Napier Old Boys Marist Rugby Club
TeamTalk
11.01.2026
Contents usually include: Old Boys Marist Senior & Junior rugby reports – weekly competition & draw winners – NZ Marist – affiliates Cricket, Netball, Football and Softball seasonal reports – Club Social events + News & Views etc etc.
Views and comments often expressed in this publication are not necessarily
those of the executive or policy of the Napier Old Boys Marist Rugby Club.
“Team up with a Winning Club in 2026”.
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OPPORTUNITIES DON’T HAPPEN, YOU CREATE THEM
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Why would you play for Old Boys Marist ?
We have a simple philosophy at Napier Old Boys Marist – that we are a well organised rugby club both on and off the field, we are fit, disciplined, well coached and our players are very loyal. Our teams are always well presented.
At Napier Old Boys Marist we promote a strong work ethic, we play with a special passion and honesty which is fun to be part of, but we also expect our players to carry that honesty through to their work and personal lives.
In summary we as a club will create a positive environment so that players can expect to progress in their rugby careers. To excel players must also take responsibility for their rugby and life in general.
Napier Old Boys Marist Club Sponsors
Major
BJ Mahony Shearing – Benson Property Limited – Cape Physio – Devine Plumbing
– Green Club – HBI Properties – ICIB Broker Webb Insurance & Risk Advisory –
Motordrome Tyre & Auto Service – MRD Web – Napier Collision Repair Centre –
– Onekawa Liquorland – Proton Electrical – PWL Builders Ltd – Red Steel –
Richard Kepka Builders – Shape Life & Financial Services – Sideline Bar –
– Tremain Real Estate
General
BWR – DB Breweries – Eastern & Central Community Trust – Four Winds Foundation –
Firetech Services Ltd – Grassroots Trust – Lion Foundation
– New Zealand Community Trust – Pub Charity –
Scott Applegate Electrical – The Southern Trust
Members Support our valued Sponsors as they generously Support us
club noticeboard
MISSION statement
“To provide a sporting and recreational club for both men and women which encourages both individuals and teams to reach their maximum potential in their chosen sporting club endeavours.
In doing this it would always be our aim to maintain a fun club spirit, which treats every person equally and which ensures that the club runs on a profitable basis”
Napier Old Boys Marist Rugby Football Club
President – Mike O’Connor
Chairman – Wade Colville-Smith
Director of Finance – Chris Benson
Directors of Rugby – Alex Nixon & Kurt Chambers
Director of Communications – Matt Robertson
Director of Club Management – Mitch Gardiner
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CONGRATULATIONS WADE……..
YOU ARE CERTAINLY A WORTHY RECIPIENT
NZ Marist’s Personality of the Year
NZ Marist Chairman Terry Gittings was proud to present the 2025 NZ Marist Personality of the Year award to Wade Colville-Smith, Chairman of Napier Old Boys Marist RFC.
Chosen from outstanding nominees across 27 affiliated Marist clubs nationwide, Wade was recognised for his unwavering commitment, strong leadership, and intelligent governance.
A highly respected and valued leader within the NOBM community.
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Team Management Personnel 2026 Season
Premier – Ellery Wilson – 027 964 9060 : Matthew Wyatt – 022 616 4250
Manager – Mitch Gardiner – 0274 892 120 : Assist. – Peter Bainbridge – 027 245 8729 : Anthony Easson – 0275 347 800
Premier Reserves – to be appointed
Manager –
Thirds – Tom Grant – 021 220 5910 : Adam De Lautour
Colts – Steve Smithers – 022 498 5367 : Sam Birch – 027 355 8379
Manager – Jason Evans – 021 191 3248
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Notice to all Members
the Clubrooms will be open next Saturday 17th January from 4.30pm
ALL WELCOME
Napier Old Boys Marist Rugby Football Club
> OBM Brothers in ARMS <
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New Players Welcome in 2026
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A fine lineup of St Johns College Old Boys….
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New Players in all teams will be Welcome in 2026
> Bring along a mate <
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Coaches Wanted for 2026
Premier Reserves
Expressions of interest to – nobmrfc@gmail.com or 021 751 681
NAPIER OLD BOYS MARIST JUNIOR RUGBY
2025 NOBM Junior Rugby Committee
For further Junior Rugby Info please contact >
Executive:
Glenn Fulcher (Chairman) 021 676 174
Glenn Fulcher (Secretary) 021 676 174 – Bevan Condin (Treasurer) 021 160 5118
Ben Guild (Convenor) 027 2089306
Committee:
Emma Chambers, Grant Frommherz, Therese Rodger,
Georgie Smithers, Rochelle Williams, Annalise Wyatt.
