CEO MESSAGE
Kia ora Lions Whānau
On behalf of Wellington Rugby, I’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our loyal members and partners for your continued support.
As we build on the momentum from last season’s success, your backing remains a vital part of the Lions’ journey, one that now sets its sights on making history by becoming the first Wellington side to claim back-to-back NPC titles since the competition began in 1976.
We are proud to be living through the most successful era in Wellington Rugby’s history, having lifted the NPC trophy in both 2022 and 2024, and reclaimed the Ranfurly Shield in 2022 during what was our 11th tenure with the iconic trophy.
Now, we turn the page to a new chapter, with a talented squad led by newly appointed head coach Trent Renata.
WRFU has a proud and storied legacy, one that continues to shape the national game. This year, we celebrated the achievements of Lions representatives Du’Plessis Kirifi, Billy Proctor, Ardie Savea, and Ruben Love, who all earned national honours. Their success is a testament to their talent, dedication, and the strength of our development pathways. We also applauded Caleb Delany’s selection in the Māori All Blacks, further underscoring the depth of talent within our region.
Once again, thank you for your unwavering support. We look forward to sharing another exciting and inspiring campaign with you in 2025, together as part of this proud rugby whānau.
- Tony Giles, WRFU CEO
HISTORIC DATA
NATIONAL
PROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIP 1976 - 2024
ALL TIME CAPS & POINTS
ALL 1ST CLASS MATCHES
Graham Williams 1964–1976 174
Al Keown 1966–1979 149
Andy Leslie 1964–1977 144
Nev MacEwan 1954–1967 133
Ken Gray 1958–1969 129
Bernie Fraser 1975 - 1986 120
Don McIntosh 1951–1960 120
Ian Stevens 1967-1976 112
Ivan Vodanovich 1950–1960 112
Mick Williment 1958–1968 112
TIME WELLINGTON ‘A’ POINT SCORERS
Allan Hewson
Jackson Garden-Bachop
Mick Williment
John Gallagher
Jon Preston
Simon Mannix
David Holwell
Brian Cederwall
Ron Jarden
Jimmy Gopperth
ALL
WELLINGTON ‘A’ TRY SCORERS
Note: The Wellington ‘A’ team is the top Wellington Men’s representative team, known now as the Lions. Historically not all 1st Class matches played by Wellington have been by the Wellington ‘A’ team. Many matches such as Wellington B and Wellington Colts are classed as 1st Class.
2024 CHAMPIONS
2024 SEASON LADDER
2024 SEASON STATS
2024 TRIES & POINTS
TOP TRY SCORERS
TOP POINT SCORERS
Tjay
7
Riley Higgins 6
Julian Savea 6
Peter Umaga-Jensen 5
2025 OUTLOOK
INS OUTS
Harry Irving
Hibiki Yamada
Kenshi Yamamoto
Wider Training Group
Salesa Seumanufagai
Jake Wetere
Conner Tuifao
Esi Komaisavai
Leon Tuiloma
Mitch McLeod
Pepesana Patafilo
Peter Umaga-Jensen
Leni Apisai
Kato Kazuki
Yota Kamimori
Bradley Crichton
Teofilo Paulo
TJ Perenara
Senio Sanele
Harry Press
Hika Elliot
ALL BLACKS MĀORI ALL BLACKS
Du’Plessis Kirifi
Billy Proctor
Ardie Savea
Ruben Love
Caleb Delany
PLAYER PROFILES
ASAFO
Asafo is a dynamic and explosive hooker known for his powerful running game, physicality, and aggressive style of play. Growing up in Naenae, he attended St. Patrick’s College, Silverstream where he spent three years in the school’s First XV. Gaining representative honours with selection to NZ Secondary Schools and New Zealand U20, he was a bolter for the All Blacks end of year tour in 2017. His rare blend of speed and strength for a front-row forward was showcased in his explosive debut season for Wellington where he gained national recognition for his stunning long range tries.
