Three sets of brothers helping to drive Avalon Wolves

Above: Avalon Premier players (from left) Ben Peni, Ale Peni, Leauro Ah Wong, Lidston Ah Wong, Laman Ah Wong, Chris Aumua and Iosefo Aumua take the concept of a team brotherhood very literally. Photo: Jordan King.

Avalon second five-eighth Ben Peni says the club’s “brotherhood” is something he cherishes the most when playing for his beloved wolves. 

“The club really is like a family to me, not only because of my of my brother but also because of how we all interact and get along. 

“Everyone here is all on the same page and it’s cool that we’re all pushing each other to get the best out of one another.”

With three sets of brothers within their Premier squad, the Ah Wongs (Lidston [29], Laman [27] and Leauro [22]) the Peni brothers (Ben [26] and Ale [21]) and the Aumuas (Iosefo [25] and Chris [18]), Avalon in actuality are a club with families within a family.

Front rower Leauro Ah Wong said the opportunity to play with both his older brothers is significant for him having not been able to do it at a younger age. 

“Being so much younger than both Lidston and Laman, I never got the opportunity to play with either of them growing up. 

“Not everyone gets to share this sort of thing with their sibling, or in my case siblings, so it’s pretty special to be able to share the field with them.”

Having only returned to the Swindale Shield in 2015, Avalon has made huge strides in returning to the club rugby scene as one of the competitions formidable teams.

Off the back of communal efforts and club stalwarts, the Hutt Valley side have put a huge emphasis on the club being family oriented and established a winning culture. 

Loose forward Iosefo Aumua said that after spending last year on the sidelines he is rejuvenated and eager to help the club exceed. 

“It didn’t really hit me until the season started that I was realised how much I missed rugby and how important it is to me.

“Rugby is a part of my identity and so with being back at Avalon, I feel more like myself.”