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. Learn More
SUPPORTING PLAYERS BEYOND THE FIELD
The New Zealand Rugby Foundation (NZRF) stands at the heart of our game, supporting those who have given everything for rugby. Since its establishment in 1986, the Foundation has been dedicated to caring for seriously injured players and ensuring they are never left to face their challenges alone.
Rugby is a sport that inspires us, unites us, and teaches resilience, but it can also carry great risk. When a player sustains a life-altering spinal or brain injury, the NZRF steps in immediately with practical, financial, and emotional assistance. That means providing specialist equipment, home and vehicle modifications, advocacy, and access to medical and rehabilitation expertise. Just as importantly, it means standing alongside players and their whānau for life — offering connection, community, and hope.
The Foundation’s work extends beyond crisis response. It fosters a nationwide network where injured players support each other, and it promotes injury prevention, safety awareness, and education. Through fundraising events, partnerships, and the generosity of rugby people, the NZRF raises vital funds to sustain this mission and ensure injured players live with dignity, independence, and opportunity.
Every dollar raised directly impacts lives. From helping a young player adapt to new challenges, to ensuring a veteran of the game continues to feel valued and connected, the NZRF is about care, compassion, and the spirit of rugby.
As we celebrate today’s match between Wellington and Bay of Plenty, we also acknowledge those whose playing journeys were cut short. Your support of the New Zealand Rugby Foundation keeps their stories alive and ensures that, in rugby, no one stands alone.
ROUND TEN
A Rivalry Renewed
The Wellington Lions will close out the 2025 NPC season against the Bay of Plenty Steamers, just as they did in 2024. Last year, both encounters went down to the wire, with extra time needed to separate the teams, and the Lions ultimately emerging as NPC champions in the final.
This Saturday, the Lions take the field one last time in 2025, finishing outside the top eight and bringing their bid for backto-back championships to a close. The Steamers, however, are fired up, aiming to secure fourth place on the ladder, and a win at Porirua Park could see them climb even higher.
The Lions have been hit hard by injuries and national team call-ups, requiring them to draw on several players from outside the wider squad named at the start of the season. As was the case last weekend, the team will be without their All Blacks, with the exception of Kyle Preston.
Harry Irving
The forwards see several changes from last weekend’s game against Taranaki. In the front row, James O’Reilly and PJ Sheck return to the side. Hugo Plummer pairs with Dominic Ropeti in the second row, while Cody Lokotui comes in at blindside flanker and Matolu Petaia shifts from lock to number 8. In the backs, there is just one change, with Tom Maiava coming in on the left wing.
Potential impact players from the bench making their possible debuts include Harry Irving and David Leota-Johnson.
Anaru Ese - Sports fan, thinker, brother
Anaru instantly knew something was terribly wrong. He was just 16 years old, playing for Aotea College in 2004. Entering a ruck, he was pinned in a bad position when he felt the sensation of his body leaving. A doctor among the spectators rushed to help, but the next 45 minutes lying on the field and waiting for an ambulance was the longest of Anaru’s life.
Anaru was paralysed below his shoulders. After a tough recovery in Christchurch, he came home to Porirua and completed his final year at school. He’s kept learning ever since, setting his sharp and inquiring mind loose on the expanse of the internet.
Anaru is keen on economics and researching developing technologies. He enjoys design and music, trialling software for usability with his head mouse. The pinnacle achievement for Anaru would be landing a job and enjoying paid work. Ongoing health challenges have so far curtailed that ambition but he’s not one to give up. He’s an avid follower of sports, especially rugby, and in good weather can be found cruising in his chair by the waters of his hometown.
Anaru is deeply appreciative of the Rugby Foundation’s support. In the immediate aftermath of his accident, it made sure his parents could be with him at the hospital, paying for flights and accommodation. The foundation has remained constant in their lives, including helping with valuable improvements around the house to aid his independence.
Cody Everson - Paralympian, social media manager, foodie, social butterfly
Growing up, Cody dreamed the dream of many Kiwi boys: to represent his country in rugby. But in 2011, aged 15, his neck was broken in a tackle playing for Shirley Boys’ High in Christchurch. As he was loaded into the ambulance, he insisted on keeping his boots on – he’d be back, after all. And when doctors told him he’d never walk again, he brushed it off. Denial soon gave way to determination to make the best of his situation.
A year after his injury he got into wheelchair rugby and a few years later he’d fulfilled that childhood dream in a way he never imagined, playing for the Wheel Blacks and ultimately becoming captain.
n 2021 the team made it to the Tokyo Paralympics. It was a huge year for Cody – just four weeks after the Games he got married, and he and wife Jess learned they were expecting a baby, a ‘brother’ to bulldogs Lorenzo and Lyla.
It marked quite the turnaround at Cody’s house, which for a few years was party central for him and his flatmates. Cody puts his trademark charisma to good use in his work as social media manager for Christchurch company Melrose Kiwi Concept Wheelchairs.
