01 June, 2012

When you look at the bustling community and business areas that surround the East Tamaki Rugby Football Club it’s hard to believe that it was founded 50 years ago on farm land to serve a farming community.
East Tamaki is this week’s Nescafé Club of the Week, as they celebrate their 50th jubilee this weekend.
The club dates back further than 50 years, when teams competed in the Howick Districts Rugby Sub-union, before going into recess due to the war.
A meeting was held in 1961 to reform the club and they entered four teams in Auckland Rugby competitions in 1962.
The original grounds were farmers showgrounds and the club shared their facilities with the local Athletics Club.
Club Patron George Peculaitis, remembers those days well, despite never living in the area he has been a member since 1965.
“I was originally a Marist man but I was asked to join and help out when I was working in the area. Noel Edwards was president at the time and said I could either be a coach or go in the committee so I started coaching,” recalls Peculaitis.
While the club has never reached the pinnacle of Auckland Club Rugby by claiming the Gallaher Shield, in recent seasons their claim to fame has been successes in the junior grades.
In 2011 East Tamaki won the Under-15, Under-13 Capped and Under-12 Capped titles, and this years Under-13’s are currently undefeated. The team is coached by East Tamaki’s most famous son, Eric Rush.
The All Black and Sevens legend is the guest speaker at Saturday night’s Jubilee function and Peculaitis said they expect a full house.
This evening they are hosting a more casual function where past players and committee members have been invited to share a few drinks and more importantly their memories of the club.
At Saturday’s function the first club president, Noel Edwards, will present a history of the club before Rush speaks.
While Rush is the club’s only All Black there a handful of famous players that have worn the red, green and white hoops.
Pita Fatialofa is still involved in the club, while league stars, Manu Vatuvai and Ali Laua’iti’iti both used to play at the club.
Peculaitis believes the club is still standing because of the hard work of volunteers and in particular the families currently involved on committees.