Since 2021, Bunnings Warehouse has been the primary partner and naming rights sponsor of the Bunnings Warehouse NPC, the Farah Palmer Cup presented by Bunnings Warehouse, and the Bunnings Warehouse Heartland Championship.
Bunnings Rugby Assist was launched in 2021, in partnership with New Zealand Rugby, to help community rugby clubs upgrade facilities that are vital to their operation.
Over the past five years, Bunnings Rugby Assist has supported 60 clubs with a share of $1.5 million in Bunnings products and materials and labour support.
Achieving change requires commitment from many and as a proud partner of provincial rugby in New Zealand, it’s just a small way that Bunnings can lend a hand to the communities in which we operate.
ROUND FIVE
Lions Bolstered by All Black Returns Ahead of Auckland Clash
The Wellington Lions return to Porirua Park this Sunday, chasing a muchneeded win against old rivals Auckland. The two sides sit side by side near the bottom of the NPC ladder — Wellington in 11th and Auckland in 12th.
More than just the Fred Lucas Trophy is at stake, with both teams fighting to restore pride and reignite their playoff hopes as the business end of the season inches closer. Fans can expect a fierce battle as both sides look to turn their seasons around, with the Lions aiming to make the most of home advantage.
The Lions, with a 1–3 record, will be boosted by the return of two All Blacks from Argentina, Peter Lakai at openside flanker and Ruben Love at fullback, while fellow All Black Asafo Aumua will also start. Conversely, Auckland will be looking for their first NPC win and welcome back All Black outside back Caleb Clarke.
Julian Savea will lead as captain from second five-eighth while Brad Shields is sidelined through injury. Meanwhile, Callum Harkin makes his way back onto the bench following his HIA against Otago in round three. Solomon Stanley, who was a standout in last week’s loss to neighbours Manawatū with a hattrick, has been named as an impact player on the bench.
OLD TIMERS DAY
It’s Old Timers Day, a special occasion to pay tribute to the men’s and women’s legends who have shaped our game, leaving a lasting legacy on rugby and our community.
Over the years, those who have represented the Union, both men and women have given so much to the game, on and off the field. This includes our esteemed Old Timers joining us today.
Wellington Rugby is delighted to have you here at Porirua Park to celebrate and support our current Wellington Lions and Wellington Pride as they take the field in the Bunnings NPC and Bunnings FPC competitions.
Solomon Stanley
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CALEB DELANY
Club: Old Boys University
Weight: 198
Height: 110cm
DOB: 04/02/2000
Which player did you look up to growing up and why? I loved watching Sonny Bill. Was exciting to watch as he was physical and never knew what he was going to do on attack. Had the best offload in the game.
What’s been your proudest rugby moment so far? Winning the NPC championship in 2022 down in Christchurch. We went down as the underdogs but all the boys playing knew we had something special as a team and got the job done.
What goals have you set for yourself this season? Enjoy my rugby and see how far it can take me. Also be the best leader I can be in the team and use the facilities at NZCIS to maximise my recovery and game.
Is there a game or opponent you’re especially looking forward to? Always look forward to playing Tasman where I was born, however I don’t think we play them this year though, so I’ll go with Otago.
Where did you grow up, and what does your hometown mean to you? Grew up in Nelson, have plenty of awesome memories there growing up which shaped me into the person I am today. Was an awesome place to grow up but I’m glad to call Wellington home now.
STANLEY SOLOMON
Club: Petone
Weight: 80
Height: 174cm
DOB: 05/04/2005
Which player did you look up to growing up and why? Damian Mckenzie, not the biggest guy on the field but one of the most dangerous with the ball. Great kicking skillset and courageous on defence.
What’s been your proudest rugby moment so far? Putting on the black jersey and being able to represent not only my family but the nation and in something that I love.
What goals have you set for yourself this season? Turn up every day ready to be the best version of myself and to be better every week.
Is there a game or opponent you’re especially looking forward to? The Final.
Where did you grow up, and what does your hometown mean to you? Wellington is my home. Love this place and to be able to play for the Spider is such a privilege. Many great players have came through this jersey so to have the honour of putting it on and adding my own mana to it is special.
FUN Q’s
• Go-to hype song? Enter sandman
• Favourite local café or takeaway? Beach Babylon, Obay
• Dream holiday destination? Croatia
• Hidden talent? Playing the guitar
FUN Q’s
• Go-to hype song? Dutchies - Shapeshifter
• Favourite local café or takeaway? Prefab Cafe & Platform 145 - Yummy Spicy Chicken
• Dream holiday destination? Any golf resort
• Hidden talent? Making Youtube videos
MEMORABLE MATCHES
Rampant Wellington end 26 year shield
drought - 2008
Twenty six years of Ranfurly Shield torment is finally over for Wellington as the provincial rugby title favourites dispossessed holders Auckland 27-0 at Eden Park here tonight.
