Tukapa Weekly Newsletter Week 13

Kia ora Tukapa Whānau,

Week 13 is here, and with most of our teams on a well-deserved bye, all eyes turn to one big clash: our Men’s Premier Team take on Inglewood this Thursday night at 7:30pm – under lights and under pressure.
This is a massive game, and we’re calling on our loyal Tukapa supporters to make the trip, line the decks, fill the stands, and turn up the volume. Let’s make it feel like a home game for the boys in blue and white.

Where We Stand – The Finals Equation

The math is simple:

• We need 5 points from both the Inglewood and United games to guarantee our spot in the semi-finals.
• Drop even a single point, and we’ll be relying on other results to go our way.

So, it’s all in our hands. The mission is clear: win, and bag the bonus point by scoring 4 tries.

My Personal Take – How It Might Play Out

Here’s my (unofficial!) prediction on where I think the ladder will finish after the next two weeks:

Points Now	Team	Games Left	Predicted Points	Final Total
32	Clifton	Coastal, NPOB	5	37
32	Coastal	Clifton, Inglewood	5	37
31	NPOB	Southern, Clifton	5	36
29	Strat/Elth	United, Southern	10	39
28	Tukapa	Inglewood, United	10	38

Based on that, here’s how I see the semi-finals lining up:

• Semi 1: Stratford-Eltham vs NPOB
• Semi 2: Tukapa vs Clifton

Now don’t get me wrong — I’m not counting any chickens yet. But if the boys do their job, this is where we could land. And after doing all that math… I reckon it’s time for a cold beer to balance it out!

Special Project

We’ve got an idea to build a small custom trailer that can neatly store all the goalpost pads, flags, standards, and fence reels — making field setup and pack-down much easier. Like most grassroots rugby clubs, we’re running on a tight budget, so we’re looking for someone with welding skills and a bit of spare time to help bring this project to life. If that sounds like you, have a chat with Scotty.

Clubrooms Open – Come In for a Beer

Even though most of our teams have the weekend off, the club will be open Friday and Saturday from 3:30pm to 6:30pm. Whether you're celebrating the big win or just looking to catch up, pop in for a brew and a yarn.
I’ll be using this quieter weekend to recharge the batteries and gear up for a strong run into finals footy.

Save These Dates

Mark your calendars for some big moments ahead:

• Saturday 28 June – End of Regular Season Party (Live Band!)
• Saturday 5 July – Semi-Finals
• Saturday 12 July – Finals Weekend
• Saturday 26 July – Prize Giving Night

Let’s bring the heat Thursday night in Inglewood — the lads need your voices behind them. It’s going to be a great watch and hopefully the start of something big.

See you on the sidelines!.
Up the Chooks,
Scott Siffleet
Chairperson
Tukapa – One Club

Chairperson’s Weekly Newsletter

A Big Weekend Ahead

Before you know it, the season will be over — just three weeks to go until semi-finals!
This weekend is one of the biggest on the Tukapa calendar, as we host Collective First National Day. It’s our chance to say thank you to our incredible naming rights sponsor who continues to back both Junior Rugby and the club as a whole. They’ve been with us for 11 years, and their support remains as strong as ever.
To celebrate, we’ll be hosting them in the Ford Tent, and to keep the "One Club" vibe alive, we’ve got some fun for the whole family:

• Free face painting and candy floss from 2:00pm for the kids.
• A full afternoon of rugby — come down, support the teams, and enjoy the action.
  

Junior Curtain-Raiser

Our oldest junior rugby team will play the curtain-raiser to the Premier Men’s match on the main field at 1:00pm, taking on Stratford-Eltham in the Ferdie 7 Grade. I had the privilege of refereeing them last week — there’s some serious talent in that squad, and we hope to see many of them wearing the senior Tukapa blue in years to come. Make sure you’re there to cheer them on — this is the future of Tukapa.

Saturday Night: Crab Racing Fundraiser

From 6:30pm Saturday night, it’s one of the club’s best social events — the Annual Tukapa Crab Racing Fundraiser! Stick around after the games, have a laugh, and help raise funds for the club. It’s always a great night, and we want to see as many of you there as possible.

