The National Sevens is this weekend in Tauranga. The Wellington's men's and women's teams are in action and their games on day one are below:

Men's
11.25am v South Canterbury
1.45pm v Northland
4.35pm v Tasman

Women's
11.05am v Counties Manukau
1.25pm v Manawatu
4.55pm v North Harbour

200-game Poneke prop Fred Baker passed away suddenly at the end of this past week. Baker was a mainstay in the front row of Poneke teams throughout the 1970s and later coached at the club. He was a Poneke life member. Club Rugby passes on its condolences to his family and to the club. RIP Fred Baker.

Four Wellington schools and five teams competed at the Condor 7s tournament in Auckland this weekend. Scots College were beaten Cup semi-finalists, losting at the death to Rotorua BHS, while St Mary's College missed out to Howick College in their Cup quarter-final before beating Gisborne GHS 17-5 to win the Plate final. St Pat's Silverstream lost to Kelston BHS in the Plate semi-finals to finish 11th equal. Wainuiomata HS lost all their three games on Saturday, but won both games on Sunday morning before losing to Southland GHS in the Shield final to finish 18th. Scots College's U15 team finished in the chasing pack in their tournament on Friday. Hamilton Boys' High School (boys) and Howick College (girls) did the 'double', each winning the U15 and Senior tournaments. 

Six WRRA referees are part of a 34-strong National Referee Squad announced by New Zealand Rugby for the 2019 season. The Wellington referees are: Mike Fraser, Ben O’Keeffe (professional referees), Nick Hogan, Vincent Ringrose, Richard Gordon and Monique Dalley, who is new to the national squad.

Paremata Plimmerton RFC is seeking Expressions of Interest for Head Coach & Assistants for the Premier Reserve (2nd team) for 2019. Paremata Plimmerton (“ParePlim”) is a small club building to do BIG things, so come and be a part of this exciting journey!
The Coaching role involves:
· The operational coaching and selection of the team;
· Engagement in player recruitment & retention;
· Developing team culture;
· Working as a team with the Premier and Colts Coaching staff to build and develop player skills.

To apply for please send an email with your expression of interest and any coaching qualifications and experience you may have to: pprfc001@gmail.com

With the third and final scheduled one-day tournament unable to go ahead owing to the weather, Northern United's Men's and Women’s teams have won the Ambassador 7s silverware for 2018. Consequently, Northern United and Johnsonville have been automatically offered the opportunity to compete in the Middlesex County Cup (National club 7s) tournament in February 2019.

The final top three points tables were as follows. Men: Norths (42), Johnsonville (32), Upper Hutt Rams (30). Women: Norths (40), Marist St Pat's (34), Paremata-Plimmerton (28).

Old Boys University have confirmed the return of their Jubilee Cup winning OBU Premier Team Coaching group in 2019. After two years assisting Micheal Barnes now takes over as Head Coach in 2019 ably supported by the return of Jamie Williams, Greg Halford and Tomasi Palu. Jamie takes a wider role not only assisting the Premiers but also analysis for the club's Colts team and Academy. Rua Tipoki also widens his scope overseeing and supporting the Colts coaching groups in 2019.

Marist St Pat's have appointed their coaches for 2019. Simon Culley and Marty Berry come across from the Upper Hutt Rams and Wellington Axemen respectively to take the helm of the Premiers, ably assisted by club playing veterans Peter Sciascia and Fa'atonu Fili. Edwin Meachen and Daniel Kauraka will take charge of the Premier Reserves. 

Marcelle Parkes (Marist St Pat's) will make her debut off the bench at flanker for the Black Ferns against France this weekend. Ayesha Leti-I'iga (Ories) returns on the left wing, while Jackie Patea-Fereti (Petone) and Monica Tagoai (MSP) are both on the bench. The match is on Saturday morning (NZT). 

The third leg of the WRFU American Ambassador's Sevens tournament has been cancelled, following its postponement last weekend.