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An interesting and meaningful quotation in a 1976 December edition of TeamTalk.
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A thought on some members attitude toward the support of our
LIFEBLOOD – SCHOOLBOY RUGBY
‘We are guilty of many errors and many faults, but our worst crime is abandoning the children, neglecting the fountain of life.
Many of the things we need can wait. The child cannot.
Right now is the times their bones are being formed, their blood is being made, their senses are being developed.
To them we cannot answer, ‘Tomorrow’. Their name is ‘Today’.
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Any queries, email: nobmjuniorrugby@gmail.com
“New Players Welcome to Team up with
Napier Old Boys Marist Junior Rugby in 2026”
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IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO BE WHAT YOU MIGHT HAVE BEEN
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DID YOU KNOW
THAT the following is a 50 year TEAMTALK FLASHBACK – 1976
– The coaching of the Napier Marist Senior team was taken over by Pat Doig with former Cantabrian All Black Kevin Stuart as his assistant. Easter saw the team runners-up at the Spillane Tournament held in Palmerston North, losing oh so arrowly to Marist St Pats 9-12 in the final. A successful season followed, climaxing in the last round of the Maddison Trophy, when in the ‘Grand Final’ play-off, saw a disallowed ‘Chook’ O’Rourke blinside try, unsighted by the referee, leaving Marist once again runners-up !
Teams were fielded in all grades in 1976 with the exception of the Under 19’s. The touring NZ Marist Colts played and beat Hawkes Bay Colts 15-6 in Napier. While in Palmerston North, the NZ Marist Senior XV, led by our own Dan Weinberg narrowly lost to Ranfurly Shield holders Manawatu 19-21. On the representative scene Manawatu also repelled the Hawke’s Bay Shield challenge with a 15-3 win.
1976 saw the introduction of the National Provincial competition (NPC) with Hawkes Bay and Auckland playing the inaugural match in Napier. Auckland narrowly won the opener 10-7. Hawkes Bays championship fixtures saw 10 matches played during the season for 4 wins and 6 losses. Vs Auckland lost 7-10, Marlborough won 33-10, Otago won 18-6, Southland won 18-6, Canterbury lost 6-13, North Auckland won 25-16, Wellington lost 13-25, Manawatu lost 3-15 (RS), Bay of Plenty lost 7-10 (BOP were the first championship winners), Counties lost 6-19. Napier Marist was represented by Jock Eddy, Dan Weinberg and Zuke Marinkovich in the NZ Marist XV that played and lost 33-20 against Wellington at Athletic Park.
The Club entered three teams in the Havelock North hosted Sevens tournament and were runners-up to Hastings Celtic in the Final. Napier Marist went on to represent Hawkes Bay at the regional finals beating Celtic 24-4 and Gisborne Old Boys 22-4, but were beaten 17-11 by Poverty Bays Ngatapa in the regional final.
On the social side of club activities mid-season was the Mini Bavarian Beer Festival at the clubrooms with full 24 piece Bavarian Band in attendance – And what a night it was.
A major upgrade of the clubs bar facilities was undertaken which included a new coolroom, bulk storage tanks and new barmaster glass washer, all of which was long overdue. The members wives, girlfiends are being well catered for with and active Marist Ladies Social Club at their monthly meetings. It was interesting to note that Palmerston North Marist had a feast of our cartoons and jokes from recent TeamTalk issues in the their club bulletin the ‘Green & White Times” during the year.
Welsh honorary Member Archie Blockwell of Milford Haven, Wales informs us the international Gareth Edwards regularly calls in to read his ‘TeamTalk’ to see whats happening in the clubland ‘down under’.
NZ Marist clubs that regularly exchange their publications with us are Dunedin RFC’S Dunedin Digest, the Christchurch Marist’s Green & White Times, Nelson Celtic’s Goal Post, Wellington Marist St Pats Club Corner, the Hutt Valley Marists newsletter, Palmerston North Marists Green & White Times and Hamilton Marist’s Green & White News. Clive Rugby Clubs editor policeman Stu McLachlan is producing the clubs new production Riverside Rugby. Whilst also on the local scene we do believe Napier HSOB and the Taradale Rugby Club also turn out a magazine covering activities on and off the field.
We congratulate coach Russ Exeter and his Under 23 team who took out the 1976 Under 23 competition with a nail biting 17-14 final win over Tamatea. No doubt the boys were stirred on by playing their final as the curtainraiser the Hawkes Bay v North Auckland encounter on McLean Park.
