Please send us all news of current and past University
players to : info@aurfc.co.nz
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This Saturday 13th March:
AURFC Students v Massey University - Taupo 1.15pm
Premiers v Waitakere - Colin Maiden Park 2.45pm
Reserves v Waitakere - Colin Maiden Park 12.15pm
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2010 Uni Games - University Rugby 7s Team
University Sport New Zealand presents the 2010 Uni Games to be held in Invercargill. The games are a huge annual event for sport minded students throughout the country. After a long absence rugby returns to the Uni games in the form of 7s. A Auckland University Rugby team will be traveling down to win national honors. The Uni games includes 20 + Sports which involves around 1000 - 1200 competitors who are all students, which should equate to a good party atmosphere.
Click on the following link for the official Uni Games website; http://www.southlandunigames.co.nz/
To be involved in the 7s team. Contact Robert.Taylor@aurfc.co.nz
Must be a student at the University of Auckland.

University of Auckland Orientation Week
The big Orientation week at the city campus starts next Monday, 1st of March. Come and register to play for the club during the season and also register for 2010 UoA Interfaculty Rugby Tournament. You can register now for the interfaculty tournament by clicking on the following link.
www.auckland.ac.nz/sport
2010 Auckland Club Draw is Out
What a start! Marist at Liston Park will be the first challenge for the Mighty Blues. What is always a big match between two of Auckland’s proudest clubs will see the limelight firmly on Liston Park in the first round of the Auckland club competition.
This year all four club teams will play against the same opposition and play at the same location, those teams are the Premiers, Reserves, Under 21s and the might Under 19s. The Dave Grace Memorial Trophy will be up for grabs in the Premier game, a trophy that is longing to return to Colin Maiden Park.
If you enjoyed 2009 at Colin Maiden Park, 2010 should be even more entertaining. Grab your diaries, mark up your calendar and tell your family, friends and relatives there will only be one place you will be on a Saturday afternoon.
To download and print your copy of the AURFC draw please click HERE.
Happy New Year - Auckland University Rugby 2010
2010 looks to be a very good year to be part of the University club. Keep well informed on what is coming up by way of games, trainings and social events by clicking on our UPCOMING EVENTS page in the menu bar. You can click on the various tabs to scroll through the months, print it out and adjust the way you view it.
AURFC wishes you a very enjoyable year and no doubt there are many good times to be spent at Colin Maiden Park this year with your mates enjoying passionate student rugby.
New Sponsors - Health & Sports
AURFC would like acknowledge a new sponsorship relationship with Auckland’s premier gym facilities Health & Sports.
Their logo will be prominently displayed across the shoulders of the Premier and Under 21s new jerseys this year. There will be membership
benefits for AURFC members to join one of their excellent facilities. Contact Robert.Taylor@aurfc.co.nz for more information on memberships.
Support our sponsors and make University rugby stronger.

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Te Rapa Sevens 2009
A much better performance from the Varsity team at the
Te Rapa tournament played on the 28th of November down
in Hamilton left the squad in a very positive mindset
for future tournaments. The lads lost the final of the
Bowl 5 - 17.
Ben Boyle (Shooters) was top try scorer with five outstanding
finishes.
Nepia and Matthew were joint players of the tournament
for the Varsity team and were making their debuts in
the royal blue. Other players making their debut were
Fraser Deas and Dane Coles. Welcome to the club boys.
Formal presentations of the days achievements and fines
were done at the very well know Waikato student establishment
The Outback Inn.
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Team:
Grayson Schiphorst
Fraser Deas
Ben Boyle
Dane Coles
James Mata
Joey Stainton
Nepia Fox-Matamua
Brad Linklator
Michael Peters
Matthew Matich
Coach: Steve Kumarich
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All the best to an outstanding
University man - Jamie Helleur
There would not be too many players that have thrown
their body into contact for University like Jamie Helleur.
You can talk to any
player, spectator or coach and you will only get a high
level of admiration for the shattering tackles and carries
he made when wearing the royal blue. He was also a strong
leader off the field and made the new guys feel at ease.
That trying saving tackle on Simon Munro in the corner
v Grammar Carlton this season, with only a minute left
on the clock played a very important part in setting
up the Premiers to the Gallaher Shield final and some
memorable celebrations at Colin Maiden Park. But there
was not too many University games Jamie did not make
a significant impact.
The club will miss him but wish him all the best on
his overseas adventures.
Cheers Jamie
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University win at Eden Park
Congratulations to the University contingent that represented
the Auckland B team this year. Pictured are
Kieran Williams, Franco Smith and Brad Linklator after
collecting their winners medal after beating North Harbour
in the final of the Northern Region Bs competition.
