News Archive
June 04: Manu on top of the World: Congratulations to new OBU midfield back Seminar Manu, who was part of the New Zealand Under-19s' recent World Championship win in South Africa.
Congratulations also to Jimmy Gopperth (pictured) who has made the New Zealand Colts squad and to Shannon Paku who has been selected in the New Zealand Maori team for its tour of Canada.
Meanwhile, Hayden Roche and Jimmy recently turned out for New Zealand Universities that thumped Japan A at Jade Stadium. Michael Barnes and Tim Molenaar were also named in the squad before withdrawing due to injury and work commitments respectively.
July 04: UK Tour Plans Announced: Planning has commenced for a long-awaited tour of the United Kingdom at the end of the 2004 season. Details are still unfolding, but it is hoped to include matches in England and Ireland in October/November. It's envisaged that the tour party will comprise Premier and Senior One players, and we can announce that a scholarship place will be made available to a promising young player. Watch this space for more details!
June 04: OBU's Global Rugby Network: This site is visited by people from all over the rugby world. It's a fair bet many of you are former players, now playing or working overseas. If that describes you, we'd love to hear about your playing career and current overseas club. The aim is to create a global OBU rugby network so that club members traveling the world might have a head start when looking for a friendly rugby haven.
Drop us a line here, or add your details to the OBU page at www.oldfriends.co.nz. There are also pages for the Teddybears, Pink Ginners and Sixty Niners.
June 04: OBU Lends a Hand: Congratulations and thanks to all those who participated in the Arthritis New Zealand annual appeal. A large group of club volunteers assisted with the door-to-door collection, hitting the streets of Northland, Kelburn, Wadestown and Thorndon to raise funds for this worthy cause. Well done - you did a magnificent job! This was the second charitable project the club was involved in during 2003. In September we lent a hand at Downtown Community Ministry's Book Fair. These projects are part of the club's attempt to give a little back to the community and another way of saying thanks for the support we receive.
Related Links: www.arthritis.org.nz
April 04: Al Keown Trust Rugby Academy: The Old Boys - University Rugby Club would like to express its thanks to the trustees of the Al Keown Trust for once again supporting the club's rugby development programme. This year's academy intake includes members of the club's successful Premier and Senior One squads, promising Colts players and departing members of the Wellington College First XV. Managed by Premier team hooker Daryl Gore, the academy programme involves access to training facilities and expertise at Bodyworks gym and a rugby-related seminar programme.
The Al Keown Trust memorialises the former Wellington and Wellington College Old Boys legend who tragically passed away at an early age. Considered one of the unluckiest players never to wear to the black jersey, Al Keown played over one-hundred games for Wellington in the 1970s and early 1980s, many as captain. He is also renowned for once passing up an All Black trial to turn-out in an important game for his club.
March 04: Star Studded OBU Women's Premier Team Ready to Fire: For the first time in the club's history we are set to field a Premier Women's team. An experienced and committed squad including Black Fern and Wellington club rugby legend Erin Rush, NPC squad members Claire Rowat and Tania Donaldson are training hard under the auspices of coach Mike Sisam. The team has already lifted its first piece of Silverware, taking out a pre-season 7s tournament held at Porirua, while five players - Lynaire Marino, Susan Fiu, Loren Kumeroa, Tania Donaldson and Jackie Marks were part of avictorious Wellington Maori team which defeated Hawke's Bay 10-5 to win the Te Tini a Maui tournament recently. Jackie, Tania and Susan were selected in the tournament team. What a great start to the season! For more information about women's rugby at OBU, please contact Tania Donaldson.
February 04: News Just in From New York: George Delaney, the Chairman of the Bayonne Bombers Rugby Football Club writes that OBU is making its presence felt in US Rugby. "Gerry 'Rocky' Dobbyn joined us several years ago and played fullback for us. We won several tournaments and Division Three with him at fullback as the last line of defence. He left us for a short soujourn to the UK but on rejoining us he slotted back in at fullback and was our very own Christian Cullen. We won Division 2 last season and Gerry was an intrinsic part of our success. Tim 'Bing' Smith (pictured), while a newer addition has been operating in a player/coach role and has brought his talents to our squad at scrum-half. He just played the League season (Autumn League) and helped us to an undefeated 7-0 record in winning Division Two. Since we will now be competing in Division One the level is a big step-up and we would welcome any OBU Kiwi's coming to the US to help us in the higher division."