It was great news for NZ Marist affiliate clubs to hear that the New Zealand Rugby Union had granted First Class status for all future games played by the national team.
Congratulation also to Premier captain Dan Weinberg the recipient of the Wyona Cup as the HBRU Player of the Year. Steve Dine was our clubs 1976 NZ Marist Colts tour representative. And the 1976 Napier Marist ‘Sportsman of the Year’ – Rus Exeter.
THAT we extend our hearty Congratulations to Del Whyte who was honoured with being awarded a King’s Service Medal for services to sport and the community in the 2026 New Year Honours List. The Chairman and life member of the Napier OId Boys Marist Cricket Club, Del now retired, was a career teacher at Napier Boys High for 39 years where he also coached both cricket and rugby, he is also currently president of the Hawkes Bay Cricket Association. We’ll drink a Toast to you Del as a true NOBM sportsman……
THAT On behalf of the New Zealand Marist Federation Executive, we are pleased to confirm the recipients of the 2025 Men’s Player, Women’s Player, and Personality of the Year awards, following nominations submitted to the Executive for consideration.
Personality of the year
Wade Colville- Smith – Napier Old Boys Marist
Men’s Player of the year
Jacob Devery – Hastings Rugby and Sport
Women’s Player of the year
Maddie Feaunati – Marist St Pats Wellington
THAT Members – Not receiving our weekly TeamTalk newsletters ? – Forward your email address to – eddiewilson@xtra.co.nz
“May the lilt of Irish laughter, Lighten every load. May the mist of Irish magic, Shorten every road…
and may all your friends remember, All the favours you are owed !”
THAT – Have you considered hosting an international billet from the incoming young Chilean rugby players for a short three week period. It could certainly be an interesting experience for yourself and your family as has proved the case over recent years with the lads that been involved in the New Zealand Rugby experience and coaching that the Hawkes Bay Rugby Academy has conducted. From previous comments families who have hosted one or two of these young players it has been well worthwhile.
For further information contact Hawkes Bay Rugby Union Academy Manager Ellery Wilson – Mob. 027 964 9060
THAT new Napier Mayor Richard McGrath tells the Napier Community Christmas guests of his hopes for the council and the city in the new year.
Our Napier Old Boys Marist Club recently offered our facilities for free to host the pre-Christmas Luncheon event for the needy. About 45 volunteers were involved, some for two days as the meal and the premises were prepared to cater for about 16 tables of needy, a mixture of homeless, families unable to afford a costly Christmas and those who would otherwise be spending Christmas alone.
Addressing the guests, the organisers over the past decade Jim and Joanne Gaudin, Jim said: “We know that things are tough, and we wish that every day could be like today.” Acknowledging those from the homeless shelter, he said: “Every one of them comes with a story. If you come across them on the street, take the time to talk with them, find out why they are on the street.”
THAT Do you know someone missing these newsletters ? If you know someone that would like to receive our Napier Old Boys Marist weekly newsletters, please forward this email on to them – to forward their address to – eddiewilson@xtra.co.nz We know there are supporters out there who will have changed their address.
THAT As usual we apologise for any errors or mistakes you may find in this edition. Ed.
“Team up with the ‘GREEN MACHINE’ again in 2026 – New Players are always WELCOME
THEY SAID IT
“To go into the dressing shed just now and see grown men crying is tough.”
Uruguay assistant coach Paul Hea
There’s a huge amount of respect and appreciation for Leon in the group and the work he’s put in to get us to this point in our journey. As a team we have acknowledged that contribution and our focus now needs to be on South Africa, it’s going to be two tough test matches over there.”
Razor Robertson.
“My experience in New Zealand rugby was a very enjoyable one. After my time in Europe, I’m very excited to have the opportunity to be a part of a Hawkes Bay team that has established itself over the last few seasons as one of the top teams in New Zealand. I’m looking forward to learning from and working with the coaches and players who have driven the success of the province.”
Former Magpies head coach Josh Syms said and continued………
……….. ‘’I am really happy with Brock’s appointment, having been through an exhaustive search over the past three months, Brock was a standout candidate for the position. “Brocks rugby knowledge is extensive and broad, he is passionate about the game and will bring and exciting new edge to the Magpies game plan. With Brocks experience as a player and a coach in the French top 14 and the Heineken Cup, there will sure to be some innovation in the Magpies attack for 2022 ”
“Bledisloe Cup games were always great to contest. On the pitch we hated each other and relations weren’t much better off it. Post-match functions were like school dances except, instead of boys and girls lined up on opposite sides of the room, it was Kiwis and Wallabies standing off from one another. It seems stupid, looking back.”
