ANNUAL WEROHIA SHIELD TOURNAMENT

The Annual Werohia Shield tournament was initiated when the Coastline District Rugby League (CDRL) became their own identity in 1991 in which this event became the penultimate pre-season tournament for Coastline based clubs, the district taking in the towns from Te Kaha, Opotiki, Waimana, Taneatua, Ruatoria, Whakatane, Kawerau, Te Teko, Te Puke, Tauranga, Papamoa & Katikati who have all had rugby league clubs in the past and some in the present.  

At one stage there were 24 rugby league clubs in the district. This declined with the rise of the modern day rugby union becoming professional in the mid 1990s along with other unforeseen circumstances, a trend that brought rugby league to its knees throughout the country.

The Werohia whanau who had a lot of input into the Coastline Districts founding years, donated a shield in honour of their whanau hence the shield still being a trophy held in high esteem and mana throughout the Coastline district.
 
Senior Rugby League has shown growth this 2023 year after a lull in the district to the point where we now have seven (7) recognised clubs in 2023.

The Werohia Shield has been defended and challenged strongly since its inception.

Many clubs have held this trophy with pride with Otumoetai Eels being the current holders, but we do remember and acknowledge the years of the likes of Whakatane Sharks, Tarawera Raiders, Mauao Sea Eagles, Te Paamu United, Te Punawai Warriors, Tauranga City Sharks & Tauranga Warriors who had won and defended this trophy tenaciously back in their halcyon days.

2023 Werohia Shield Draw