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
Recent Comments