AUMUA Hooker
ARDIE
SAVEA
Debut: Hawkes Bay, 2016 Club: Avalon
DOB: 5/05/1997 Caps: 63 Wt: 113kg Ht: 180cm
What more can be said about Ardie Savea? Ardie has cemented himself as one of Wellington’s all-time greatest players. His Rugby prowess & leadership has been evident since his first steps with his beloved Oriental Rongotai club, captaining the Rongotai College 1st XV and being the school’s Head Boy along the way. He captained the NZ Secondary School’s team then continuing onto provincial, Super and International Rugby stardom, including IRB World Rugby Player of the Year 2023. His huge energy, dynamic running with ball in hand and impact tackling, makes him a special player and a firm crowd favourite.
Loose forward
DOB: 14/10/1993
Debut: Manawatu, 2012 Club: Oriental-Rongotai
Caps: 36 Wt: 95kg Ht: 188cm
Tom Maiava was schooled in Wellington and progressed his Rugby career through the Tawa club, Wellington Academy and age grade rep teams. He moved to Australia and was then selected for the Samoan 7’s team, which saw him gain a trip to Paris for the Olympics. Returning last year to play for Oriental Rongotai, he has continued to grow as a player and is looking forward to contributing to the Lions success in 2025.
Outside back
Debut: Southland, 2024 Club: Oriental-Rongotai
DOB: 6/03/99 Caps: 5 Wt: 90kg Ht: 176cm
Kenshi, comes from Kubota Spears Funabashi Tokyo-Bay in Japan. He joined Spears in 2020 and has made 21 appearances so far. He started playing Rugby in high school and had played baseball until then. During his student years, his position was No. 8 or Lock. He has a high instantaneous power, so he can be expected to play an active role as a ball carrier.
Debut: ---
Prop Club: Eastbourne
DOB: 17/09/97 Caps: 0 Ht: 186cm Wt: 115kg
HIBIKI YAMADA
TJAY CLARKE
CALEB DELANY
Hibiki, plays for Kubota Spears Funabashi Tokyo-Bay in Japan. He joined Kubota Spears in 2024 from Keio University, a traditional Japanese university. He has scored two tries in nine appearances in League One in the 2024/25 season. When he was in high school and university, he was selected for the Japan Sevens National Team. He has great speed and steps and can be expected to play in any position in the backs.
Outside back
DOB: 02/05/01
Debut: ---
Club: Eastbourne
Caps: 0 Ht: 174cm Wt: 82kg
Tjay is a graduate of the St Pats Silverstream College Rugby system. Originating from the Chatham Islands, he moved to Australia then to NZ for secondary school. A player of great promise with speed and flair, he made his debut alongside 12 other Lions’ debutantes in a Ranfurly Shield challenge in 2023. His potential & consistent performances for his Petone club and the Lions earned him a place with the Hurricanes squad in 2025.
Outside back
DOB: 20/08/02
Debut: Horowhenua Kapiti, 2012 Club: Petone
Caps: 19 Ht: 180cm Wt: 89kg
Caleb is a multi-talented sportsman. At secondary school he excelled in Rugby and softball. Making a choice to more actively chase the Rugby path, he moved to Wellington on the back of a scholarship to Victoria University of Wellington in 2018. Joining Old Boys-University and the OBU/VUW Academy set up, he caught the selectors eye and made his Lions debut in 2020 and then the Hurricanes. His performances lead to NZ Maori selection and a place in an All Blacks XV team last year. He has been used effectively in both the locking and loose forward roles and has graduated with a Batchelors of Architecture degree.
Lock
DOB: 4/02/00
Debut: Auckland, 2020 Club: OBU
Caps: 48 Ht: 197cm Wt: 113kg
Akira is an athletic lock/flanker from the Tawa club. He has experienced overseas Rugby with the Kubota Spears Funabashi Tokyo Bay team and has been a regular in the Lions squad for 2 seasons. Akira was born in Japan, his father Alama was a Wellington Lions great (#1379) and an All Black from 1994-2000.
Lock Debut: Horowhenua Kapiti, Club: Tawa
DOB: 14/11/01
Caps: 16 Ht: 192cm Wt: 115kg
AKIRA IEREMIA
JACKSON GARDEN-BACHOP
In the NPC Final last year, Jackson became the 22nd Lion to reach 100 matches for Wellington. He is the first one since Tana Umaga in 2007 and joined a who’s who of Wellington legends. He features second on the all-time Wellington ‘A matches’ points scorers list. He has gained a lot of professional Rugby experience with contracts with 3 Super Rugby franchises and other contracts in France.