Zinzan Brooke on uneasy trans-Tasman relations back in the day..
“No leadership, no ideas. Not even enough imagination to thump someone in the line-up when the ref wasn’t looking.”
J.P.R. Williams (1984), on Wales losing 28-9 against Australia.
IN SPECIAL RECOGNITION OF THAT ‘GOLDEN POINT’
– SOMEONE UP THERE WAS SMILING DOWN ON US….
Tremain Field Flashback……
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RUGBY DOESN’T BUILD CHARACTER, IT REVEALS IT
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Poser 1 – Name the Black Ferns head coach ?
Poser 2 – Who was names the Kelvin R Tremain Memorial Player of the Year ?
Poser 3 – Who has the NZRU board named to take a position on the World Rugby Council ?
Poser 4 – Departing Crusaders coach Jason Holland where is he going to coach next ?
Some of us carry our
Heart in our hands
Poser 1 – Name the club All Black and Crusaders Sevu Reece is going to play for ? Answer – French club Perpignan
Poser 2 – When was Jason Holland last head coach of the Hurricanes ? Answer – 2020 – 2023
Poser 3 – Of the All Blacks 16 tests in 2026, how many will be played in NZ ? Answer – Only 4
Poser 4 –.Against who and where will the All Blacks play their first test in 2026 ? Answer – vs France in Christchurch
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New Players are Welcome in 2026
> Bring along a mate too <
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Round 1
13 Feb – Highlanders v Crusaders
Waratahs v Reds
14 Feb – Drua v Moana Pacifica
Blues v Chiefs
Force v Brumbies
Hurricanes – Bye
Hurricanes 2025 DHL Super Rugby Pacific Season:
2025 Final – Crusaders 16 – 12 Chiefs
In 2025 THE All Blacks Played – 11 games – Won 8 – Lost 3
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YOU’LL APPRECIATE THE STRUGGLE ONCE YOU REACH YOUR GOAL
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We look forward to seeing YOU at the Clubrooms soon.
Come in and join us whether its
Football, Netball, Cricket, Softball or Rugby…
New Zealand Marist Rugby Federation
An organization initiated to promote and foster a spirit of union, co-operation and close friendly relations between
all Marist and similar rugby union football clubs in New Zealand, Australasia and the Pacific.
Ellwood Function Centre, Otene Road, Hastings. Phone: 0274 070 809
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President: Mike Donoghue Vice President: Bernard Gittings
Secretary: Robert McCoid Treasurer: Jack Sanders
Chairman: Terry Gittings
Contact: 0274 524 521
Committee:
Lourdaiz Ah Chong, Josh Costello, Kevin Hickland, Craig Glendinning, Richie McCrea, Rochelle Ormsby
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IT ALWAYS SEEMS IMPOSSIBLE UNTIL IT’S DONE
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Pass the Word Around………
Come along and join our club in 2025 – New Players always Welcome
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>>> For more Info please Contact:
We had our AGM at the end of November and our new committee is as follows:
Committee Members
President – Anna Campbell – alwcampbell@gmail.com
Treasurer – Jo Donnelly
Secretary – Kelly Connell
Gear Custodian – Chesna Morgan – chesna.morgan@gmail.com
Committee Member – Mel Davis
email – exhighmaristhb@gmail.com
phone – 021 056 1155
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This Week Poser – Can you name the NZ Secondary Schools head coach ? :
Last Weeks Poser – What was the Silver Ferns result vs England ? Answer – NZ 2 – 1 England :
“New Players Welcome to Team up with us for the 2026 Season
Napier Marist Football
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Napier Marist fields 5 senior teams and 28 Junior teams
2025 Committee Members
Chairman – Andy Smith – andrew@bpx.co.nz / 027 559 1254
Club Captain – Jayden Barrow / 027 612 7216
Junior Club Coordinator – Michelle Reilly / 021 705 385
Junior Development – Dwayne Smith / 021 081 30914
Sponsorship Manager – Byron Fergus / 021 512 751
Treasurer – Jeremy Norman / 027 707 9915
Social Media – Paige Hunt / 027 321 7645
Junior football queries – juniors@maristfc.co.nz
This Week Poser – Auckland FC went to the top of the table after their 2-1 win over ?