A Final Word

As we get ready for a huge Saturday — with over 350 juniors playing in the morning, five games in the afternoon, and crab racing into the night — I’ll leave you with two stories that reflect what this club is really all about. Thanks for being part of the Tukapa family.
Cheers for being Tukapa — One Club.

Tukapa Playgroup: A Lasting Legacy

In the mid-1980s, a group of Tukapa players’ wives and partners came together to form the Tukapa Playgroup, meeting weekly at Sutherland Park. The friendships formed back then have stood the test of time. Just last week, some of the original members caught up — including a few from the netball team days!
Many of the boys who were part of that playgroup grew up to play for various Tukapa teams, and now their grandchildren are proudly wearing the Tukapa colours. That’s a legacy we’re incredibly proud of.

Farewell Daisy Lean

It’s with sadness and respect that we share the passing of Daisy Lean — a true New Plymouth legend.
A proud Old Boys man through and through (and he’d tell you that with a grin), Daisy still found his own way to support Tukapa — with a wink, a bit of sideline banter, and the odd backhanded compliment buried in friendly rivalry.
Many will remember his part in the unforgettable mission to carry the New Plymouth Mayor on a stretcher from the surf at East End Beach to the summit of Mt. Taranaki and back — all in a single day. That challenge, pulled off by 200 Tukapa members, raised over $10,000 and captured the imagination of the community.
Rest easy, Daisy. You gave Old Boys the pride, but you earned Tukapa’s respect.

See you on the sidelines!
Scotty Siffleet
Chairperson – Tukapa One Club

Chairperson’s Newsletter

Week 11 Update - Here we go again for another big week of rugby!

Last Friday night was one for the books. We took over Stadium Taranaki in true Blue & White style with 17 of our 18 junior teams playing under the lights from 5pm. To cap it off, our Colts faced Stratford-Eltham at 7:30pm — and I’m proud to say Tukapa won every game!
But more importantly, rugby was the real winner. The smiles on those kids' faces as they ran around the stadium made my night. The feedback from parents was overwhelmingly positive — thanks to everyone who made it such a special evening.
Our Colts also had the honour of being the first team to use the new changing rooms at the stadium — a great experience all around, topped off with a solid win.

Building Good People, Not Just Good Players

You may have seen the launch of our new campaign on social media — focused on building good people at Tukapa.
This goes beyond winning and losing. It’s about how we behave on and off the field, how we support one another, and how we represent our club. Whether you're playing, coaching, or cheering from the sideline — the way we act matters.
These kids won’t be picked as All Blacks at 7 years old. What matters now is teaching them the values of sportsmanship, respect, and fair play. Coaches and parents — we need your help reinforcing this. If our kids see you yelling at referees or opposing players, they’ll think it’s okay to do the same.
We talk to our senior players about this too. At Tukapa, we’re growing our ONE CLUB culture — and that includes leaving the referee's job to the ref. Let’s keep being great supporters who back our players and respect the game.
“It takes a family to raise a son or daughter, and I reckon our Tukapa family is a pretty good one.”

This Week’s Games

We’ve got a big Saturday ahead — here's the rundown:

• Senior 3rds (Home) vs Clifton 3rds – A great clash expected!
• TOA (Away) vs Inglewood – 12:30pm kickoff, top-of-the-table battle.
• Colts (Away) vs Southern – A key match as they push for a home semi-final.
• B’s (Away) vs Clifton – Must-win game to stay in the hunt.
• Premiers (Away) vs Clifton – A strong opponent who are looking like finals contenders.

This week we’ve dug deep, promoting a couple of B’s lads to the Premiers to put our strongest side out.
Most of our players are returning from injury and are eager to get back into it.

Unavailable this week:

• Scott Mellow – Shoulder (3–4 weeks)
• Sam Clark – Foot (week-to-week)
• Thomas Stokes – Away (1 week)
• Campbell Woodmass – Away (1 week)

We’re backing all our teams to get the job done — and we’ll see you out there backing them too!

Bar Open Saturday from 12pm
The clubrooms will be open from midday with both Premier games showing on the TV. Come down, grab a drink, and enjoy some great rugby with the Tukapa whānau.