Check out the Bayonne Bombers website.
February 04: A Legend Returns: The OBU fraternity extends a warm welcome home to a favourite son, Shannon Paku, who has returned to the fold following a stint with the Auckland Blues in 2003. Shannon's skill and speed will be an asset to the Hurricanes and Lions in 2004, not to mention the mighty OBU. The club also welcomes three exciting new players, allocated in the WRFU draft. Current Wellington Lions flyhalf, Jimmy Gopperth transfers from Petone, while flanker James Oliver joins from Palmerston North Boys High School and New Zealand Secondary Schools midfield star Seminar Manu arrives from Wellington College. On behalf of everyone at OBU, welcome and all the best for the season ahead.
March 04: Bring it on: The OBU Premiers and Senior Ones wound-up their pre-season programme with hit-outs against Avalon in wet and wild conditions at Fraser Park on the weekend. The Senior Ones were in sparking form, with a strong forward display complemented by some free-spirited running out wide. No.8 Michael Te Moana and lock Paul Swift were in tremendous form, while halfback Jamie Tait and midfield back Harry Woods were polished and penetrating. Pacey veteran Jason Leung-Wai (pictured) also made a welcome return on the wing.
In the main game, the OBU Premiers showed plenty of promise despite a negative return on the scoreboard. While there are still some finishing touches to be applied, the forward effort - with hooker Daryl Gore and flanker James Oliver at the forefront - was impressive. In the backs, the midfield combination of Tim Molenaar and Danny Pavihi looks set to take the competition by storm, while the club is fortunate to have recruited two halfbacks of the quality of Kip O'Donnell and Hayden Roche. Several players were absent with minor injuries, but indications are that OBU will be at full strength for the season opener.
March 04: OBU Women's Team Makes History: OBU's Premier Women's team kicked off a an exciting new era of women's rugby with an emphatic 52-0 win over the Massey University Maidens in Palmerston North at the weekend. Led by Black Fern loose forward, Erin Rush, OBU were dominant all over the park, running in 10 well-worked tries - none better than pacey fullback Tania Donaldson's (pictured) long range effort.
Meanwhile, the OBU Premiers received a wake-up call, going down 14-17 to Massey University. OBU led 14-0 at the break following tries to flyhalf Paddy McGuire and fullback Tim Willis. While to be fair, OBU rotated players to test combinations, Massey's commitment and vigour was impressive and they thoroughly deserved their win. That said, coaches Justin Gardner and Tom Bamber will have taken heart at the performance of several young stars, most notably lock Ian Kennedy - who dominated the Massey lineout and guaranteed his own team a steady stream of quality pill - and frisky prop Wilbur Davies who is cutting a fine figure after a summer's hard graft. Elsewhere for OBU, flanker Chris McLean was in storming form and looks set for a big season, while robust centre Tim Molenaar was a constant threat despite close attention from his markers.
In other games, the Senior Ones came from behind to beat the Massey Rams 20-17, thanks to a scintillating try to wing Mike Seabrook; and the Senior Threes went down to a fitter Massey Colts side, with US import Eric Consolo showing the benefits of a season's hard rugby under his belt, putting in a workman like display around the park.
