Still in The Frae – Wilson Celebrates 100 games for Wainuiomata

Above: Frae Wilson gets a pass underway for Wainuiomata in their 27-24 first round win over the Upper Hutt Rams earlier this year. Photo by Hugh Pretorius. 

Frae Wilson was a recruit in the 2008 Wellington Rugby Academy class and played his first season of Premier rugby with Petone. However, Wilson’s stay at the Villagers was brief. The first two friends he made in the capital after returning from Hawke’s Bay were Shahn Eru and Genesis Mamea.

“Shahn and Genesis convinced me to go over the hill to Wainui. Wainui wasn’t in the top division at that time, but I could tell they were a club on the rise and since arriving I haven’t looked back,” Wilson explains.

Last Saturday Wilson celebrated his 100th game in the green and black jersey, one of six centurions in the roster for the Marist St Pat’s game. Wainuiomata blew a 21-7 lead to draw with a 14-man opposition after flanker Isaac O'Connor was sent off for the visitors.

Wainuiomata must beat Old Boys University and Norths in the last two rounds to make the Jubilee Cup semi-finals. Are the veterans running out of puff?

“Not at all, but we are killing ourselves with our lack of discipline. It’s been a problem all season and we must fix it. Every game is like a final now,” Wilson asserts.

Wainuiomata have been in the Jubilee semis three times in the last six years. Wilson has produced some clutch performances to assist with this success.

In 2010, Wilson scored 20 points in the Hardham Cup semi-final against Tawa which Wainuiomata won 35-32. The following week Wainuiomata defeated Avalon 31-10 in the last final at the Westpac Stadium and have never been regulated back to the second division.

In 2012, Wilson scored 15 points in a last round win against Norths to help secure Wainuiomata’s maiden Jubilee Cup semi-final appearance.

In 2014, Wainuiomata went one step better and made the final against Hutt Old Boys Marist.
“I ran the water that day, but it was still pretty cool to be involved. I was born in Lower Hutt so the games against Hutt clubs are always a highlight. The first win over Petone in 2012 when we put 50 on them was memorable.” Wilson reflects.

Wilson is currently uncontracted in professional rugby and is working in construction. The 28-year-old has played 50 matches for the Wellington Lions, represented the New Zealand Maori side, and been a member of the Hurricanes and Highlanders wider training squads.

In 2012, Wilson managed four appearances for the Hurricanes and was involved in two highly dramatic wins against the Crusaders and the Chiefs. In the former match Conard Smith scored two tries as the Hurricanes pipped the Crusaders 23-22 in Christchurch. In the latter fixture Dane Coles scored a try in the 85th minute to inflict a rare defeat on that seasons’ champions.

“I am grateful for the chances I have had in professional rugby and am still available for the Lions. I have always tried to play for my club when the chance arises. It’s important to remember your roots and be loyal to those who support you.” Wilson says.

Wilson is of Ngāti Rangi and Te Āti Awa descent. He is an old boy of Te Aute College where he had cousins attend.