See you on the sidelines!
Scotty Siffleet
Chairperson – Tukapa One Club

Chairman’s Newsletter

Week 10 Update — One Club, One Whānau

Week 10 is here, and so is the rain. Like every winter in Taranaki, the weather has thrown a few curveballs our way — but that hasn't dampened the spirit of our teams. We’ve had to adapt, shift training sessions, and make the most of what we’ve got. And that, right there, is what being part of Tukapa is all about — grit, teamwork, and getting the job done together.

• Our TOA Wāhine missed their Wednesday field session but turned it into a powerful leadership workshop — a different kind of growth, but just as important.
• The Premiers are heading indoors tonight to squeeze every drop out of their training hour.
• Most Junior teams have missed training this week, but rest assured, they’ll be fired up for Friday night’s big event.

Thankfully, we’ve only got one game at Sanders Park this weekend, so our fields will get a bit of a breather too.

Let’s Talk: Pride, Pressure & Perspective

Now, before we dive into the week ahead, I want to speak openly about something I’ve noticed.
Over the weekend, I overheard some pretty tough comments in the clubrooms about a few of our team performances. And look, I get it. We're a proud club. We love winning. We love good footy. We expect high standards — and that’s what has built Tukapa into the powerhouse it is.
But let’s not forget the bigger picture.
Every week, players put in the mahi. Coaches give up their evenings. Managers, physios, and volunteers give their time to make sure you’ve got a team to cheer on. They do it for the love of the game. For the jersey. For you.
If a result doesn’t go our way or the team has a rough day, take a breath. Think about what it takes just to get a team on the field. And maybe instead of throwing a negative comment out there, offer some encouragement, or just say “thanks” for the effort.
We don’t just build rugby players at Tukapa — we build good people. And that takes all of us — players, coaches, supporters. Let’s all pull in the same direction and bring that One Club, One Whānau spirit to the fore.

Friday Night Lights: Tukapa Junior Takeover

This Friday night is going to be something special.
For the second year running, Tukapa will take over Stadium Taranaki, turning it blue and white with a full slate of junior rugby action under the lights.
17 of our 18 junior teams will play curtain-raisers before the main event — our Colts vs Stratford Eltham match. For many of these young players, it’ll be their first time playing at the stadium. Moments like this stick with you forever. It’s a proud night for families, players, coaches, and the entire club.
And for those attending, you’ll see the unveiling of our new Junior Rugby Mission Statement, which will light up the big screen:
“At Tukapa Rugby, we grow strong players, respectful teammates, and great kids — teaching them to win with pride, lose with grace, and always play with heart. As a family club, we build more than teams — we build character.”
This is who we are. It’s what we believe. And it doesn’t just apply to the kids — it’s for coaches, parents, supporters, and right through to senior rugby.
As Tim Stuck, a proud former Tukapa man and now Principal of FDMC, once said:
“We’re here to grow good men.”
At Tukapa, we’re here to grow good people — on and off the field.
So next time you feel that urge to shout at the ref, question a call, or fire a shot from the sideline — ask yourself: Is this helping us build better players? Better people? If not, maybe take a breath and back our boys and girls the right way.
Where: Stadium Taranaki
When: Kicks off from 5:00 PM with juniors playing
Perks: New stand open, coffee cart, hot food, and a buzzing club atmosphere

Saturday Fixtures: What’s On & Where to Be

We’ve got a stacked Saturday ahead, with important matches for nearly all our senior sides. Here’s what’s happening:

Home at Sanders Park

• TOA Women vs Pātea Women
Kickoff: 12:30 PM
Café open from noon with hot lunch and bar open for pregame socialising
The TOA will be hungry to bounce back and put on a dominant home performance.

On the Road
• Division 1 vs NPOB
Vogeltown Park
1:00 PM Kickoff
Must-win to stay in finals contention
• Premier Men vs NPOB
Vogeltown Park
2:45 PM Kickoff
This is a tough place to win — bring your voices and your colours!
• Senior 3rds vs Kaponga
Kaponga Domain
1:00 PM
Bus seats available (as long as you bring your boots!)
Chasing back-to-back wins and plenty of laughs along the way

Keep a eye out on Facebook and Instagram for team releases over the next 24 hours

After match at the Clubrooms

Wherever you are on Saturday — Sanders Park, Vogeltown, or Kaponga — the bar will be open Saturday afternoon and evening for all players, supporters, and families to regroup, share stories, and celebrate what it means to be part of the Tukapa legacy.
Win or lose — we back our club and our people. Always.