March 04: New Talent Shines in Taupo: OBU kicked off its pre-season proper with a robust 31-19 win over Auckland University in Taupo - the first time the two universities had met in over 20 years. While not too much should be read into the result - Auckland won the early game by a large margin - it was a solid hit out nevertheless, and introduced several new players to OBU colours. Among them, halfback Kip O'Donnell prop Rhys Morgan, hooker Stu Simonsen and centre Danny Pavihi all had excellent games; while flyhalf Patrick McGuire, who last year played in OBU's Colts side, emerged as a player of real quality. The hit-out was also notable for the standout performances of talented loose forwards Michael Barnes and Chris McLean, who both missed large parts of last season due to injury. It was also tremendous to see No.8 Ben Robertson and flanker Danny Hooper back in club colours following overseas sojourns. Serveral players were unavailable for the Taupo trip including flyhalf Jimmy Gopperth who is with the Hurricanes Development team and midfield back Seminar Manu who is preparing for the Under 19s World Cup.
January 04: New Premier Team Coach Named: Former OBU Colts and Premier team Assistant Coach Justin Gardner will coach the OBU Premier team in 2004. Justin will be joined by former early 90s Premier team stalwart Tom Bamber, with Dean O'Shaughnessy and Richard Newsome filling the management roles. Former Premier lock Dave 'Doc' Heiler has been named Senior One coach, assisted by Chris Mirams, while popular Senior Four coaches Tony Tumoana and Dave Morton have been re-appointed. Former Premier and Senior One team Flanker Mike Sisam has been confirmed as the coach of the OBU Premier Womens' team.
December 03: Snakey Cracks Super 12: Congratulations to OBU's Conrad Smith (pictured), Ross Kennedy, Luke Andrews and Jason Spice who have been selected in the 2004 Hurricanes Super 12 squad. They are joined by former OBU favourite Shannon Paku, who has returned to Wellington following a stint in Auckland. Conrad 'Snakey' Smith's selection caps off an outstanding year which saw him stake his claim as one of the most promising mid-field backs in New Zealand rugby. OBU and New Zealand Universities hooker Matt Willis and Premier team captain Michael Barnes were both selected in the Hurricanes Development team training squad, before withdrawing due to work commitments. Well done gentlemen.
November 03: Blues for Scarfies: OBU Premier team stars Michael Barnes and Conrad Smith have been awarded Sports Blues from Victoria University of Wellington. A blue rewards sporting and academic excellence by students. Michael's Blue recognised his standout performances for OBU and the Hurricanes Development Squad, while Conrad's recognised his selection New Zealand Universities and the Wellington Lions, for whom he performed outstandingly.
September 03: OBU Defeat All Americans: Two second half tries to Premier team powerhouse Michael Te Moana (pictured) saw an OBU selection home against a touring All American Universities team at the Basin Reserve last week. An inspirational Te Moana, along with hooker Darryl Gore and flyhalf Steve McColl, helped turn a 12-16 half-time deficit into a 31-16 lead with 15 minutes to go. The American students, who impressed with their skill, aggression and enthusiasm, scored two late tries to close the gap to 31-28 at full time. Earlier, captain Alan Kent opened the scoring, followed by doubles to Gore (including a cheeky intercept) and Te Moana. McColl, who along with flanker Ben Robertson, was playing his last game for the club before heading overseas, kicked the remaining points (safe travels gentlemen and keep in touch - Ed.) For OBU, Kent and fellow prop John Bell led a strong tight forward effort, while flankers Mike Sisam, Chris McLean and won the race to the loose ball. In the backs, Harry Woods continued his fine form of late, while Tuna Talamaivao showed that he still has what it takes, making several strong bursts. However, Te Moana was the game's outstanding figure, winning the respect and admiration of the tourists who named him man-of-the-match. Sources report that the Old Boys - University club hosted the visitors after the game in traditional OBU style and a pleasant time was had by all.