First five Club: Northern United
Debut: Bay of Plenty, 2013
DOB: 3/10/94
Caps: 100 Ht: 183cm Wt: 99kg
Loose
DOB: 02/05/01
CALLUM HARKIN
Debut: Canterbury, 2022 Club: Oriental-Rongotai
Caps: 27 Ht: 183cm Wt: 104kg
Tongan born Sione moved to Wellington in 2016 to attend Scots College on a scholarship. Upon leaving school, he then made an immediate impact at the Oriental Rongotai Club and was a part of the Wellington Rugby Academy. Sione is a tough and determined loose forward and gained a place in the Lions team following age grade representative selections for both Wellington and the Hurricanes. SIONE HALALILO
Callum made his way into the Wellington Lions team in 2024. The fleet footed, big kicking 1st 5/8 had previous standout club seasons with Old Boys University (winner Billy Wallace Best & Fairest 2022), culminating with being an integral part of their 2024 Swindale Shield/Jubilee Cup winning team and was awarded the Jim Brown Plate for being player of the Jubilee Cup final. His combination with club mate and other 2024 Lions debutante Kyle Preston has added to the Lions firepower and who will forget his massive into the wind kick to win the NPC final last year? After being named Wellington Lions Rookie of the Year in 2024, he progressed to the Hurricanes in 2025 where he has mostly been used in the full back role.
First five
DOB: 4/08/99
RILEY HIGGINS
Debut: Auckland, 2024 Club: OBU
Caps: 10 Ht: 181cm Wt: 92kg
Riley is a hugely talented 2nd 5/8 who made headlines in 2022 by being selected for the Hurricanes before making his Lions debut. He is an elusive runner with great gap finding ability and has made a big impact on the field, leading to selection for the All Blacks XV in 2024. Having battled through recent injury problems, he will be looking to continue his upward trajectory with a big season with the Lions in 2025.
Midfield Debut: Bay of Plenty, 2022 Club: Petone
DOB: 10/09/02
Caps: 33 Ht: 185cm Wt: 98kg
DU’PLESSIS KIRIFI
LOSI FILIPO
PETER LAKAI
Du’Plessis has been an inspirational player and captain for the Wellington Lions and Hurricanes over the past 8 seasons. Finally rewarded for his efforts with All Black selection in 2025, Du’Plessis has built a reputation of being the most effective player in gaining turnovers and has proven to be immovable when positioned ‘over the ball’.
Loose Club: Northern United
Debut: Manawatu, 2017
DOB: 3/03/97 Caps: 70 Ht: 182cm Wt: 103kg
Losi is another product of the successful St Pats Silverstream Rugby programme. His pace and power brought him to the attention of Samoa selectors and he made his test debut for them in 2021. This year, he added to his professional experience with two appearances for Moana Pasifika in Super Rugby Pacific.
Outside back Debut: Canterbury, 2022 Club: Oriental-Rongotai
DOB: 02/05/01 Caps: 27 Ht: 183cm Wt: 104kg
Peter Lakai made a big impact in making his Lions debut at only 18 years of age. He is a strong, fast loose forward who is widely seen as the strongest ball carrier in the country. Peter seemingly makes ground every time he gets the ball. His rapid rise included selection in the Hurricanes in 2023 and the All Blacks in 2024. He is definitely one to watch in the 2025 season for the Lions.
Loose Club: Petone
Debut: Southland, 2021
DOB: 4/03/03 Caps: 32 Ht: 186cm Wt: 109kg
Siale is another up and comer in the Lions team. He has a formidable physical presence on the field, 1.94 metres being tall for a prop, but uses his size effectively in the scrums and around the field. He has experienced Super Rugby with the Hurricanes in 2024 and is keen to continue his Rugby growth with the Lions in 2025.
Prop Club: Tawa
Debut: Bay of Plenty, 2022
DOB: 30/05/03 Caps: 32 Ht: 194cm Wt: 112kg
Ruben is a very focused young player who has proven his worth for the Lions, Hurricanes and now the All Blacks. He is a clever runner with the ball, showing his great pace from full back. More recently he has been playing at 1st 5/8 for the Hurricanes and this versatility will be of great benefit to the Lions in 2025.