2026 Year of the Chicken Reunion

A couple of weeks ago we put out about our planned reunion for the year of the Chicken in 2026, the flyer below is now on facebook and can I ask you all to share this post with anyone that you think needs to be here in 2026 for this.

Final Word

Thanks again to every person who makes this club hum — from the coaches running muddy sessions in the rain to the parents who ferry kids around town, to the volunteers behind the counter and the supporters on the sideline.

Let’s make Week 10 count. Turn up, tune in, and give it everything — together.

See you on the sidelines,
Scotty Siffleet
Chairperson – Tukapa One Club

Chairman’s Newsletter

Week 9 – Celebrating Our Club Wāhine

Kia ora Tukapa family,

Week 9 is here, and fingers crossed the weather gods smile on us again! Before we get into what’s coming, a huge thank you to the sponsors who joined us in the Ford Tent last weekend. Your presence makes a real difference and helps us create the community-focused environment we value so much. We hope you enjoyed great conversation, good company, and top-notch rugby.

Ladies Day Returns – Bigger, Brighter, and More Fun

This Saturday, we proudly celebrate Ladies Day - a tradition that means more than just a social event at Tukapa. It’s a chance to acknowledge and honour all the women who make our club what it is.
We’re stepping it up in 2025 with:

• Live DJ in the Ford Tent – bringing the vibe all afternoon
• Two feature cocktails – created just for the day
• Major prize giveaways – every drink you purchase gets you an entry
• New decorations and upgraded hospitality – expect great company, laughs, and a few surprises

But Ladies Day is more than perks. It's about acknowledging the unsung heroes of our club:

• Jan from our board who’s a key part of our leadership
• Renee and Vicky from the management team - always behind the scenes making it all work
• Kendra, Janelle, and Hannah from the Junior Committee, shaping our future players
• Carrol, our Club Mum, always looking out for everyone
• Our amazing mums, aunties, sisters, and nanas who bring the juniors every week
• Our wives, partners, and girlfriends who support us every training night and game day
• Our loyal female supporters, rain, hail, or shine
• The mighty Tukapa Toa, representing us with pride and heart
• Our Netball ladies in the blue and white every weekend
• And the partners of our Board and volunteers - thank you for the sacrifices you make to help us do what we do

Six years ago, we started building a culture of "ONE CLUB" - a club where families, especially women and girls, feel welcome, valued, and empowered. Today, that vision is thriving. Every time I plan a Tukapa event or write a message like this, that’s the first thing I think of.
This Saturday, come join us in the Ford Tent at the far end of the field. Mix, mingle, have a drink, enjoy the tunes—and let us say thank you.

Player Spotlight – Nat Haupapa’s 50th Cap

This week, we celebrate a special milestone for one of our standout Toa players: Natale-Ann Haupapa - or as we all know her, Nat.
Nat came to us this year from Clifton and immediately became part of our leadership group. Her experience, passion, and work ethic have made her a cornerstone of our women’s squad. On Saturday, Nat will:

• Earn her first official cap for Tukapa Toa
• Celebrate her 50th career cap in women’s rugby

This is a massive milestone—not many players reach 50 caps, especially in the women's game. We’re proud she chose Tukapa as her club and her family. Nat, thank you for everything you bring—on and off the field.

This Week’s Games – All Eyes on Sanders Park

We’re back home this weekend, and it’s a full card with huge matchups across the grades

Tukapa Toa vs Southern Ladies – 11:30 AM Kickoff (Home)

Fresh off their bye, the Toa are recharged and ready. With a top-two finish and a home semi-final in sight, this game is key.
Southern are an experienced outfit and always bring physicality — so we’ll need to bring our A-game.
Players to watch:

• Dee – only in her second year but already a front-row powerhouse
• Roise, Rocky, and Aaliyah – deadly in attack and always a scoring threat

Honestly, the whole squad has been outstanding this season.

Division 2 vs Okaiawa – 1:00 PM (Field 1, Home)

Our Div 2 boys are starting to find their groove! With a consistent core of 23 lads, they’re gaining momentum each week.
This week, they earn a spot on Field 1, and if they click, a win over Okaiawa is very much on the cards. Let’s get behind them—they’re building something special.