David Ormrod also played but missed out on the photo,
nice one ramrod!
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Congratulations New Zealand Under
20s
Well done to the three Varsity lads for making the final 45
for the New Zealand Under 20s training camp.
Sean Polwart
James 'the ladies man' Semple
Howard Sililoto
NEW ZEALAND UNIVERSITIES USA TOUR
A squad of 25 players selected from the nine university rugby
clubs around the country will be touring California from late
December 2009 to mid January 2010. Games will be played against
the following teams: USA Under 20's, Canada Under 20's, San
Diego State University and
San Fransico Golden Gate Rugby Club
Congratulations to AURFC players for being selected
Alex Tuala
William Tuikolovatu
Junior Manase
To keep up to date with the tour, click on the following
link for the tour blog.
http://www.kickandchase.blogspot.com
Auckland Rugby Football Union Awards
Congratulations to the following Varsity men for either winning
or being nominated for an award. Though, how did Sean miss
out?
Winners
Best & Fairest Club Player: Brad Linklator
Team Man of the Year: Andrew Van der Heijden
Nominated (last three)
Premier Club Coach of the Year: Murray Helluer
Club Rookie of the Year: Sean Polwart
Auckland Under 20 Representative Player of the Year:
Sean Polwart
Air New Zealand Cup Player of the Year: Andrew Van
der Heijden
Club Player of the year: Franco Smith
The National Bank of New Zealand
- Interfaculty Rugby Final
What a tournament!
The Inaugural interfaculty rugby tournament, sponsored by
National Bank, was played at Colin Maiden park over the last
few months, with 5 teams competing over 6 matchdays to take
away the Wilson Whineray Trophy. The teams, representing Engineering,
Commerce, Medicine, Law and Property, played off in round
robin play with Engineering and Commerce establishing themselves
as the teams to beat in the tournament. Each team brought
different styles to the tournament, whether it be the forward
dominated play of the Engineering Eagles, the strong running
backlines of the Commerce Cougars or the Law llamas,
the decisive kicking of the Property Pirates or the all around
strong play from the Med School Sea Bass.
The tournament played out with the excitement that only varsity
rugby can bring to the pitch, with extra time wins and heart-breaking
losses, fast flowing backline moves and strong forward drives,
big score lines and nail biting finishes. The competition
was tight with law, medicine, commerce and engineering tied
heading into the final round of pool play that would decide
who was going to make it to the finals. As the tournament
progressed, so did the crowds coming out to cheer on their
teams - with each faculty bringing their own unique support
crew to show why they were the best of the faculties.
Commerce and Engineering met in the finals, with Commerce
winning 40 - 22. Property and Law played off for third and
fourth, with the property team coming away with a well earned
27 - 10 win. Commerce Cougars picked up the majority of the
end of season awards, with a large contingent of the team
making the tournament side, and Vin McDonald being named the
MVP of the final.
The tournament, sure to become an annual event, was a great
opportunity for the students of the University to see first
hand the varsity spirit which has made the club famous and
many of them are already going into training preparing for
the 7s competition in the new year. The player from
property who streaked the final added a good Varsity touch
too.
Congratulations to the Ernst & Young Commerce Cougars
for winning the inaugural Wilson Whineray trophy. In a convincing
victory
at Colin Maiden Park 'the home of student rugby in Auckland'
, the Cougars won very convcingly against the Mighty River
Power Engineering Eagles.
Mr Whineray was there to present the trophy.
3rd/4th Playoff: Seagar and Partner property pirates
27 - 10 Martelli McKegg Law
Wilson Whineray Trophy Final: Ernst & Young Commerce
cougars 40 - 22 Mighty River Power Engineering Eagles
The Player of the final & Tournament
Vin McDonald (Commerce)
The Tournament team
1. Sebastian McLarin (Commerce)
2. Joe Sefo (Commerce)
3. Ash Lomberg (Commerce)
4. Samuel Rosser (Commerce)
5. Kyle Rolland (Engineering)
6. James Gill (Commerce)
7. Korey Te Hira (Commerce)
8. Simon Jager (Engineering)
9. Alyx Hodgson (Engineering)
10. Vin MacDonald (Commerce)
11. Bryce Time (Commerce)
12. Eroni Ali (Commerce)
13. Eddy Washer (Property)
14. Scott "Muffin" Mcllroy (Property)
15. Cody Mackie (Property)
16. Angus Taavo (Law)
17. Jake Vermont (Property)
18. Mike O'Connell (Property)
19. Blair James (Property)
20. Jean Caucaus (Law)
21. Michael Peters (Law)
22. Mike the Canadian (Medicine)
John Drake Memorial Scholarship
Recipient for 2010
Congratulations to Matthew Matich for becoming the first recipient
of the John Drake Memorial Scholarship. Matthew is from Mount
Albert Grammar in Auckland. The award was presented at an
outstanding reception hosted by the University of Auckland.