Last Weeks Poser – Who is the coach of the Pheonix Womens team ? Answer – Head coach Bev Priestman
CLUB ASSOCIATE SUPPORTERS
Best Travel – Devine Physiotherapy – Ian Dick Concrete – ITM Napier – Muscle Injury Clinic –
Onlineautoshb Mechanical – Shed 2 on the Quay – Tamatea Pak’n’Save – Vision Homes
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“Play Napier Marist Football in 2026
Remember New Players Always Welcome”
NAPIER OLD BOYS MARIST CRICKET
Patron: Lawrence Willis
President: Bevin Pollock
Vice Presidents:
Gerard O’Shaughnessy, David Pearson, David Bovey, Simon Coe, G Rogers, Peter Nixon, Bill Reilly, Abby Burrows, Dave Herrick.
Secretary: Cameron Todd Auditor: John McCorkindale Treasurer: James McCorkindale
Chairman: Del Whyte – 021 705 030
Committee:
Glen Walklin, Daniel Whyte, Stu Lindsay, Scott Morgan – 027 206 6498. Andrew Frame, Stuart O’Connor
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WEEKEND SENIOR RESULTS
Courtesy Scott Morgan
Premiers:
The Station NOBM Premiers played Cornwall last night in a T20 match, losing by 39 runs.
Cornwall batted first and while we had a good handle of the run rate for most of the innings, they finished strong to score 175/7 from 20 overs. Best of the bowlers was Mathew Sinclair with 2/27 from 4 overs, while Mitchell Innes, Bronson Meehan, Ethan Madden and Rishik Yadav picked up a wicket each.
In reply, we lost wickets too regularly and while we fought till the end, we were all out for 136 in 18 overs. Best of the batters was Bronson Meehan with 49 from 38 balls.
45 over Xmas Senior Competition:
7 NOBM players represented the Napier Invitational team today in the 45 over Xmas Senior Competition, beating the Tech Tigers by 104 runs.
Napier batted first and put on an impressive 329/2 from 45 overs. NOBM Premier Charlie Caslake (151* from 137) put on 220 for the second wicket with Tech player Sam Pawson (113 retired from 86).
Tech Tigers in reply were all out for 225 in 41 overs. Best of the bowlers was Noah Smith from Tech with 6/47 while Mitchell Innes, Charlie Furlong and Tech’s Luke Pawson(2) picked up wickets.
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This Weeks Poser – What is the two-day Boxing Day debacle expected to cost Australian Cricket ?
Last Weeks Poser – Who is partnering with NZ Cricket for the Super Smash season ?
Answer – Iconic Kiwi business Wet & Forget as front of shirt sponsor
The Leprauchan Comments
Two Irishmen were walking out of a funeral. One turns to the other and says, ‘It was a beautiful ceremony, wasn’t it?!’
‘It was’, replied the friend.
‘Listen – when I die, will you pour a decent bottle of whiskey over my grave, as a toast?’.
‘I will’, says the friend. ‘But would you mind if I run it through my kidneys first?’
Duncan Campbell applied to join the New York City police force. The inspector glared at him and asked, “How would you disperse a large, unruly crowd?”
“Well,” replied Duncan thoughtfully, “I’m no too sure how ye do it here in New York, but in Scotland we announce that we are taking up a collection and start to pass the hat around. They soon begin to shuffle off.”
An Englishman and a Scotsman each had a horse but they couldn’t tell them apart. So the Englishman cut the tail off his horse and all went well for a while, but then the Scotsman’s horse lost his tail in an accident so they were back where they started.
Finally, they consulted an Irishman and he said, ‘You two are a right pair of fools. Anyone can see that the black horse is three inches taller than the white horse.‘
Did you hear about the thoughtful Scotsman who was heading out to the pub? He turned to his wee wife before leaving and said, “Jackie darlin’ put your hat and coat on lassie.”
She replied, “Awe Angus that’s nice – are you taking me to the pub with you?”
“Nah, I’m just switching the central heating off while I’m oot.”
How do you keep an Irishman amused for hours ?
Give him a piece of paper with ‘P.T.O.’ written on both sides….
We look forward to seeing all rugby players, footballers, netballers, cricketers and softballers and friends at the clubrooms each Saturday – Pop in for cool Tui or two – Also bring along your mates for an Ale and a chat. All members and friends Welcome …………. Ed
Napier Old Boys Marist Rugby – Napier Old Boys Marist Cricket – Napier Marist Football – Napier Marist Netball – Napier Marist Softball
”Team up with Napier Old Boys Marist”
Readers please Note: >>> As we now have in excess of 1500+ email recipients in different groups that receive TeamTalk each week we wish to remind you that if you would like to add a friend or associate or if you want to be removed from our Email address list please notify – A