Colts vs Inglewood – 1:00 PM (Away)

Our Colts suffered their first loss of the season against Coastal, but they’ll be hungry to bounce back.
This week is a rematch of last year’s final against Inglewood, and it won’t be easy. To stay top of the table, they need a 5-point win.
Cut out the errors and play our natural game, and there’s no reason they can’t do it.

Division 1 & Premiers vs Southern – 1:00 PM & 2:45 PM (Home)

In Round 1, both sides played some great footy against Southern.
On a dry track and with the home crowd behind them, we expect more of the same this weekend—fast, entertaining rugby.
Come down and make some noise for the boys in blue and white.

Lads make Shield defence Squad

A massive well done to our premier players you made the Taranaki Bulls shield defence squad for the King country game, these fellas are all the corner stone of our Hire it Hire Premiers

• Waata Wharawhara
• Larenz Tupaea-Thomsen
• Sam Clarke
• Nathaniel Peters
• Thomas Edwards
• Laim Bernet
• Zebby Uini-Faiva

See You at the Chook House
After the final whistles, we’ll be heading back to the Chook House for a debrief, a few cold ones, and plenty of stories to share.
Stay tuned to Facebook and Instagram tomorrow for full team lists and updates. Let’s keep the momentum going, on and off the field.

WE ARE TUKAPA – WE ARE ONE CLUB

With pride
Blue and White for Life
Chairperson
Scotty Siffleet

Chairman’s Newsletter

Tukapa Weekly Update - Week 8

Kia ora Tukapa Whānau,

Week 8 is here, and this week we want to take a moment to give a huge thanks to all our amazing sponsors. Without your continued support, we simply wouldn’t be the club we are today. Many of our sponsors have been part of the Tukapa family for years—some as players, managers, or through their children—and it's the positive experiences they’ve had that inspire them to give back to the club.

As I write this from the clubrooms, Dave from NZ Sparky is here helping install new speaker wiring, and soon Mark from PSL will be around to connect everything up. This is what sponsorship looks like. It’s not always cash in hand—it’s the generous contributions of time, expertise, and resources that help us stand out. Yes, money helps keep the lights on, but it’s the sense of community, inclusiveness, and pride that truly makes Tukapa special.

Last night, sitting around with the Toa, Senior 3rds, and Prems, a common theme came through: for many of us, it’s not just about the game on Saturday—it’s about the friendships, the stories, the laughs, the Thursday night trainings, and the post-match banter. That’s what "One Club" really means.

Take a moment to think—how many other sports clubs are open five days a week for both young men and women to connect, laugh, and build lifelong memories? What we’ve created here at Tukapa is something truly unique, and it’s thanks to our sponsors that it’s here to stay.

So to all our sponsors: thank you. We look forward to seeing you this Saturday in the Ford Tent at the end of the field.

This Week's Rugby

This Saturday, our Premiers, Div 1 (Senior B’s), and Colts face Coastal at home. The first-round matchups were all close, so we’re in for some exciting rugby. Meanwhile, our Div 2 (Senior 3rds) are off to Toko—a great club with a great vibe. I joined the trip last year and can confirm it’s a fun one, both on and off the field.

Our Toa team has a bye this week but will be at the club for a 12 pm training session.

Vegas Party – Netball & Rugby Social

After the final whistle blows on Saturday, stick around for the big Netball & Rugby Party! The theme is Vegas, and we’ll have a mechanical bull, fancy dress, and a DJ spinning tunes into the night. It’s a celebration of our One Club spirit, so come along and enjoy the fun.

A big shout-out to our loyal supporters—we’ll see you on Saturday as we cheer on 12 junior games in the morning, followed by three senior grade matches in the afternoon.

We are Tukapa. We are one club.

Blue and White for Life
Chairperson
Scotty Siffleet

Chairman’s Newsletter

Tukapa Weekly Update – Week 7

We're into Week 7, and our teams are scattered from a hole to breakfast—but as always, we’re working hard to get five teams on the paddock this weekend. Huge thanks to some of our ex-Premiers players stepping in to help us out again—legends like Beast and Chambo jumping back in really shows what this club means to all of us.

Last Week of  First Round

This is the final week of Round One. After this weekend, all competition points will be halved—except for the Premier Women’s team.