August 03: Senior Ones win Game of the Season to take Championship: Call it what you will - ticker, guts and determination or just the sheer will to win - it was displayed in abundance at the Basin Reserve on last Saturday. Needing nothing less than a win to take the Senior One Championship, the Old Boys - University Senior Ones lifted the Ed Chaney Cup for the second year in succession, defeating a combative Rimutaka side 23-5 - the visitors' first loss in some 40-odd games. After a long season, OBU saved their best performance for last, stepping up the pace and intensity of their game when it mattered most. OBU opened the scoring with a couple of Steve McColl penalties, and held a 6-0 lead at the break. In the seond half, a try to evergreen centre Jason Leung-Wai following a brilliant chip-and-chase by wing Toops Fidow extended the lead to 13-0, before forwards Matt Aileone, Dean Gifford and Ian Kennedy combined in breath-taking fashion to send lock Paul Swift on a match-winning 30-metre run to the line. It was a wonderful try - one truely befitting a final and rich reward for all Swift's toil. A further McColl penalty rounded out the scoring for OBU, with Rimutaka picking up a consolation try just before full-time. For OBU, no one stood taller than No. 8 John Furlong who was once again an inspiration to his side. So exhausted was Furlong at the final whistle, it was left to tough second-five Harry Woods to hold the trophy aloft for the cameras (above). But as good as Furlong was, this was no one man performance: props Wilbur Davies and John Bell (and replacement Matt Anderson) were immovable, hooker Larry Larsen's experience was essential, locks Paul Swift and Dean Gifford dominated the lineout, and the loose-forward trio of Furlong, his replacement Nick Skinner, blindside Ian Kennedy and openside Matt Aileone were devastatingly effective on attack and defence. In the backs, Hayden Gore, who replaced the unfortunate Rueben Bouge who suffered a broken jaw, showed he's a player of the future with a polished performance, McColl dictated play well at flyhalf, and the midfield pairing of Woods and Leung-Wai were impregnable on defence and smart on attack. Out wide, wings Fidow was a constant threat, while fullback Mike Seabrook was a rock. Full credit to coaching and management team of Robert Vance, Grant Cederwall, Kerry Hiku and Mike Brodie, as well as those players who missed the final through injury or unavailability, including Dom Glasewski, Chris Lincoln, Matt Gloag and Sean O'Brien. If we've missed anyone, it's unintentional. Love your work - all of you!
The Senior Ones celebrate their win. Click to enlarge:
July 03: Mr OBU Crowned! A spine-tingling acoustic rendition of Crowded House's 'Better be Home Soon', from Hippy wasn't quite enough to head off Maverick (pictured) for the title of Mr Old Boys - University 2003, in front of a large and boisterous crowd at the Cambridge Hotel. While it was a close contest all the way, Maverick's prep-school charm eventually won out over Hippy's bohemian spirit in an all-bloke competition. Seven contestants modeled swim wear, causal wear and evening wear as well as completing a number of 'skills' tests to find the club's best all-round example of manhood. This year's event was cleaner than previous years, with nudity, cross-dressing and full-cream milk all banned following past incidents.
July 03: Kennedy Plays Big Hand in Colts World Cup Win: OBU Premier lock-forward Ross Kennedy played a starring role in the New Zealand Colts 21-10 win over their Australian counterparts in Oxford. The big fella, looking for all the world like a young Colin Meads, charged over from 15 metres out to score a tremendous solo try early in the game. Reports also note that Ross was a big factor in the NZ Colts lineout dominance. Well done Rossco!
May 03: Sixty Niners Reclaim Ruru: In front of cameras from Sky Television's Toyota Grassroots Rugby show, a star-studded Sixty Niners team defeated Ruru Shield holders the DTs 30-10 at Nairnville Park. The game, as well as pre-match interviews and historical background to the Shield (pictured here with All Black great Zinzan Brooke) were captured by the cameras.
April 03: Global 10s Domination Continues: An OBU inspired selection has won the Bok and Dragon 10s in Brussels. The team, playing as 'The Teitjeins Experiment' and featuring former OBU stars David Sisam, Gary Ward, Lloyd Richardson, Doc Heiler, Greg Kearns, Brendon Feary and very possibly the world's best 10s player, Mike Pearce, won the tournament in convincing style defeating the host club 53-19. Earlier this year, the OBU Teddybears silverware at the Hong Kong 10s under the inspied leadership of Matt 'Mr Hong Kong' Gloag. Where will it end?
Read the tournament report here.
