Their next match is against St Bernard's from Lower Hutt on Wednesday before playing Rathkeale College on Saturday.?

20 May: TRFU pays tribute to Ross Brown

The Taranaki Rugby Football Union has extended their deepest sympathies to the family of legendary Taranaki centurion, life member and All Black Ross 'Pascoe' Brown, who died at the age of 79 this morning. ?

Brown played 144 games for Taranaki, scoring a total of 209 points including 38 tries between 1953 and 1968. He played through two Ranfurly Shield era's captaining the amber and blacks for their 1963-65 tenure with the Log o' Wood. ?

Brown also played 25 games for the All Blacks including 16 test matches between 1955-1962.

He died at Thornleigh Park Rest Home earlier this morning.??

15 May: Club Rugby reshuffle thanks to Chiefs match

Due to the second Chiefs home match in New Plymouth, premier club rugby will be slightly reshuffled on Queens Birthday weekend to accommodate players and supporters wanting to get to the game.

Coastal and Southern have chosen to play on Friday night at 7:30pm at Rahotu, Spotswood and Inglewood will play at Yarrow Stadium on Sunday with the remaining two matches [Clifton vs NPOB and Stratford vs Tukapa] likely to be played at the earlier time of 1:45pm on Saturday.

The TRFU gave the respective clubs options but were not mandatory.?

14 May: First XV Rugby this week

New Plymouth Boys' High School lost 5-32 to Auckland Grammar on Tuesday at the Gully. Francis Douglas Memorial College defeated rivals Palmerston North Boys' High School today (story here).

8 May: Tukapa lose Head Coach

Tukapa head coach Salevi Tiatia has stepped down from his role In a statement Tukapa Chairman Dave Fuller said that "A combination of differences in coaching philosophy and style have contributed to this outcome." For more read the?Taranaki Daily News?

7 May: Loss for New Plymouth Boys' High School

New Plymouth Boys' High School have missed out to Feilding High School 7-48 today. NPBHS are back at the Gully this Saturday to host Tukapa in the Taranaki U21 competiiton.

02 May: Talented loose forward signed with Taranaki

One of the form players of the club rugby season Iopu Iopu (Spotswood) has signed a two-year deal with the Taranaki Rugby Football Union.?

Predominately seen playing at No.8, Iopu can play flanker and even lock.?

The powerful and quick player has also played for the New Zealand Sevens team and the Samoan U20 side. ??

12 April: Hoeata signs deal overseas

Taranaki lock Jarrad Hoeata has been granted early departure from his ITM Cup contract and will head to the Cardiff Blues in Wales after the 2014 Super Rugby season.?

In a statement the 30 year old thanked the Taranaki rugby community over the years.?

Taranaki coach Colin Cooper spoke highly of Hoeata saying he wishes him well for his future as he embarks on the next stage of his rugby career.?

Hoeata played 63 games for Taranaki making his debut in 2006.

12 April: U19 coaches announced

Taranaki Rugby Development Manager Jono Phillips will lead a strong coaching line-up for Taranaki's U19 campaign this year.?

In completely new representative age-group structure for 2014, Phillips will be alongside Tim Stuck [FDMC] and former Taranaki and Hurricanes prop Tony Penn.?

Taranaki will play Manawatu, Hawkes Bay and Wellington to gain seeding before being split into two divisions and playing in a national competition in Taupo at the end of September.?

05 April: New sponsors for premier club comp

With the start of club rugby today, the Taranaki Rugby Football Union have announced a new senior rugby sponsor.?

JD Hickman have signed an initial two-year contract to sponsor the Premiership division starting today.

TRFU CEO Mike Collins said the community should flourish under the new format and acknowledge the generous support of JD Hickman Ltd.?

Click here for a full preview of the opening round. http://www.clubrugby.co.nz/taranaki/story.php?id=857 ?

01 April: Start of the season 5 days away

It's no April fool, the club season starts this weekend with all clubs and all grades involved in the first round of matches?

This week we are counting down to the start with comprehensive previews of the competitions, teams and draws with comment from the Taranaki Rugby Football Union regarding the start of another season.

Later on in the week we will also preview the start of the first week's Premier matches including the repeat of last year's final between Clifton and Southern, this time played at Waitara's Camp Reserve. ??

28 March: Last round of pre-season matches

The final round of premier pre-season matches will take place over the weekend before the first round of the Taranaki Cast Iron Services club rugby competition.

All games commence at 2:30pm?

- Clifton vs Coastal, Tikorangi Domain
- NPOB vs Inglewood, Vogeltown Park
- Spotswood vs Tukapa, Yarrow Stadium #4

Southern and Stratford have chosen not to play at pre-season matches prior to the first round. ?