Great Turnout at Tukapa

It was awesome seeing so many old-timers at Tukapa last weekend! The Monday morning chiller was looking a bit light thanks to a solid turnout. A reminder that the bar is open:

• Fridays from 3:30 – 6:30pm
• Saturdays from 2:30 – 6:30pm (or later!)

This Saturday’s Premier game will be live-streamed on the big screen—come down and cheer the boys on.

Bus Trips – All Aboard!

• Colts to Okaiawa – Departing 9:45am
• Senior 3rds to Hāwera – Departing 11:00am
• Toa to Okaiawa – Departing 12:30pm

Next Week – Sponsors Day & Tukapa Netball Party

Next weekend is a huge one at the club—Sponsors Day followed by the world-famous Tukapa Netball Party.

Make sure you get that late pass sorted!

Save the Date – 2001 'Year of the Chicken' 25-Year Reunion

In 2001, Tukapa made history with three championship-winning teams: Senior A’s, Senior 3rds, and Colts. We’re marking 25 years since that incredible season with a special reunion:

• King’s Birthday Weekend – Saturday 30 May 2026
• Tukapa Clubrooms

Tentative Schedule:

Friday 29 May (from 4:00pm):

• Clubrooms open – catch-ups, drinks, and meals

Saturday 30 May:

• 12:00pm: Pre-game function upstairs (light lunch)
• 1:00pm – 4:15pm: All Tukapa teams playing at home
• 4:15pm – late: Aftermatch function
• 6:00pm: Auction – one-off ‘Year of the Chicken’ playing jerseys worn by the Premiers that day

Let’s get the word out—especially to those living outside Taranaki—so we can pack the Chook House and relive a great year in our club’s history.

2001 Recap:

• Senior A: Captain – Mark Grenside | Coach – Dale Atkins
• Senior 3rds: Captain – Bruce Capper | Coach – Wayne Penn (RIP)
• Colts: Captain – Josh Robinson | Coach – Bryan Boulton

We’d appreciate help tracking down players—if you’ve got any contact info, let us know.

For comments, questions, or if you want to help organise:
📞 Lindsay Thomson – Reunion Coordinator
📱 027 226 3699
📧 lindsay@thehtlgroup.co.nz

So as I finish this news letter with the rain coming down outside we hope for fine weather and running rugby tomorrow to all our players go well and wear those hoops with pride.

Blue and White for Life
Chairperson
Scotty Siffleet

Chairman’s Newsletter

Old Timers Day, Full Club Round, and What It Takes Behind the Scenes

After a refreshing week off out at Urenui with friends and family, I’m back into the thick of it—and what a week to come back to. This Saturday is shaping up to be one of the biggest days on the club calendar. For the first time this season, all five of our senior teams are playing at home, and that includes our Toa Women’s team, fresh off a big win. Add in Old Timers Day, and it’s safe to say we’re going all in.

Gearing Up Behind the Scenes

With five teams playing at home, there’s a mountain of logistics involved. The Tukapa Lifestyle Building crew has been flat out this week putting in the hard mahi behind the scenes. They’ve built temporary changing rooms, installed a new door in the hallway for separate male and female access to showers and toilets, and we’ve organised portaloos to help manage the crowd and make the day run smoothly.

It’s not glamorous work, but it’s crucial. When people arrive on Saturday and everything’s running like clockwork, it’ll be because of the hours of planning and hands-on effort from the club’s volunteers. A massive thanks to everyone who’s rolled up their sleeves this week to make it happen.

Old Timers Day – Let’s Pack Out the Club!

This Saturday is Old Timers Day, and we want the club buzzing from morning to night. Give your old rugby mates a ring and get them down to Tukapa—it’s the perfect chance to reconnect, share a yarn or two, and enjoy a full day of community and rugby.

We’re honoured to welcome Gary Carnachan from the Taranaki Rugby Community Trust (TRCT) as our guest speaker. Gary will be speaking at 1:10pm, sharing the story of how the Trust was formed, how it’s funded, and the important work it does to support community rugby in Taranaki. Whether you’re a current player, life member, or proud supporter, this is a chance to hear how the rugby ecosystem works and how it’s evolving to meet the needs of today’s game.

