OUR STORY

Founded in 1978, the Metro Lions American Football Club—originally known as the Mountain Lions—stands as New Zealand’s longest-established American football team. As one of the four founding clubs of the inaugural New Zealand Gridiron Football Association (NZGFA) competition in 1982, the Metro Lions have become a cornerstone of American football in New Zealand, with a legacy that continues to shape the sport today. We are proud members of the American Football Auckland (AFA) and the New Zealand American Football Federation (NZAFF).

Originally based at Potters Park in Mount Eden, the Metro Lions were led by dedicated founding members, including Pose Tafa, Willie-John Stowers, and the late Peter Tua’i, whose vision and passion laid the foundation for the club’s enduring success. The Metro Lions have proudly produced some of the first New Zealand players to advance to US College football and the NFL, setting a precedent for Kiwi athletes in international gridiron.

Among the club’s most notable players is Mark Nua, who earned a full football scholarship to play at the University of Hawaii. Mark went on to be drafted into the NFL by the Detroit Lions and later played for the San Diego Chargers. His football career extended internationally with the Sacramento Surge in the World League of American Football. The club has produced other remarkable athletes, such as John Freeman, a sprinter and part-time actor who also attended the University of Hawaii, and Toa Sagapolu, who represented the University of California Berkeley in the famed Citrus Bowl in 1992. Rugby league star and former Toa Samoa and NZ Warriors player Shannon Stowers also pursued American football at Utah State University. More recently, William Hodgman represented the Metro Lions at Arizona Western College.

Continuing their tradition of excellence on the global stage, several Metro Lions players have been selected to represent New Zealand in the 2024 IFAF World Flag Football Championship. This prestigious event showcases the skill and dedication of our athletes, including standout players like Rosa Matautia, Darcy Williams, and Isabeau Short-Wilcox, among others, who embody the strength and unity of our club on the international field.

Today, the Metro Lions are based at Grey Lynn Park in Central Auckland and actively compete in  multiple Auckland American football leagues and flag football leagues , as well as national and international flag football leagues. Our teams wear their signature black jerseys and silver colours as they represent one of the most successful and respected gridiron clubs in New Zealand. We field eight teams: four contact teams (Premier Men’s Open, Colts U19, Juniors U16, and Women’s Open) and four flag football teams (Premier Men’s Open, two Premier Women’s Open teams, and Junior Men U17).

As the Metro Lions American Football Club, we honour our history and remain committed to building the future of American football in New Zealand. From our beginnings at Potters Park to our present home at Grey Lynn Park, we continue to foster a vibrant, inclusive American football community. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just discovering the sport, we invite you to join us and become part of the legacy and future of American football in New Zealand.