Small busin ess payroll is in your han ds OFFICIAL PAYROLL PARTNER
TJAY CLARKE
Club: Petone
Weight: 89kg
Height: 180cm
DOB: 20/08/2002
From the Chathams to Australia, crayfishing boats to the Lions — how has that journey shaped you as a player? It’s pretty special coming from the Chathams — it was an awesome upbringing. We were always hunting, fishing, and diving. Then working on the crayfishing boats with the old man was pretty wicked, and whether I wanted it or not, I’d always get feedback on my games and what he reckoned he would’ve done if he was playing. Now, to represent my whānau and friends through the Lions is huge. They’re the ones who made the sacrifices so I could play rugby, and being able to represent them on the field is probably the biggest blessing of all.
What’s your favourite memory so far in a Lions jersey?
Definitely last year as a whole, but lifting the trophy at the end of the season has to be the standout.
You’ve shown great versatility across the backline — is there a position you feel most at home in when pulling on the Lions jersey?
Fullback would have to be my preferred position. I’d love the chance to play at 10 again someday, but I’m just happy as long as I’m out on the field.
What areas of your game are you working on this season?
My ability to drive the game, find my voice within the team, and put it into action.
TJAY CLARKE
When Lions fans watch you play, what do you hope they notice about your style?
That I play with confidence and do my best to get the win!
Who has been the biggest influence on your rugby journey so far? Definitely my old man. My brother too — being able to share the field with him in a Lions jersey was something really special.
FUN Q’s
Early mornings on the crayfishing boat or NPC preseason training? Preseason for sure
What’s one thing Lions fans might not know about you?
Best golfer in the team haha
Which of your Lions teammates do you reckon has what it takes to survive a week on the Chathams?
Hmm I’m not sure to be honest definitely not Riley Higgins though.
TOM MAIAVA
Club: Oriental-Rongotai
Weight: 90kg
Height: 183cm
DOB: 06/03/1999
Proudest rugby moment?
Representing my country Samoa at the Paris Olympics for 7s.
What areas of your game are you working on this season?
Consistency and rugby IQ.
When Lions fans watch you play, what do you hope they notice about your style?
Running rugby, expect the unexpected.
Who has been the biggest influence on your rugby journey so far?
God. Grateful for the gifts, talent and opportunity he allows me to play the game I love.
Where did you grow up, and what does your hometown mean to you?
I grew up in Porirua. Being from Porirua you always dream of one day being able to play for the Lions, the Canes. Porirua holds a special place in my heart, love the people, community and everything that comes with being from Porirua.
Which player did you look up to growing up and why?
Heaps of names come to mind but probably TJ Perenara. Being from Porirua also, inspired us that we can make it out of Porirua too. No matter what circumstances or obstacles, you can make it.
TOM MAIAVA
FUN Q’s
What’s one thing Lions fans might not know about you? I love to bake and can play quite a few instruments
Favourite local café or takeaway?
Family bakery
Dream holiday destination? Greece
MEMORABLE MATCHES
Wellington wins extra-time thriller
- Oct, 2017
After 16 years of trying, Wellington has at long last come out on top in a final, in stunning circumstances.
After 100 minutes of rugby, Wellington finally overcame Bay of Plenty in an extra-time thriller; victorious 59-45 in a game which had it all.
It was sweet relief for Wellington. It had eight times previously marched into a final with hopes of ending the night raising a trophy aloft. Eight times it was left watching on as its opponent basked in the glory.
That streak finally ended last night, and with it came promotion to the Premiership.
Since claiming the NPC premiership in 2000, Wellington had consistently fallen short in the big games. From 2006 to 2009, it lost four straight finals, so you could understand any scepticism as to whether it could break that duck.
That scepticism was turned into a more pressing concern after a massive performance by Bay of Plenty. Up 28-14, Wellington looked comfortable, but the men from the Bay kept coming, scoring some fantastic tries, and pushing the home team the whole way.
The final game had parallels to Wellington’s season as a whole, with its highpaced style creating an avalanche of attack, from both sides.
Wellington had several tries set up after blistering counter-attacks, while Bay winger Joe Webber scored two stunning long-range individual efforts.
While they were the highlights, it was simply a contest which had everything. Wellington scored three tries through its props, and had a try within 14 seconds of the second half restarting after a remarkable Brad Shields charge down.
At that point, it looked like Wellington would storm to victory, but Bay of Plenty also had tricks up its sleeve. Twice it levelled the scores, and had to sweat out a missed last-gasp penalty from Jackson Garden-Bachop to take the game to extra time.
It was there where its exhaustive effort finally tolled. Wellington’s array of attacking options kept coming, with three superbly executed tries eventually burying Bay of Plenty’s chances, and clinching its long-awaited title.
Granted, this title is far less meaningful than the finals it used to contend for.
Practically a trophy for finishing in eighth, Wellington would preferably not be playing in this final, after being relegated to the Championship in 2014.
Such is the strange NPC system, where teams have a chance to win a trophy due to previous poor performance, but for Wellington its victory has a larger significance, with the province returning to battling the big guns for the Premiership.
For Bay of Plenty, its immense efforts end with no tangible rewards, and it remains without a title since 2000.
NZME.
Lions captain Brad Shields scores a try against Bay of Plenty
