Last night at the North Harbour Rugby Awards, North Shore Rugby shone brightly — taking home multiple accolades that reflect the incredible strength, spirit, and commitment of our people:

• Junior Club of the Year

• Senior Club of the Year

• Senior Coaches of the Year: James Hinchco, Jason Ross, Allan Pollock, Chris Davies

• Senior Club Player of the Year: Donald Coleman

• Māori Player of the Year: Donald Coleman

• Best & Fairest Senior Player: Oscar Koller

• Outstanding Contribution to Junior Rugby: Matt Hunt

• U19 Player of the Year: JD Van der Westhuizen

These achievements are a direct credit to those who earned them — and to the many others behind the scenes who enable our players, teams, and club to thrive in what continues to be a challenging sporting environment.

While we raise a glass to celebrate our success, it’s also a good reminder of the headwinds we face as a sport. Staying connected — as players, coaches, parents, sponsors and supporters — is how we’ll continue to deliver for our community and ensure North Shore Rugby keeps punching above its weight.

Senior Coaching Appointments for 2026

After 8–9 years in the coaches’ box, including three as Premier 1 Head Coach (and a 3-peat to boot), James Hinchco is stepping down for a well-earned break. The club is deeply grateful for his contribution — and thrilled to announce his appointment to the Rugby Committee in a Director of Rugby role. He can run, but he can’t hide!

Taking the reins as Premier Men’s Head Coach for 2026 is Jason Ross. Jason has been part of the senior coaching group for the last few years and previously led rugby at Takapuna Grammar School. His coaching team is already taking shape.

Wayno Ratu is fired up to go again with the Prem Development squad after their near miss in 2025. Quite a big rock under his towel this summer!  Roly (Shaun Morresey) returns to lead the U21s, eyeing up their own three-peat in 2026. Jackson Garea is equally determined to take his U85s to the next level — watch this space!

A big highlight this month was seeing 22 Navy women light up our grounds in a Defence Force tournament — they had an absolute blast. With our '25 players and the group coming through TGS and other colleges, the goal is to form a women’s team for the 2026 Harbour Development competition, building on all of that energy. A great crew is lining up to support them with our aim to have a brand-new changing facility in place for their season.

Harbour Rugby is introducing a new U19 competition to help recent school leavers stay involved in the game — including innovations like Friday night games and a more flexible environment. North Shore will be fielding a team, coached by Ian Eakin, local teacher and proud rugby dad. This will provide a great pathway for players not ready or not able to commit to U21 but still keen to stay in the game.

Presidents (Over 35s) – Calling All Old Boys! We’re gathering interest for a Presidents grade team in 2026. A few locals are already spreading the word — now we just need a few more hands up to get the momentum rolling. If you’re keen to dust off the boots (or just be part of the crew), get in touch.

Finally - they are back! Our Junior Rugby committee led by award-winning Chair Matt Hunt are back for another season in 2026! Huge thanks to all the parents and volunteers who make junior rugby happen — this is where it all starts.

In Other News

Sevens Rugby: Our men’s 7s squad had their first run at the Auckland University 7s tournament — three wins and a draw saw them reach the final, finishing runners-up. A great result for a young side! Their next outing is 1 November at the Harbour 7s in Helensville.

Halloween Night – Friday 31 October: After you’ve taken the kids trick-or-treating, bring the family down to the club! Doors open from 6:30pm — there’ll be entertainment, food, prizes for best dressed, and of course, the bar open for the adults. This is a community night — everyone’s welcome.

152nd AGM – Tuesday 25 November: Mark your calendars! More details to come soon.

And Finally - A Word of Thanks: A huge thank you to all our sponsors, partners and financial members who continue to stand alongside us. Your support allows our players to take the field, our volunteers to do what they do best, and our club to keep growing... And yes — I’ll be back knocking on your door soon!

Together, we prove that great things really do happen when a community comes together.

Shore's the Pride

Article added: Monday 20 October 2025