Johnsonville Rugby Football Club

16/09/2026

In Loving Memory of Frank Tunley

A proud Johnsonville man, who loved his club and his community.

He was a member of the Johnsonville Rugby Football Club and a proud winner of the Ed Chaney Cup in 1957, a memory he treasured throughout his life. Remarkably, when he passed away, he still had the results from that day safely tucked in his wallet.

A proud lock who loved Johnsonville, he was especially proud of his grandson Andy playing for the Premiers.

Born and bred in Newlands, he grew up with strong connections to the local area. His parents worked on a farm in Grenada Paparangi, and he even knew the stories of the old gold mine on Glanmire Road.

He was a familiar and much-loved face around Newlands, known by people from all walks of life. He was often seen out walking or stopping at the Newlands shops, where he would happily chat with those he knew.

A true local character, a proud family man and a passionate Johnsonville supporter. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the many people whose lives he touched.

09/09/2026

🚨 HAWKS ACADEMY IS BACK! 🚨
💥 No fees just rugby, learning & growth!

🎉 Opening Night:
📅 Friday 9th Oct – 6pm
📍 Johnsonville Rugby Club
(Parents/caregivers welcome, permission slips signed on the night if under 17)

📅 Programme Dates:
Start: Monday 12th Oct
End: Monday 16th Nov

✅ 6-week programme
✅ Open to Year 9–12 Boys & Girls
✅ Skills, fitness, fun & teamwork

👉 Registration link: https://forms.gle/nZXcYVGTbm1n5Vmh6

Check out the Hawks Academy Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/johnsonville_academy?stkn=MXBvbnd1dHpuamV4bA==

Spots are limited, so don’t miss

09/09/2026

30/08/2026

25/08/2026

Kia ora whānau.

Its ‘Club Round’ and Wellington Rugby, we have 39 General Admission tickets to Round 5 NPC Wellington Lions vs Counties Manukau game on Sunday 30 August 2.05pm.

Dress in your Club colours or apparel and enjoy an afternoon of rugby.

Please confirm, and comment if you would like to take up this up and how many. Let's try and get as many of our Hawks whanau to the game.

𝐂𝐋𝐔𝐁 𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐃
This Club Round, we’re celebrating the clubs that have produced generations of Wellington Lions – the heartbeat of Wellington Rugby.
Who’s your all-time favourite Wellington Lion from your club?
Tell us in the comments.

19/08/2026

🏉 Expressions of Interest | Premier Grade Head Coach - 2027

If you’re passionate about rugby, leadership and developing players, we’d love to hear from you.

👉 Check out the poster for all the details and how to register your interest.

Could you be the one to lead our Premiers in 2027? 🦅

17/08/2026

Another year done, and another season in the books for The Cripples.

This year brought another couple of losses to the Poneke Ruffnuts, definitely the benchmark team, but both times we competed right to the end. We never gave up; we just couldn’t quite get over the line. And when you look at it, two losses in a season isn’t too bad!

It was a stop-start season with plenty thrown at us, but the boys continued to turn up, put in the effort and, most importantly, stick together.

We recruited another bunch of greenhorns this year, and they have added to what makes this team so special. Our culture, brotherhood and family values remain as strong as ever, and that is something I’m incredibly proud of.

As the self-appointed CEO, I’m giving the boys a big pass mark for the season. I’m proud of the effort, commitment and attitude shown by the players and equally proud of our coaches for the work they put in.

But The Cripples are more than just the players on the field. A huge part of what makes this team special is the families, supporters and the wider Hawks Club who stand behind us.

To our families, thank you for the sacrifices, the encouragement, the sideline support and for putting up with the time we spend at training, games and everything that comes with being part of The Cripples. You are a massive part of our team.

To our supporters and the club, thank you for turning up, cheering us on, celebrating the wins and sticking with us through the tough ones. Your support means more than you probably realise.

We don’t do it for the glory.
We do it because we love it.

Year 42....we go again!

Thanks to everyone who continues to support The Cripples. We couldn't do it without you.

UP THE CRIPPLES!

CE Richard Noff Eckhoff

15/08/2026

Kia or whānau.

Link in case people can't make it to the finals.

All the best Cripples...Up the Hawks🦅

Watch LIVE today on Huddy Sports YouTube from 2:30 pm for the Wellington Rugby Reserve Grade Final at Kilbirnie Park.

It is the home side the Poneke Ruffnuts taking on the Johnsonville Rugby Football Club Cripples.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSD4E3vjXkw

Stay Connected:
Website - https://www.huddysports.co.nz
Facebook - https://Facebook.com/HSLIVENZ
Instagram - https://Instagram.com/HuddySports
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/
​
Huddy Sports is proudly sponsored by Michael Pinfold Plumbing & Drainlaying Ltd, Louise Reedy NZ Travel Brokers, Gee & Hickton Funeral Directors, eg.newzealand, NME GROUP New Zealand and Joe's Garage.

Pōneke Football Club Club Rugby

14/08/2026

🏆 JOHN DAVIES CUP GRAND FINAL 🏆

The last week of senior rugby is here!

Get down and support the CRIPPLES as they take on the Poneke Ruffnuts in the John Davies Cup Grand Final!

📍 Kilbirnie Park
📅 This Saturday
⏰ 2:30pm Kick-Off

This is it — one last game, one last push!

Let’s get everyone down there and create a SEA OF BLUE to get behind the boys!

UP THE CRIPPLES! 🏆