April 03: Varsity Rugby Turns 100 in Grand Style: Over three hundred former players, club members and supporters gathered at the Duxton Hotel on Saturday evening to celebrate 100 years of University rugby in the Capital. Among the attendees were former Varsity All Blacks Ian Uttley, Neil Wolfe, Bill Clark, (pictured here with the great Ron Jarden), Mick Bremner, Gerald Kember and Larry Savage. The evening, which was compared superbly by Mike Copeland and John Ashby, was a huge success and a great credit to the organising committee charied by Graham Atkin. View pictures from the Centenary Dinner here.
March 03: Teddybears on Fire in Hong Kong: The rumours are true! Matt Gloag's Teddybears did indeed win the Bowl Championship at the Hong Kong Tens for the second year in succession. What's more - they were also named Team of the Tournament. The 2003 Bears continue the club's fine run on the Asian circuit. The Bears were team of the tournament in 2000, while taking out the Bowl Championship in 2002 as well. What's more, in 2001, the Sixty Niners were the only amatuer side to make the Cup round. Check out all the action at the tournament website here. Who's up for 2004 then?
OBU's Paul Aynsley running hard at the Hong Kong Tens
November 02: Steiny's All Black! When he ran onto Cardiff's Millennium Stadium as a replacement for former club-mate Mark Robinson, Paul Steinmetz became the combined club's twenty-eighth full New Zealand representative, and the second since the Old Boys and Varsity clubs amalgamated in 1991 - following in the footsteps of halfback Jon Preston.
Although only on the park for a short while, Steiny had a hand in a two All Black tries and looked as at home on the international stage as he does down at Boyd Wilson Field!
Well done Steiny - you little ripper!!!
November 02: Kennedy Wins at WRFU Rugby Awards: OBU lock forward Ross Kennedy was named Wellington rugby's Most Promising Player at a glitzy end of season ceremony at the Duxton Hotel on 31 October 2002. Earlier in 2002, Ross represented the New Zealand Colts and was a standout player for the Lions in the NPC. Ross was also named as one of the New Zealand Rugby Almanak's five young players of the year in 2002. Ross is also a member of the 2003 Hurricanes squad along with club mates Jason Spice and Luke Andrews, while Paul Steinmetz is again turning out for the Highlanders.
Ross Kennedy surges toward the line during this year's Jubilee Cup final at Westpac Stadium.
August 02: Bugger! The Old Boys - University Premier team's 2002 Jubilee Cup dreams were dashed when they were defeated 13-18 by a well organised Marist St Pats team playing outstanding finals-football at the Westpac Trust Stadium. Towering lock Ross Kennedy scored OBU's only try, with Paul Steinmetz nailing two penalties and a conversion. While it wasn't quite the result we all wanted, congratulations to team captain Michael Barnes, coaches Derek Tyler, Justin Gardner and Greg Halford and team managers Puddy Newsome and Brendon Baker. Well done, it was a fantastic season full of highlights and special memories!
Check out our Jubilee Cup Final gallery here.
August 02: Champion Senior Ones Finish 2002 Season in Style: Inspirational captain Sean O'Brien (pictured) holds aloft the Ed Chaney Cup following his team's 21-10 win over Johnsonville at Prince of Wales Park on the last Saturday of the 2002 season. The Bert Vance and Grant Cederwall coached team finished the second round unbeaten, registering eight consecutive victories, on its way to the Senior One championship. OBU led Johnsonville 11-10 at half-time thanks to two Michael Seabrook penalties and a try to hooker Matthew Gloag who showed blistering speed to out-pace the cover defence and score in the corner. After the break, polished fullback Ian Tulloch ran in a brilliant solo try, followed by a further score to Chris Lincoln on full-time. For OBU, second five-eighth Harry Woods was again in fine form while Tulloch along with wings Seabrook and Tim Smith was all class. Up front, O'Brien led by example with great support from locks John Furlong and Mat Arcus, prop Nik Shipkov and flanker John Taylor. Well done boys!
The victorious Senior One squad. Click on the image to enlarge.