And of course, karaoke kicks off from 6:30pm—so warm up the vocal cords and stay on for a great night of laughs, singing, and community spirit.

Weekly Team Update – The Numbers Game

Let me pull back the curtain a bit—because every Tuesday night is a balancing act. My job is to make sure we’ve got enough numbers to field five competitive sides on Saturday. Sounds simple, but in 2025, it’s anything but.

Colts

Tuesday night, I checked in with the Colts. Only 14 lads at training, which had me a bit nervous. But the energy was great, and the group reassured me they’re good to go for Saturday. We had a new FDMC lad in the mix for his first training, and it’s clear the team’s starting to gel well. They’re building nicely.

B’s

Then I swung over to the B’s. This group is under pressure. With injuries to their own squad and the Prems needing cover, the depth is stretched thin. But the boys are determined to front up—they’re chasing a win this weekend that would help secure a spot in the top four. Both coaches are working overtime to get them ready.

Premiers

Over at the Prems, I caught up with Blowers to get the latest. Cole is away on tour for a few weeks, so Scotty’s had a big load this week, with Campbell stepping in to help the backs. Can’t give too much away before team lists are out, but we’ve got some important players back, and we’re feeling confident heading into Saturday.

3rds

The 3rds chat lit up after dinner Tuesday night—over a plate of smoked marlin from one of our loyal sponsors. This is where things get tricky. Numbers are very light for the match against Patea. Injuries, other sporting commitments, and plain old life have hit this team hard. There’s a real risk of a default here, but we’re pushing every option and won’t call it until the absolute last minute.

Toa Women

Wednesday night, I was back down at the club for TOA training. I caught up with Jas and Plims after their big first-up win. Numbers are strong, especially in the forwards, but like many teams across the country, we’re a little light on backs. Still, they’re confident and working hard for what should be a tight match against Inglewood.

Why Events Like This Matter

I know sometimes people question why we host post-match events or spend money on functions like karaoke nights or bands. But here’s the truth—these events are what keep the culture alive. The days are gone when players did nothing else in winter but play rugby and hang out at the club. Today, there’s a lot more competing for people’s time.

If we don’t invest in our culture and give players reasons to connect, we risk losing them altogether. Without these social events, we don’t have teams. Without teams, we don’t have rugby. Without rugby, we don’t have Tukapa.

It’s as simple—and serious—as that.

Final Word – We Are Tukapa

To all our current players—thank you. Week after week, you show up, get stuck in, and represent this club with pride. I hope an old fella buys you a beer on Saturday, shakes your hand, and tells you he’s proud of you—because you deserve it.

To our supporters, life members, and old boys—this Saturday is for you. Come early, stay late, and enjoy the club you helped build. Let’s show the next generation what it means to be part of ONE CLUB.

WE ARE TUKAPA. WE ARE ONE CLUB.

See you all Saturday—bright and early.

Blue and White for Life
Chairperson
Scotty Siffleet

Tukapa Rugby Club – One Club, Many Hands

Kia ora Tukapa whānau,

This week I say cheers to all our volunteers — without you, we simply would not be Tukapa.

Here’s just a snapshot of what’s been happening around the club this week. From early starts to late lock-ups, our people are getting stuck in:

Monday

• 8am: Brian Edlin in early for bar stocktake

• 10am: Ross Andrews mowing the front lawn

• 11am: Scotty loading the bar for darts

• 2pm: Darryn Jones setting up for Thursday's U14 game

• 6pm: Scott, Drew & Horse running darts

Tuesday

• 8.30am: Jimmy Cameron checking lines

• 1pm: Junior Board working hard to get teams sorted

• 4pm: Junior coaches training their teams

• 5.30pm: Senior coaches setting up

• 6pm: Jack De Luca stocktaking gear

• 7.30pm: Liam Bernet, Scotty & Jack catching up on club plans

Wednesday

• 11am: Scotty & Jan working on grant application

• 2pm: Darryn Jones drops off food

• 3pm: Scotty starts cooking 40 meals

• 5pm: Jason & Plims setting up for training

5.30pm: Josh Bollen droping all junior balls up to club

• 6pm: Scotty’s cooking now up to 90 meals

• 7.30pm: Netball girls in for tea & tactics

• 8pm: Dishes done – home time

Thursday

• 10am: U14s game kicks off – Darryn & Plims on deck

• 11am: U14 parents in the kitchen prepping lunch

• 2pm: Kyle & Bryan unloading stock

• 2.30pm: Me (Scotty) writing this newsletter

• 5pm: Renee & the B’s serving up 50 meals

• 5.30pm: Live stream trailer setup by Che & Rob

• 6pm: Programs sorted by Che & Rob

• 5.30pm: Renee, Blowers, JDL, Trent getting ready for training

• 6pm: Senior coaches all hands on deck

• 7pm: Meals served to 50 players

• 9pm: Lock up – another big day

Friday (Game Day!)

