Club rugby spectacle set for Sunday

The stakes will be high at Hutt Rec this Sunday, as six club rugby finalists dig deep to ensure the prized silverware ends up in their clubrooms.

The first match kicks off at 10.30 am with defending champions Old Boys' University Green taking on Hutt Old Boys' Marist for the John E Kelly Cup, followed by the Hardham Cup challenge between Northern United and Poneke at 12.45 pm.

Come 3.00 pm, all eyes will be on the Jubilee Cup final between debutant finalists Wainuiomata, and Hutt Old Boys' Marist, who last won the coveted cup in 2007.

Little separates the two sides, with Wainuiomata the only team to beat HOBM during round-robin play, edging them out 13-12 in what was a thriller of a match at William Jones Park. Top qualifiers HOBM will no doubt be looking to get one back on their neighbouring rivals this weekend. Regardless of who wins on Sunday, it will be the fifth different victor to raise the Jubilee Cup in the past seven seasons.

In addition to the rugby action, the finals festival will also feature a crowd favourite event in The Great Community Rugby Sprint. WRFU community rugby manager Will Caccia-Birch said the challenge was on for someone to take down last year's winner, Fast Mike, from Old Boys' University.

Rippa rugby games will also feature before the Hardham and Jubilee Cup matches, with Rippa teams from each finalist club going head-to-head.

Sunday will also provide a chance for fans to meet the 2014 Ricoh Wellington Lions squad, who will be stationed at the "Lions Fanzone" near the Woburn Rd entrance of Hutt Rec. The Lions will be signing autographs, taking photos, and selling tickets to their upcoming ITM Cup matches. A ticket giveaway to see the All Blacks take on South Africa at Westpac Stadium will also be up for grabs.

Caccia-Birch said along with Hutt City Council, Wellington Rugby was excited for this great day of finals footy.

"We've got three tremendous games on offer and some great entertainment for the whole family, which we hope will result in a great day out for everyone.

"We congratulate each of the club teams that have made their respective finals, and look forward to seeing them do battle this Sunday."

It will cost the public a gold coin donation to head along to the club finals, with proceeds going to junior rugby in the Wellington region.