A Word From the Chair

Kia ora whānau,

I hope you all had a great Easter break. It was fantastic to see such a strong turnout at the opening games of the season for our Premiers and Premier Reserves. While it wasn’t the start we hoped for, our coaches and management have undoubtedly reviewed performances and are now focused on this Saturday. 

We’ve updated our database with current members’ contact details. If anyone has been missed or hasn’t received any communications, please ask them to email us at chair@jrfc.co.nz.

Acknowledgements:

Leading into the 2026 rugby season, many people have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to get everything ready. A massive thank you for the mahi and volunteer hours that made our first home game possible:

• Brent Comis – Kitchen project

• Cherie Collins, Dave Walmsley, Sean Wichman, CD (Colin Davidson) – Clubrooms, changing rooms, downstairs bathroom

• Gee (George Faletolu), Anya Faletolu, Lee Rautao, Richie Bell – Greenroom/Gym

• Anaru Atkins – Donation of paint and equipment for the Greenroom/Gym

• Karla Paotonu, Steph Guy, Perry Barber – Sponsorship Team and Hawks Nest members

• Deb Dornbush, Murray Usmar, Susan Atkins – Constitution Project

  • Passed at the Special General Meeting

  • As of 1 April 2026, our application to re-register has been accepted

  • A big mihi to Debs, Murray, and Mama Sue for getting this across the line

• Cherie Collins, Trina Wichman, Mel Dehar – Social Team

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Kerry Walsh for his time as our club delegate to the WRFU Rugby Board. He has guided us through some interesting times and is a highly respected member of our club. His advice and leadership have been invaluable during his tenure. I will be stepping in as the new delegate for our club.

Congratulations to Mike Segetin, who was re-nominated at the WRFU AGM as Vice President of the WRFU Presidents Club.

 A special mention to Wayne Armstrong (aka Wayno), who is giving refereeing a go in the Presidents Grade. Well done, mate  

Club Sponsors: 2026:

 A massive thank you, fa'afetai lava, to our Club Sponsors for joining our waka for the 2026 season. Your generous support is greatly appreciated and vital to our club's success.  

Clubrooms Update: 2026:

This season, our clubrooms will operate out of 1841 Bar & Restaurant from 5pm on Saturdays. After ongoing conversations with Jono, we’re pleased to have this as our base. It was great to see members, supporters, and the Premier team there last weekend.

This is a new initiative and a change for many of us, but also an exciting step forward. Supporting 1841 means supporting both our club and a local business that gives back generously to the community. 

How it works:

• Clubrooms at 1841 every Saturday (except for Anzac Weekend, and Saturday 13 June)

• Post-match formalities for Premiers and visiting teams

• Club announcements and social events

This Saturday:

• Premiers vs Norths – 2:45pm (home)

• After the game, head to 1841

• Post-match formalities followed by our first social event: “It’s in the Bag”, hosted by Alex Ness

The Exec will also run a $100 raffle, plus a Joker Draw (more details on the night).

A big thank you to Jono and the team at 1841 for their support.

Hawks Nest: 2026 Membership:

We’ve created a special supporters club, and everyone is welcome!

Become a Hawks Nest member and enjoy:

• Return transport to two away games

• JRFC social membership

• Member benefits at participating businesses

• Priority access to club events

Register now to join the Nest!

REGISTER HERE TO JOIN THE NEST!

Social Calendar:

The Social Team has put together a great lineup:

• It’s in the Bag – Saturday 11 April, 1841, 7pm 

• Italian Lunch – TBC

• Batons Up – Saturday 30 May, 1841, 6:30pm

• Old Timers – Saturday 13 June, JRFC Clubrooms

• Club Bingo Night – Saturday 18 July, 1841, 7pm

Hawks Kitchen Upgrade:

We acknowledge the late Jack Feeney for his generous bequest, which enabled much-needed kitchen upgrades.

You’re invited to the blessing of the new kitchen:

• Saturday 11 April

• 12pm at the clubrooms

• Light refreshments provided

A special thank you to our President, Brent Comis, for leading this massive project, and to Karma and the boys for your patience and understanding during this time.

Draw: Saturday 11 April:

Home Team	Away Team	Time	Venue	Field
Johnsonville Premier 2	Northern United Premier 2	1:00pm	Helston Park	1
Johnsonville Premier Men	Northern United Premier	2:45pm	Helston Park	1 (Barlow Cup)
Johnsonville U85kg Terrahawks	Wellington U85kg	2:45pm	Pukehuia Park	1
Johnsonville Reserves	Marist St Pats Reserves	2:45pm	Ian Galloway Park	1
Wainuiomata Presidents	Johnsonville Presidents	2:45pm	Mary Crowther Park	2

 Good luck to all our teams!

Let’s catch up at 1841 on Saturday night.  It’s shaping up to be a great evening of connection, stories, and time together as whānau.

Ia manuia,

Susan.

Susan Poutoa

Chairperson

JRFC Committee