• 9am: Big screen pickup – Scotty on it

• 9.30am: Carole cleaning everything she can

• 10am: Livestream trailer arrives Che & Rob setup cameras, audio & network

• 11am: Bryan, Chook & Tom on field setup

• 12pm: Colts & FDMC arrive

• 12pm: Bar opens, stock checked

• 12.30pm: Kernal & Ross on scoreboard

• 12.45pm: Stack doing ground announcing

• 1pm: Game kicks off – Scotty on camera

• 1.30pm: Volunteer team in full swing on bar

• 2.15pm: Doggy on commentary, Che, Rob & Connor live streaming

• 4.30pm: Life members selling raffles, pack down begins

• 4.30pm: Che, Rob & Connor demobilise live streaming equipment

• 5pm: Blowers sorting team jerseys for washing

• 5.30pm: After-match speeches

• 6pm: Board running beer pong tournament

• 11.30pm: Bar closes – Scotty locks up

This is just a brief look at a standard week at the Tukapa clubrooms. I know I’ve probably missed a few legends (sorry team), but the message is simple:
Many hands make light work – and without those hands, we wouldn’t be the club we are.
So next time you see one of the names above, give them a pat on the back and thank them for being a good bugger. Better still, if you see something that needs doing, think “I can do that.”
And to those thinking they’re too busy – we’re only asking for 10 minutes here and there to keep Tukapa strong.

Good Friday at the Chook House
What else are you gonna do on a public holiday when every other pub is shut? Grab some mates and head down to Tukapa — the fizzy’s always cold, and Paul will have meals ready to go from the kitchen.
Bar open from 12pm
*Meals available all day

Game times below

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Thank you, volunteers. You make us Tukapa.

Blue and White for Life
Chairperson
Scotty Siffleet

Chairpersons Update

Home Game Day at the Chook House!

It’s Week 3 of the 2025 season, and we’re stoked to welcome everyone back to the Collective First National Tukapa Clubrooms for our first home games of the year. The weather's looking good, the beer will be cold, and the banter even better.
As I’ve said before, numbers are tight this year—but it’s great to see all four senior men’s teams fielding solid squads this weekend. That’s a huge effort, and it shows how committed everyone is.
It’s always a big day when our neighbourhood mates NPOB come to the Chook House, so get down here and enjoy some top-notch code!

Game Day Timings

NZ Sparky Division 1 Update

Our Div 1 boys have been on the hunt for a few more players, but this group is already tight both on and off the field. Here’s what Renee had to say:
"The Tukapa Division 1 team has had a mixed start to the season, facing the challenge of low player numbers due to injuries and players moving on from last year. We’ve had two tough away games to start – but the boys showed real grit with a well-earned win in Rahotu during Round 1. Round 2 didn’t go our way against a strong Southern team, but we’re learning, building, and growing together.
We’re on the lookout for a few extra players who want to be part of a great group and play some exciting footy. Training is twice a week and the vibes are good. Come get involved!"
Up the Bzz!

This Weeks Lineups

Junior Muster – The Future’s Bright

Our Junior Muster last Saturday was an awesome reminder of what “One Club” really means. Watching our Year Ones charge around with pride was something special. I even heard one young fella say to his mate, “I love my rugby club.” That’s all the motivation I need to keep pushing us forward.
Our senior players love this place just as much, and that shared passion is what keeps Tukapa ticking. Sure, rugby’s about the game—but what makes this club great is the friendships that start on the field and grow off it.

Support the Club – Get Involved

Anyway, time for me to shift a few tables and get things set up for a big day tomorrow. See you at the Chook House.

Blue and White for Life
Chairperson
Scotty Siffleet