Wellington’s 11th challenge for the Log o’ Wood since they surrendered the trophy to Canterbury in 1982 finally secured the desired result as the Air NZ Cup leaders continued their irrepressible form.
The end of Auckland’s 12-month tenure also jeopardises their retention of the domestic title as a vastly inexperienced and injury-ravaged squad finds itself at risk of missing the quarterfinals with two rounds of the regular season remaining.
In stark contrast, Wellington’s eighth consecutive bonus point victory leaves last year’s runners-up seven points clear of second-placed Canterbury.
After weathering an early barrage, Wellington broke the shackles when lock Jeremy Thrush opened the scoring from practically the visitor’s first foray into enemy territory in the 11th minute.
Fullback Cory Jane glided down the blindside after fielding a clearing kick from Taniela Moa and effortlessly linked with Piri Weepu, who transferred to the mobile second rower for a straight forward touchdown in the corner.
Hosea Gear, the competition’s leading tryscorer, again showcased Wellington’s ability to punish opponents on the counter after a stray Auckland boot gifted possession at a breakdown in the 28th minute.
In a flash Weepu had hurled the ball to a forwards dominated backline where Thrush and fellow-lock rower Ross Filipo wisely transferred the ball to Gear, whose duel with covering No 8 Peter Saili was a no contest.
Gear eyed the defender before effortlessly swerving into clear air on a 55-metre stroll to the line for his 10th try of the campaign.
Weepu again failed to convert but Wellington were undeterred, comfortably looking the more threatening during a disjointed encounter. After muscling to within 10 metres of the chalk, Auckland lost the ball in contact allowing Tamati Ellison to power through several defenders on a upfield burst before Waldrom gave the Wellington-dominated crowd of 16,811 even more to celebrate.
Underdogs Auckland, desperate to extend their latest Shield tenure to six matches as past legends watched on while marking the union’s 125th anniversary, were occasionally dangerous but were too hesitant or error prone to benefit.
Isaia Toeava, reluctantly press ganged into first five-eighth after Lachie Munro’s season-ending shoulder injury against Bay of Plenty last week, typified Auckland’s first half frustrations.
Toeava looked dangerous on the break but his instinct let him down as he either kicked aimlessly or lost contact with his support.
The trend continued after the break and although Wellington also squandered opportunities a lineout steal 5m from Auckland’s line ultimately ended with hooker Dane Coles diving over untouched in the 55th minute.
Filipo burrowed over to seal the bonus point with 18 minutes remaining before replacement No 8 Thomas Waldrom twisted the knife with a breakout try that perfectly encapsulated Auckland’s poor ball retention and Wellington’s ruthlessness.
After muscling to within 10 metres of the chalk, Auckland lost the ball in contact allowing Tamati Ellison to power through several defenders on a upfield burst before Waldrom gave the Wellington-dominated crowd of 16,811 even more to celebrate.
Auckland, who suffered yet another setback when Daniel Braid failed a fitness test on his ankle before kick-off, also lost loosehead prop Paea Fa’anunu in the opening quarter as Wellington’s pack achieved early domination.
The backline was also remodelled with Toeava ultimately switched to midfield and Moa moved from halfback to pivot, to no avail.
Weepu also ended the match at first five-eighth after Daniel Kirkpatrick was subbed at halftime after a solid return from a long-term shoulder injury that kept him sidelined since round two.
For Wellington coach Jamie Joseph, who endured four failed challenges with Otago during the 1990s, the result was the ideal filip as his father Jim is gravely ill with lung cancer in Blenheim Hospital.
There was only scant consolation for Auckland, who at least were spared the indignity of inheriting the worst ever shield loss by a holder - Canterbury still has that benchmark after being blanked 35-0 by Auckland in 1995.
Elated Wellington captain Weepu said the approach this week was to not be overawed by the occasion.
‘The key message was to still be excited and not go into our shells and start playing safety rugby. Just keep on attacking and try to run them around and it paid off for us,’ Weepu told Sky Sports.
`We tried to speed the game up a bit and tire their big boys out.’ The achievement dawned on Weepu only after the final whistle blew.
`It was good to see heaps of Wellington supporters here, it’s good to actually lift the Shield tonight, it hasn’t been in Wellington for 27 years.’
Veteran Auckland prop Nick White made no excuses.
`We couldn’t get into the game. Every time we got down there to have a crack at their line we made a mistake and against a team like that you just can’t do it,’ he said.
`There was plenty of effort out there but it wasn’t good enough tonight.’
Wellington’s only defence of the season is against Tasman on Saturday.
Wellington 27 (Jeremy Thrush, Hosea Gear, Dane Coles, Ross Filipo, Thomas Waldrom tries; Piri Weepu con) Auckland 0. Halftime: 10-0.