24 March: News and ideas most welcome

As we continue to expand in 2014 we, at?Club Rugby, would love you to share your club or rugby news within the Taranaki community, long or short. Just email editor@clubrugby.co.nz.
Also, we are looking for financial partners to join us in 2014 - if your business would like to get involved with us please contact us to discuss further. ?

21 March: Pre-season well underway

More pre-season matches have been scheduled for this weekend two weeks out of the opening round of club rugby.

Tukapa are hosting Stratford at Sanders Park with kick off at 2pm.
Spotswood host Inglewood at Yarrow Stadium at 2pm.
NPOB Premier, Bs and Colts play Clifton at Vogeltown Park in the afternoon.?
Stratford make their way to NPBHS for a hit out commencing at 1pm.

17 March: Taranaki Women's NPC side scrapped

Taranaki Rugby has decided not to include a team in this year's Women's NPC.

TRFU CEO Mike Collins said the province's recent success was a clear indication of where the Union should be investing resources.

"Although we were very pleased to have a team in the women's NPC last year, the reality is that we had to bolster our team with players on loan from other provinces to field a competitive 22" he said.?

In stead Taranaki Rugby will establish a women's club sevens competition and an U15 competition throughout high schools.

"Our recent successes in sevens and the level of national investment being committed to the game suggests this is where we should be investing our resources at this time" Collins said.??

15 March: More pre-season games for teams

Last year's finalists Clifton and New Plymouth Old Boys will battle it out in a pre-season game in Tikorangi this afternoon.

The two clubs were meant to join together to play a North side, but the Wellington club withdrew any interest during the week.

Due to injuries Tukapa's Premier and U21 match against Palmerston North's Kia Toa has been cancelled today.

However Coastal and Stratford played last night around the coast with Stratford continuing their strong pre-season coming off winners after the 4 quarters.?

And Spotswood had their trial during the week also. ?

More pre-season matches are scheduled for next weekend. ? ?

14 March: Taranaki player in NZ7s side

New Taranaki signing Marty McKenzie has been selected in Coach Sir Gordon Tietjens New Zealand Sevens side to play in the sixth and seventh legs of the HSBC World Sevens Series in Toyko [22, 23 March] and Hong Kong [28, 30 March].

McKenzie replaces fellow Taranaki player Waisake Noholo [knee injury] and is the only new cap for the two tournaments.

"I'm looking forward to Tokyo and Hong Kong. We want to back up Wellington with another good performance. We played extremely well outside the loss to Fiji. We want to continue that form" Tietjens said.

13 March: Three Taranaki players trial for NZU20?

Taranaki age-group players Lachlan Boshier, Lewis Ormond and Beaudein Waaka will spend four days in Palmerston North this weekend with a 45 strong New Zealand U20 training Squad.

The U20 side will play a trial match at the Institute of Sport at Massey University on Saturday ahead of the Junior Rugby World Cup which starts in Auckland over Queens Birthday weekend.?

Both Boshier and Ormond have been through the Taranaki age-group system while Waaka moved to Taranaki a few seasons ago from Gisborne Boys' High School. ?

08 March: Tukapa unlucky at Spillane Cup

Tukapa have lost their first match of the 83rd Spillane Cup in Wellington against Christchurch's Marist.

Taranaki loose forward Mitch Croswell scored to edge the score out to 21-18 but that wasn't enough.?

The 23-21 loss came in the final stages of the match when Tukapa lost a lineout which gave Marist Albion an opportunity to spin the ball out wide for their winger to score.

Croswell, Pomare Samupo and Jayson Potroz played well for Tukapa.??

Marist Albion will play four-time defending champions Wellington's Hutt Old Boys Marist in tomorrow's final. ?

05 March: Pre-season games start this weekend

Pre-season matches have been scheduled for this weekend and next giving players and teams match-fit experience prior to the start of the club season.

This weekend Stratford will host defending champions Southern, Inglewood will travel to Carterton and Tukapa will play two matches at the annual Spillane Cup tournament in Wellington.

Next week Spotswood will hold a trial match, Clifton and Old Boys' will hit it out and Tukapa As and U21s will host Kia Toa from Palmerston North. ?

05 March: Taranaki Maori unbeaten

The Taranaki Maori side walked away from the central region Te Tini a Maui Tournament over the weekend undefeated.?

After several years not competing in the tournament Taranaki were seeded in the second division of the tournament.

Taranaki beat Horowhenua/Kapiti 20-17 and Wairarapa Bush 17-12 and will play Wellington and Manawatu in the first division next year.

A number of representative players played for Taranaki bolstering the side.?

