Premier Mens v East Tamaki 2:45pm @ East Tamaki Reserve

After a lengthy wait, our Premier Men’s finally get their season underway against East Tamaki in the first round of the Alan McIvoy.

The premier side, who is led by Head Coach Mani Toailoa will look for a strong start this season but know how difficult an East Tamaki team will be at home. There are a number of returning players from last year to boost the experience within the group. Equally, there are number of players graduating from the Under 21s program, who will be looking to stamp their mark in the premier scene. Players like Meihana Grindlay who is fresh out of Kings College 1^st XV, will be thrilled to play outside Chiefs and club stalwart Tumua Manu in a formidable centre pairing. Young guns Dominic Tevao and Moli Faiva who will get their opportunity off the bench, whilst Christian Kelleher comes to Rifles in 2020 after a successful stint with the Thames Valley Swamp foxes and Counties Club Rugby. The premier team will have a new captain in young No.8 Ben Sa’u, who will fill the big shoes of long time club stalwart Hayden Edwards, who will continue his leadership and mentoring role as a key senior member of the team. We thank Hayden for his leadership over the years and his continued commitment and support of the premier side. East Tamaki won’t make it easy on their home patch, they will be big and physical and they won’t need much motivation, as they look to avenge their heavy loss, late last year.

College Rifles – Premier Men’s Team

1.Federick Fonokalafi 2. Penisoni Fineanganofo* 3. Jason Skipps 4. Josh Brajkovic 5. Alan Rathburn 6. Hayden Edwards 7. Christian Kelleher* 8. Ben Sa’u © 9. Cody Mitchell 10. Zarn Sullivan 11. Patrick Pati* 12.Tumua Manu  13. Meihana Grindlay* 14. Joe Cooke 15. Joe Collins (VC) 16. Darios Mauga 17. Ezrah Vai* 18. Dominic Tevao 19. Ben Sterritt 20. Moli Faiva* 21. Jason Mee 22. Harris Williams* 23. TBC

*Players on debut

Premier Development v East Tamaki 1:00pm @ East Tamaki Reserve:

Premier Development will take some confidence out of their preseason game against Manurewa last week, after a solid performance. They will a field team comprising of players who have narrowly missed out on premier selection and will be out there to prove a point at East Tamaki. Having gone back to back last year, I’m sure the team will be eager to start the competition on high in their quest for a three peat.

Premier Women v Marist 2:45 @ College Rifles 1:

We didn’t have to wait long to see the battle of the premier heavy weights in women’s club rugby as our Thunderbirds take on Marist. The team have had a fairly smooth preseason with strong numbers at trainings since rugby has resumed. The last time these two teams played was in last year’s loss in the club final at Eden Park. Our ladies will be out to avenge the result and look to get the upper hand early in what is a shorten Coleman Shield competition. With their Black Ferns trio, Ruahei, Aleisha and Kiri in the squad, their experience will be a major boost for the team that features some exciting young talent. Be sure to head down to the club to support the ladie. Kick off is at 2:45pm.

College Rifles Premier Women’s Team v Marist:

1. Aleisha Nelson 2. Vainga Moimoi 3. Doris Taufateau 4. Petra Zwart* 5. Maiakawanakaulani Roos 6. Ruby Tangulu* 7. Rosie Cox © 8. Clementine Varea 9. Jennifer Rose Reu* 10. Grace Freeman 11. Caitlin Robb* 12. Ruahei Demant 13. Sapphire Abraham 14. Corina Nanai-Vai 15. Kiri Demant 16. Maria Silao 17. Lucy Culleton* 18. Losaline Potaufa 19. Vanessa Garnelo 20. Anahera Mohi* 21. Umu Taliu 22. Danika Wentzel*

23. Timara Tanielu*

*Players on debut

Under 21’s v Papatoetoe (away) @ 1pm:

Our club Colts team will kick off their season against Papatoetoe. We have an exciting group of young men, with a raft of players to look out for. A challenging place to play, Papatoetoe will be big and physical and will really test our lads. A number of players are not playing due to injuries and unavailability, so a good chance for others to take their opportunity this weekend.

Head Coach Graeme Phillips, will be expecting a much improved performance after their patchy win against Northcote last week that was dominated by the whistle.  But after a good weeks training and preparation, the lads are excited to make a very positive start to the season. Head down to Papatoetoe Rugby Club to catch some of the action, with kick off at 1pm.

1.Sione Pule 2. David Mahe 3. Rona Tuialii 4. Levi Uluekiahoia (VC) 5. Peni Pifeleti 6. Micah Taufa 7. Mali Manukia 8. Likau Alatini 9. Tevita Faiva 10. Riven Te Tawhero Storey 11. Mila Fitialo Su Choon 12. Jj Sheung Fuk 13. James Matautu 14. McGuyver Lyuchan 15. Sofai Maka (captain) 16. Lima Tafea 17. Peni Pifeleti 18. Will Mctaggit 19. Meanoea Saulala 20. Tameloa Tepolea 21. Steven Edgar 22. Jesse Marsters

Article added: Friday 19 June 2020