- NZPA
WELLINGTON LIONS AT HOME WITH TUOHY HOMES
SHUTTLE BUSES: Complimentary shuttle buses will run from Porirua train station to Porirua Park commencing at 1:00pm, 1:20pm and 1:40pm.
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Experienced leaders Jackie Patea-Fereti and Valini Vaka continue to set the tone defensively, their relentless work rate and physical presence proving crucial in shutting down opposition momentum. Their influence will be vital against a determined Taranaki side still searching for their first win of the
On attack, the Pride have shown they are capable of striking from anywhere on the park. Left winger Harmony Kautai has been in scintillating form, crossing for four tries in the opening three rounds to sit equal-sixth on the competition’s try-scoring ladder. The Pride’s backline will look to continue playing with width and urgency, keeping the opposition defence under constant pressure.
Adding to the occasion, Northern United’s Lesieli Tuangalu is in line to make
With momentum building and the Championship table tightening, Sunday’s clash promises to be an important step in the Pride’s 2025 campaign.
Harmony Kautai
GET YOURSELF A GAME PLAN
VALINI VAKA
FUN Q’s
• Go-to hype song? He Is There - Lisi feat. Faith Sosene
• Favourite local café or takeaway? Cupcake Bakery Kilbirnie
• Dream holiday destination? Italy
• Hidden talent? I can play simple chords on the guitar and drums.
Club: Marist St Pats
Height: 167
DOB: 30/04/2003
Which player did you look up to growing up and why? My aunty former Wellington Pride and Black Fern Ponisitia (Tia) Paasi. She was the epitome of hard work. Although our family was sceptical about her playing a ʻboysʻ sport she continued on and made it far. She taught me that if you want something then work for it and go get it despite what others say. She also reminded me to keep my faith at the centre always and to thank God for everything both good and bad.
What’s been your proudest rugby moment so far? My proudest rugby moment so far has got to be winning the Wellington Women’s Club Championship in 2023 because it was my aunty’s memorial cup.
What goals have you set for yourself this season? 1) Improve my leadership skills. 2) To live in the moment and enjoy every opportunity I get representing Wellington 3) To be accurate and consistent in set pieces.
Is there a game or opponent you’re especially looking forward to? I’m looking forward to playing against North Harbour because I was injured when we played them last year. I watched the game and saw how physical they were and so I want to play them. Where did you grow up, and what does your hometown mean to you? I am Wellington born and bred. This region means a lot to me because it is the place that gave my family opportunities when they came from Tonga. It is also a place that raised me so much so that I can find different parts of my childhood in various places in the region such as Strathmore, Kilbirnie, Berhampore, Taita, Naenae and Karori. Wellington is my home.
FAYTHE FINAU
FUN Q’s
Club: Northern United
Height: 170cm
DOB: 14/06/2005
Which player did you look up to growing up and why? I would say my dad Livingston Finau, even though he wasn’t a professional player. I never really watched rugby on tv growing up so I would watch my dad’s games on Saturdays for club and that was my kind of exposure to rugby. Why?-Watching him put his body on the line every game for his team, being a key factor to the game inspired me growing up.
What’s been your proudest rugby moment so far? Would be making the Wellington Pride team.
What goals have you set for yourself this season? A goal I set for myself this season is to keep working at it to have an opportunity to play in the 23 each week and if so executing my roles well.
Is there a game or opponent you’re especially looking forward to? I am looking forward to the 2 games we have in Porirua against Otago and Taranaki as it is in my hometown.
Where did you grow up, and what does your hometown mean to you? I grew up in Cannons creek Porirua and I still currently live there with my family. Porirua is home a community full of many different cultures and talents.
• Go-to hype song? Jazz NOBODI- Tall poppy
• Favourite local café or takeaway? Discount house supermarket/ the dairy on astrolabe- Has butter chicken, chicken and chips, BBQ and island food so many varieties of food
• Dream holiday destination? South Korea
• Hidden talent? I can crochet and I’m very crafty.
UNLOCK THE POWER OF TEAMWORK AT NZCIS
Jarvis Plumbing brought their team to NZCIS for a day of team building — strengthening connections, working and playing together, and inspiring their people.
It showed how valuable it can be when teams step away from the everyday to reconnect and recharge.
At NZCIS, our team building packages are designed to create the same impact for your organisation:
• Customisable activities for all group sizes
• World-class facilities in Upper Hutt, just 30 mins from Wellington
• Spaces for both fun and focused sessions
• On-site catering and accommodation options
Whether it’s a corporate retreat, strategy day, or a team celebration – we’ll help you create an experience your team won’t forget.
Ready to bring your team together? Book your next event with us today. Email us at events@nzcis.co.nz
Collect them all – grab your FREE Wellington Lions and Wellington Pride Player Trading Cards at the game, while stocks last!