03 March: Taranaki referees first meeting

The Taranaki Rugby Referees' Association [TRRA] will hold their first meeting of the new year on Tuesday 4th March at the Stratford RSA.

New members are welcome to attend and sign off Rugby Smart and new laws which will be in place this year. This is the first load of weekly meetings which alternate between New Plymouth, Stratford and Hawera during the season.?

For more information please search 'Taranaki Rugby Referees' on Facebook. ?

20 Feb: Taranaki players in Chiefs development squad

Several Taranaki players have been named in the Chiefs Development Squad.?

Seta Tamanivalu, Lachlan Boshier, Toa Halafihi, Lewis Ormond, Ryan Cocker, Sean Wainui, Marty McKenzie and Beaudein Waaka have been selected in the squad involving coach Leo Crowley.?

Being in the squad is a stepping stone towards Investec Super Rugby selection. ?

20 Feb: Beauden Barrett's try 'try of the year'

Taranaki's Beauden Barrett's try against France in Christchurch last June has been named the International Rugby Players' Association Try of the Year.

Barrett is the first New Zealander to be awarded with the accolade which was announced on the IRB's Total Rugby television show.

View the try here:?http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KfwRQ38dxE?

19 Feb: TRFU club draw announced

Club Rugby has access to the TRFU Senior A draw, which can be found here:

http://www.clubrugby.co.nz/taranaki/games-results.php?

Feb 17: Taranaki players in NZ Sevens win

Taranaki's Michaela Blyde and Gale Broughton have stared in the New Zealand Women's sevens team who have won the IRB Women's World Sevens in Atlanta.?

The New Zealand side beat Canada 36-0 in the final and now lead the women's series by two points.

They top the leader board on 38 points, with Dubai winners Australia on 36 with Canada on 32. ?

During the Atlanta campaign New Zealand beat the Netherlands 21-0, Ireland 36-7 and England 14-5 in pool play. ?

Broughton spoke to media after the final, which can be found here:
https://soundcloud.com/allblacks/gayle-broughton-on-her-first?

Feb 14: Southern in Middlesex Sevens tournament

New Zealand’s 'unofficial' national club Sevens championships, the Middlesex Sevens, are being held in Auckland on Saturday 15 February in Auckland, featuring Taranaki’s Southern Club. There are four Pools of three teams each and Southern are in Pool C with Auckland’s Papatoetoe and Counties Manukau’s Karaka.

Feb 13: Yarrow Stadium to receive upgrade

New Plymouth's Yarrow Stadium will receive a well needed upgrade costing nearly $1m.

The upgrade is expected to cost around $870,000 and is likely to be completed by the end of June making it a 18 month project.?

The maintenance work includes strengthening stand roofs, improving lift facilities in the TSB Bank Stand and an upgrade of high speed broadband and speakers. ?

A new scoreboard has also been planned as the existing one broke down during the Taranaki vs. Tasman match last October leaving spectators confused about the score and match time.?

This is the second upgrade since Rugby Park was developed in 2022 at a cost of $17m to form Yarrow Stadium and more upgrades were needed in time for the 2011 Rugby World Cup including additional seating and extra media facilities. ?

07 Feb: Achievement for Taranaki referees

For the first time in the Taranaki Rugby Referees' Association history, three referees will be involved in an international event.?

Elite referees Richard Kelly, Paul Williams and Cameron Stone will all be involved in match official capacities at the IRB Sevens World Series Wellington tournament this weekend.?

Kelly will referee several matches throughout the weekend, with Williams and Stone appointed as assistant referees on the touchline.

The TRRA Facebook page commented on their success: "We wish them well for an exciting yet successful weekend".?
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07 Feb: Blyde and Broughton will travel away

Taranaki seven superstars Michaela Blyde and Gayle Broughton have been named in the New Zealand Sevens team.?

The team will travel away to Atlanta and Sao Paulo apart of the Women's Sevens World Series tournament in February.?

The Taranaki Rugby Football Union's Facebook page expressed their congratulations for the girl's efforts.??

Feb 03: Hong Kong side tour?

An age-grade team from Hong Kong played two matches against Taranaki invitational age-group sides in New Plymouth over the weekend. ?

The matches, played on Yarrow Stadium # 2, featured several French, English and Australian-born players who now live in Hong Kong along with members from the Taranaki U13 open and under 65kg divisions.

On Friday Hong Kong showed a dominant performance of Taranaki U13 under 65kg beating them 52-17.

Tables turned on Sunday where the Taranaki U13 open boys won 46-20. Hong Kong won the second half however with three tires scored to one.

Both matches were filmed by the rugby union in an effort to up skill and provide analysis of their matches for future use. ?

The visitors stayed upstairs at Yarrow Stadium's Legends Lounge and were treated to basking sunshine and warm conditions during their eight days in New Plymouth. ?

The exchange is apart of the Taranaki Rugby Union's continuing efforts to connect with overseas nations. Two seasons ago teams from China were treated to similar rugby to build their sevens profile. ??

26 Jan: Naholo assists NZ 7s side

Taranaki's Waisake Naholo's tries has assisted the New Zealand sevens side into the Las Vegas sevens semi-finals.

Naholo scored a hat-trick of tries against England to win 24-7.

New Zealand will play Canada tomorrow with the other semi-final will be played against South Africa and Samoa. ??

22 Jan: Two players contracted to Women's sevens

Taranaki's Michaela Blyde and Gayle Broughton have been selected in the New Zealand Women's contracted sevens squad for the 2014 season.

The two Taranaki players are the only new caps in the 19-women squad who have mostly been part of the recent New Zealand sevens campaigns over the last 18 months.

Coach Sean Horan said he is pleased he has contracted the bulk of the players who have performed, featured Blyde and Broughton who were stars at the National Sevens tournament in Rotorua earlier this month.

They will assemble in Wellington for a training camp on February 5 before tournaments in Wellington, Atlanta and Sao Paulo. ? ?

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16 Jan: No Taranaki players in NZ 7s squad

No Taranaki players have been selected in the New Zealand Sevens squad for the fourth legs of the HSBC Sevens World Series in Las Vegas on 25-26th January. ?

However, coach Sir Gordon Tietjens said he was happy with the mix in the side.

"This is a strong side with a lot of experience and that's the advantage with this squad now. ?I have some very experienced players who can teach the young players".?

Click here for more?http://www.allblacks.com/news/24110/All-Blacks-Sevens-team-for-Las-Vegas-named?

?14 Jan: McKenzie to join Taranaki

The 2014 Taranaki squad is taking shape with the addition of talented utility back Marty McKenzie signing an initial two-year contract with the ITM Cup side.?

McKenzie will move north to Taranaki after playing three seasons for Southland. ?

The former New Zealand U20 representative will play in this year's Taranaki Cast Iron Services club rugby competition on the request of Taranaki coach Colin Cooper.?

The 21 year old will also cover injuries for the Chiefs, but won't be his first taste of Super Rugby having played for three matches for the Blues in 2013.

McKenzie will bring sevens experience to the side and is also a skilled goal-kicker that was approached by several provinces since coming off contract with Southland.

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11 Jan: National 7s in Rotorua

Clubrugby.co.nz?will provide results and stories from both days of the Bayleys National Sevens competition starting today at 12:05pm. Taranaki are defending champions, but Auckland, Hawkes Bay and Canterbury will be hard to beat as they took out their respective regional qualifying tournaments in December.?
Sky Sport will also have LIVE coverage from 12:00pm. ?

11 Jan: Chiefs to train at school

Fairfax Media have reported that the Chiefs will train in New Plymouth next Friday.

The famous Gully Ground will hold the training between 11am and 12:30pm.

The Taranaki region joined the Chiefs franchise last year and will host two Chiefs matches during this year's Super 15 competition. ??

9 Jan: National 7s

16 men's and 10 women's teams will head to Rotorua this weekend for the Bayleys National Sevens tournament.

Taranaki are the defending champions in the men's pool, but will have a tough challenge ahead of them as Auckland will be the team to beat.

Make sure you stay connected with www.clubrugby.co.nz for the latest results and news during the sevens weekend.

The tournament kicks off at 12:05pm on both days and is being broadcast on Sky Sport 4 and the Rugby Channel. The women's final is on Sunday at 6:55pm, followed by the men's Cup final at 7:30pm. Children's tickets are $5 and adults are $15 for a day pass.?
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1 Jan: Welcome to 2014

Clubrugby.co.nz?would like to welcome you to a new and fresh year. We have so many ideas moving into this year that we would like to share with you! Join us when we cover the main sevens competitions throughout the summer as we build up into our club rugby competitions. This year we will connect with clubs and give you even more rugby information than ever before as we will continue to publicise and expose club, school and representative rugby in Taranaki. We will forward to your continued support.??

19 Dec: Ngatai signed with Taranaki?

Chief's back Charlie Ngatai has signed with Taranaki for the next two years.?

The 23 year old mid-field back has committed to the NPC side until the end of 2016.

Ngatai, who originally hails from Gisborne, said he wants to experience a new challenge in a different environment.?

New Taranaki CEO Mike Collins said Ngatai has an opportunity to play with fellow Gisborne High School team makes in Blade Thompson and Beaudein Waaka.?

"We know he will be an excellent fit here" he said. ?

The latest signing is believed to be one of many ahead of the 2014 ITM Cup?

10 Dec: Taranaki now part of Chiefs

The Chiefs have announced several off-field deals including the expansion of their Super Rugby franchise.

The announcements comes after a raft of changes to the franchise including gaining a licence to operate until 2020, welcoming new private investors, while Taranaki will join their catchment area.

Taranaki Rugby Football Union will now have an 11.55% share in the Chiefs Rugby Club Limited Partnership entity along with their other ITM Cup unions. King Country and Thames Valley continue to maintain a 1.9% share.

In 2014, New Plymouth's Yarrow Stadium will host two Chiefs 'home' matches against the Blues on May 9^thand Warratahson May 31^st?with two matches will be played in 2015. This means Tauranga and Pukekohe will miss out on matches next year.

TRFU Chairman Lindsay Thompson said the following;

“Taranaki Rugby is excited to have the opportunity to be an investor and stakeholder in the licence being issued to the new owners of the Chiefs. This gives an opportunity to the Taranaki rugby public to be able to watch regular Investec Super Rugby games at Yarrow Stadium, in what is the best professional rugby competition in the world. Having high quality games in our own back yard allows us to foster and grow the game in the Taranaki province”.

Read more here;http://www.chiefs.co.nz/news/chiefs-licence-issued.html?

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06 Dec: Baker wins award?

Taranaki's Kurt Baker was the only current Taranaki player to win an award at the 2013 Steinlarger Rugby Awards in Auckland last night.

Baker won the Richard Crawshaw Memorial Sevens Player of the Year Award at the Sky City Convention Centre in front of fellow rugby luminaries.?

Kieran Read was the star of the show picking up the prestigious Kelvin R. Tremain Player of the Year award after being named IRB Player of the Year and has been named in the 2013 World XV.

The trifecta of awards wouldn't come to any surprise to most, as Read has had a very successful season.

For more on the awards, please click here;?
http://www.allblacks.com/news/23978/Rugby-success-celebrated-at--2013-Steinlager-Awards?

04 Dec: Women's 7s side announced

The Taranaki Women's side has been announced to compete at the central region qualifying tournament this weekend. The top 3 sides will go through to the nationals next month.?

TARANAKI: Lauren Burgess (captain), Badinlee Munro-Smith, Rebecca Mahoney, Brooke Sim, Victoria McCullough, Devon Robinson, Taitiana Tafatu, Carrie Lobb, Jessie Aitken-Fowell, Michaela Blyde, Gayle Broughton, Marissa Clough

03 December: TRFU news CEO

The TRFU Board has appointed former Chief's prop Mike Collins as CEO.

The 39 year-old as been the interim CEO since the shock resignation of Neil Pennington in October.

Collins brings to the role extensive rugby experience coupled with impressive business smarts. The Waikato University graduate made 73 appearances in the front row for Waikato and 82 for the Chiefs. He has also had playing experience in the United Kingdom.?

Previously, Collins was the TRFU's Development Manager, before leaving for the oil and has industry and to coach club side Spotswood United. He was the scrum coach for Taranaki this year.

Collins' appointment is effective immediately.

?	P	W	L	D	F	A	B	Pts
Tukapa	14	12	2	0	381	190	9	57
NPOB	14	8	5	1	401	287	10	44
Southern	14	8	5	1	358	279	10	44
Clifton	14	8	6	0	386	325	10	42
Spotswood	14	7	7	0	337	388	8	30
Inglewood	14	7	7	0	275	354	6	29
Coastal	14	4	10	0	289	312	6	15
Stratford	14	1	13	0	217	508	4	6

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2013 Club Rugby Finals results:

Senior A:
Southern 15 vs Clifton 14

Senior B:
Inglewood 30 vs Eltham/Kaponga 15

U21:
NPOB 32 vs Inglewood 28

U21 subsidiary:
Southern 33 vs Tukapa 19

Senior 3rds:
Clifton 13 vs Tukapa 9

Senior 3rds subsidiary:
Toko 11 vs Southern 8

U13:
Mania 41 vs Tukapa 40

8 July: Senior A statistics

At the end of the 14-week round-robin series, the leading try and points scorers this season are:

Top try scorers: Nemia Soqueta (Clifton) and Caleb Kahypukoro (Southern) - 8 tries

Top points scorer: Jack Cameron (Tukapa) 154 points. Runner-up Josh Hamilton (Spotswood United) 151 points

Senior A team tries: NPOB and Clifton 54