Club History

Wainuiomata Rugby Club

Wainuiomata Rugby Club was formed in 1946 during the significant settlement of the area in the post-war era; mostly by young families attracted by the affordable new housing on offer. The club has since been through many ups and downs. The 1980s were particularly successful with the club winning many lower-grade titles. However, following the 1987 season many players defected to the rival Wainuiomata Rugby League Club, with the club relegated from the Premier ranks the following season. The club would not return to Wellington’s topflight until 2006. Since returning to the Swindale Shield Wainuiomata have won the Hardham Cup twice – in 2007 where they upset Oriental-Rongotai and again in 2010 when they defeated Avalon – and were runners-up to Upper Hutt in 2006 and Tawa in 2008. In 2011 the club qualified for the Jubilee Cup, finishing 7th, and qualified for the semi-finals in 2012. The 2014 season was a stellar year for the club making its first appearance in the premier competition’s Jubilee Cup Final against fierce local rivals, Hutt Old Boys-Marist. The fairy tale season did not have a happy ending, going down in a tense final, 11-14. Piri Weepu and Jonah Lomu are the club’s two All Blacks in its history, Weepu regularly playing for the team when circumstances allowed him too. Jonah Lomu played for the club twice in 2000 and 2001 and also represented the club when donning its club socks when appearing for the Barbarian F.C. in 2000. Justin Va’a and Earl Va’a represented Manu Samoa including appearances at 2 Rugby World Cup tournaments. Uale Mai was a long serving stalwart for the very successful Samoa national rugby sevens team and was named IRB International Sevens Player of the Year in 2006. Local boys Tana Umaga and Neemia Tialata both played their senior club rugby at neighbours Petone, mostly during the period when Wainuiomata were outside the Premier ranks.
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The New Wainuiomata Rugby Club – Our Brief Story 1946 – 1960 On the Occasion of the Opening of the New Clubrooms

Club:
Year published:
Author:
Page count:
Notes:
Wainuiomata Rugby Club
1960
John Dunkley
28 pages
Saturday August 20th 1960
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The New Wainuiomata Rugby Club – Our Brief Story 1946 – 1960 On the Occasion of the Opening of the New Clubrooms

Club:
Wainuiomata Rugby Club
Year:
1960
Author:
John Dunkley
Pages:
28 pages
Notes:
Saturday August 20th 1960
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Wainuiomata Rugby Club North American Rugby Tour 1980

Club:
Year published:
Author:
Page count:
Notes:
Wainuiomata Rugby Club
1980
Not stated
32 pages
A 32 page booklet that includes player profiles, itinerary etc but also includes 3 pages on the history of the club
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Wainuiomata Rugby Club North American Rugby Tour 1980

Club:
Wainuiomata Rugby Club
Year:
1980
Author:
Not stated
Pages:
32 pages
Notes:
A 32 page booklet that includes player profiles, itinerary etc but also includes 3 pages on the history of the club
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The Club on the Way Up

Club:
Year published:
Author:
Page count:
Notes:
Wainuiomata Rugby Club
1987
Not stated
12 pages
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The Club on the Way Up

Club:
Wainuiomata Rugby Club
Year:
1987
Author:
Not stated
Pages:
12 pages
Notes:
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Wainuiomata Rugby Club 1946 – 1996 – Striving for the Top

Club:
Year published:
Author:
Page count:
Notes:
Wainuiomata Rugby Club
1996
Not stated
44 pages
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Wainuiomata Rugby Club 1946 – 1996 – Striving for the Top

Club:
Wainuiomata Rugby Club
Year:
1996
Author:
Not stated
Pages:
44 pages
Notes:
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Whaia Te Tautama – Striving for the Top 75th Jubilee June 2021

Club:
Year published:
Author:
Page count:
Notes:
Wainuiomata Rugby Club
2021
Not stated
29 pages
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Whaia Te Tautama – Striving for the Top 75th Jubilee June 2021

Club:
Wainuiomata Rugby Club
Year:
2021
Author:
Not stated
Pages:
29 pages
Notes: