go even further to bring a championship title home for the Navy. The RNZN RFC also awarded blazers to two players for the first time in decades. Receiving a blazer from your club is the ultimate achievement for a senior rugby player. This is an achievement which recognises long term commitment to the club and identifies you as a leader within the team. Congratulations to Petty Officer Weapon Technician Jordancooper Peters and Ordinary Diver Dylan Macdonald (above) for your achievements.

The RNZN RFC would like to thank all our supporters, and our sponsors, Wulf Athletic and Belmont Bar. This season was dedicated to our fallen brother Baz Waerea, “never above, never below, always beside, my bro”.

Inter-Branch rugby

This year introduced the first battle of the branches rugby tournament. Held in August, the match was also used as a trial to select the Navy Premier men’s side to compete in the Inter-Service tournament. The Technical Branch, Support Branch, and Operations Branch each fielded a team, in the game of three halves. Some real Branch pride was displayed, and there were even a couple of Warrant Officers who suited up to go to battle with their teams. A good crowd was in attendance to cheer on their teams.

In the end, the Technical Branch, who were always hot favourites, dominated their two halves and came out victorious. However, sports, culture, fitness, and esprit de corps were the real winners on the day. The Technical Branch looks forward to defending their title in 2021.

What’s coming up in 2021?

JANUARY

The RNZN RFC Doggies will begin pre-season training early in 2021. There will be at least two pre-season games in March, one of which will be a contest for the Baz Waerea Memorial Trophy against Te Awamutu Sports, held at Ngataringa. After reclaiming this trophy, the Doggies will set their mind to making the finals of the North Harbour Rugby Premier 2 championship.

AUGUST

Another Inter-Branch tournament will be held to see if the Technical Branch can maintain their dominance. This match will also be a trial to select the men’s and women’s Inter-Service teams.

SEPTEMBER

The Inter-Service tournament is to be held at Devonport Naval base. For both the men and women, this tournament is an opportunity to be selected for NZDF representation, which generally involves international travel, and is the pinnacle for most NZDF sports players.

RNZN Rugby

POINT OF CONTACT

If you are interested in being involved in coaching, management, or playing rugby feel free to reach out to any of the personnel listed below.

MENS’ RUGBY

WO Stevie Winikerei LMT Damian Mitai ASCS Dave Nicol

WOMENS’ RUGBY

CPO Chippa Chase POCH Tyson Job