Outside back
DOB: 28/04/01
Debut: BoP, 2022
Club: Wainuiomata Caps: 41 Ht: 183cm Wt: 91kg
SIALE LAUAKI
JAMES O’REILLY
NUI MUliwai
XAVIER
Since making his debut as an 18 year old, James’ Rugby career has been a stop start affair with numerous injuries. As a notable ‘in the tight’ type hooker he has had national level age grade representative experience, plenty of Super Rugby time with the Hurricanes and has played a lot of NPC Rugby for both Wellington and Bay of Plenty.
Debut: Manawatu, 2013
Hooker Club: Hutt Old Boys-Marist
DOB: 12/11/94
Caps: 72 Ht: 182cm Wt: 103kg
Nui was pretty much a surprise call up to the Wellington Lions in 2024. He was largely unknown to the Wellington public when he fronted as a half back in the 2024 NPC after playing previously for Thames Valley and Waikato. He will be keen to display his talent to help the Lions in 2025.
Halfback Club: University of Waikato
DOB:
Debut: Manawatu, 2024
Caps: 6
Ht: cm Wt: kg
Since making his debut for Wellington in 2018, Xavier has become a cornerstone of the Lions and Hurricanes front row. He was Lions Rookie of the year and followed that award up with Lions Player of the Year in 2022. He is a formidable scrummager and his strength and athleticism makes him a force to be reckoned with around the park.
Debut: Southland, 2018
Prop Club: Oriental Rongotai
DOB: 29/11/1998
Caps: 48
Ht: 184 cm Wt: 113 kg
Matolu is Porirua born and raised and made his debut last year during the ‘hell week Wednesday match’ v Otago. He has acquitted himself well in the tight forward arena for his Tawa club and the Lions squad and will be looking to contribute significantly in this year’s campaign.
Lock Club: Tawa
DOB: 04/09/04
Debut: Otago, 2024
Caps: 5 Ht: cm Wt: kg
Hugo played is secondary school Rugby with Onslow College. He moved onto Tawa Rugby club and from there he came through the Wellington academy and Hurricanes U20. He made his Hurricanes debut in 2023. Seeking more game time at Super Rugby, he went to the Highlanders in 2024 and returned to the Hurricanes for the 2025 season where he put his big 1.98 metre frame to effective use. Hugo is set to become a powerhouse in the Lions forward pack this season.
Lock Club: Tawa
Debut: Southland, 2022
DOB: 25/08/00
Caps: 21 Ht: 198cm Wt: 118kg
NUMIA
MATOLU PETAIA
HUGO PLUMMER
PENIELI POASA
KYLE PRESTON
BILLY PROCTOR
MATT PROCTOR
Penieli may be a fairly recent addition to the Lions team but has a lot of Rugby experience. He has chalked up 100 matches for his Oriental Rongotai Premier side and captained that club’s first ever Jubilee Cup win. Further back he was in the same St Pats Town 1st XV with current Lions team mates Xavier Numia and Billy Proctor. He will be looking to impress with the 2025 Lions.
Debut: Manawatu, 2023
Hooker Club: Oriental-Rongotai
DOB: 25/07/1997
Caps: 10 Ht: 172cm Wt: 107kg
Kyle Preston has been arguably the most exciting addition to the Lions team in many years. His exceptional pace and speed & accuracy of pass off both hands have become stand out features. He has scored some remarkable tries, none more prominent than the extra time thriller vs Bay Plenty in the round-robin phase in last year’s NPC. His combination with teammate Callum Harkin from Old Boys-University was a key ingredient in their Jubilee Cup winning 2024 season and this has transitioned to NPC level Rugby. It was a surprise to his growing legion of fans when the Hurricanes did not pick him up for 2025, but it did not surprise them when he started his time with the Crusaders with a hattrick on debut and taking out the Rookie of the Year award for them.
Debut: Horowhenua Kapiti, 2023
Halfback Club: OBU
DOB: 13/09/99
Caps: 24 Ht: 177cm Wt: 75kg
Having been recognised as a potential star from an early age, Billy is fulfilling that promise. He is a fixture in Lions and Hurricanes teams and became an All Black in 2024, where he matched brother Matt in achieving that level. A gifted centre, he will be a key ingredient in any Lions success this season - when international duties allow.
Midfield Club: Marist-St Pats
DOB: 14/05/1999
Debut: Waikato, 2017
Caps: 62 Ht: 187cm Wt: 98kg
The hugely experienced Matt Proctor is renowned for his explosive ball carrying along with his defensive prowess . His career includes All Blacks, Māori All Blacks and Northampton in the English Premiership. Returning to the Lions last season, he is looking forward to reuniting with brother Billy and sharing his vast experience with the younger members of the Lions squad.
Debut: Manawatu, 2012
Midfield Club: Oriental Rongotai
DOB: 26/10/1992
Caps: 62 Ht: 180cm Wt: 90kg
DOMINIC ROPETI
JULIAN SAVEA
Vice CAPTAIN
PJ SCHECK
BRAD SHIELDS CAPTAIN
Another star in the making, Dominic is a talented openside flanker who has been impressing since his Lions debut in 2023. Some highlights of his career so far have been a member of the NPC winning squad in 2024 and winning the Jubilee Cup with Oriental Rongotai, capped off with winning the Jim Brown Memorial Plate for Player of the Final. He is one to look out for in the 2025 season.
Debut: Horowhenua Kapiti, 2023 Loose Club: Oriental-Rongotai
DOB: 04/03/23
Caps: 24 Ht: 193cm Wt: 106kg
The Lions welcomes back ‘The Bus’ for 2025. Exploding onto the international scene by being named IRB Junior Player of the Year in 2010 and becoming All Black #1111 in 2012, Julian has had a stellar Rugby career. With 46 test tries he is in the very top echelon with the All Blacks. He was a RWC winner in 2015, topping the tournament’s list of try scorers with 8. Like his esteemed brother Ardie, Julian has a legion of fans both home and abroad who will more than keen to see him perform at his best again for the 2025 Lions.
Debut: Tasman, 2010 Outside back Club: Oriental-Rongotai
DOB: 7/08/90
Caps: 74 Ht: 192cm Wt: 106kg
Born and bred in Porirua, PJ has been around the Wellington Rugby scene as an effective prop for quite some time. He plays for the Tawa club and since making his Lions debut in 2021, has picked up Super Rugby contracts with the Blues and Highlanders. His front row experience and expertise will form an important part of the Lions 2025 campaign.
Prop Club: Tawa
Debut: Northland, 2021
DOB: 3/10/00 Caps: 27 Ht: 190cm Wt: 123kg
Having made his Lions debut in 2010, Brad is the ‘senior pro’ of this team. He has had a huge Rugby career, including over 80 Lions, 120 Hurricanes and 8 test matches for England. He is an uncompromising, totally reliable loose forward who commands respect from the opposition every time he plays. As your 2025 captain, he’ll be a driving force in the Lions’ campaign, both on and off the field.
Debut: Hawke’s Bay, 2010
Loose Club: Petone
DOB: 02/04/1991 Caps: 81 Ht: 194cm Wt: 112kg
STANLEY SOLOMON
From being one of the most highly regarded 1st 5/8s in Wellington College’s Rugby history, Stanley went to the Petone club first year out of school, making his debut for their Premier team on the wing that year. This move proved successful for him as he took out the WRFU’s Billy Wallace Best and Fairest Award that season. From there he has been an integral part of the successful 2024 NZ Under 20 campaign and is a noted leader in the 2025 NZU20 team who finished second in the IRB U20 tournament. Stanley has been making every post a winning post with his Rugby and will be looking to cement his place in the Lions for 2025 and beyond.
Debut: Taranaki, 2024 Outside back Club: Petone
DOB: 5/04/2005
HARRY IRVING
Caps: 9 Ht: 174cm Wt: 80kg
Having been a star lock and Captain of Scots College in 2023, Harry rapidly progressed to being a key, exciting loose forward with Old Boys University Premiers in 2024. What is remarkable is he led Scots College to the College Premiership Final victory one year and the next year scored the decisive try against Tawa in the Jubilee Cup final – both at Porirua Park. Gaining NZU20 honours this season and continuing to impress at club level, Harry is set to make his Lions debut this season and to kick off what is expected by many to be a stellar representative Rugby career.
Debut: 2025 Loose Club: OBU
DOB: 02/07/05
Caps: Ht: 197cm Wt: 108kg
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