Speakers for the night were Vice Chancellor of the University
of Auckland Stuart McCutcheon, former All Black coach John
Hart and former University rugby teammate Sean Fitzpatrick.
Matthew plans to studying Engineering in 2010 and will be
playing at the home of Auckland University rugby at Colin
Maiden Park.
In attendance were the Drake family and many notables among
the 250 who enjoyed a very memorable night in honor of a great
Varsity man and New Zealander.
2010 Under 21 Coaches
The club would like to welcome Jim Dickin and Mark Kennelly
to the Varsity club for the 2010 season. Jim being new to
the club and Mark being a former Varsity coach. The club is
very excited about the acquisition of these two high calibre
coaches who have a winning track record and the credentials
to win championships.
There will not be another Under 21 side coaching staff in
Auckland, if not New Zealand with the
all-round skills these two clearly possess.
As co-coaches of the Kings College 1st XV they have enjoyed
success, winning the Auckland competition in 2005 and reaching
the final in 2006 and 2008. As winner of the Auckland competition
the team progressed to the NZ Top 4 competition where they
lost in the final.
Jim has also coached the Northern Regions U18A teams in 2007
and 2008.
The club wishes the two all the best for the 2010 season.
John Drake Memorial Scholarship
Reception
The University of Auckland, and in conjunction with the Auckland
University Rugby Football Club, is pleased to invite you to
a reception in support of the John Drake Memorial Scholarship
on Friday 9 October.
This new scholarship will bring one talented recipient each
year to study at the University, and also to play for the
University Club. As such, it is a most fitting means of commemorating
the all-round achievement of one our most outstanding alumni,
the late John Drake (B. Com 1981), University senior team
member, Auckland representative, World Cup winning All Black
prop, and latterly businessman and sports commentator until
his untimely death last December at the age of 49.
This scholarship is at heart a recognition that there is
a special link between the Club and the University, one that
I am personally delighted to see being re-kindled in this
manner. It is not just about playing rugby and studying, but
more about creating an environment where those who are committed
to achieving excellence in all walks of life can develop characteristics
important to both John Drake and the University - individuality,
team spirit, determination, balance and humility.
Latest results for the University Interfaculty Rugby Tournament.
23rd September
- Ernst & Young Commerce Cougars 6 v Mighty River Power
Engineering Eagles 11 (Extra time)
Commerce lost their undefeated record in the weekend. Very
strong running from commerce centre was not enough to get
them home. The scores were tied up at 6 all come full-time.
A try in the corner by the Eagles number 7, which really should
have been viewed upstairs, gave the Engineering lads a victory
they savour.
- Seager & Partners Property Pirates 21 v Martelli McKegg
Law 43
Fantastic to see AURFC Premier player Michael Peters scoring
two good tries in a easy win for the law boys.
The Future of Varsity Rugby
Congratulations to Sam Johnson (left) and Max Phillips
from the University U13 team who have been playing for
the Auckland East U13 /U45kg team.
The team played 5 games including pre season games
and only lost one game to North harbour in the final.
Total points 227 for and 26 against.
Well done Sam and Max, the club is very proud of you.
Varsity HARD!
Congratulations
Gareth Arlidge has been moved up into the Auckland A team
from the Bs. Good to see that there is still a pathway to
the top for an honest player.
Hopefully we will see the Varsity lad get some game time.
University of Auckland Interfaculty
Rugby
The inaugural UoA Interfaculty rugby tournament that is currently
being held at Colin Maiden Park has been a ragging success.
Every game is played with great spirit and honest.
Even the skill set has been of a good standard. Each battling
to play in the final to contest the Wilson Whineray Cup be
held on the 10th of October at the home of University rugby,
Colin Maiden Park.
The five faculty teams and sponsors are;
Ernst & Young Commerce Cougars
Mighty River Power Engineering Eagles
Seager and Partners Property Pirates
Martelli McKegg Wells & Cormack Law
Drake Medicine
The major sponsor of the tournament is the National Bank
of New Zealand.
Commerce remain the team to beat at this stage. Engineering
were seeded as the No. 1 team prior to the competition commencing
but were
upset by Law in the latest round of games. A recreation of
the 2009 Heineken Cup Final was played out at Colin Maiden
Park, after Law and Engineering were still tied after extra
time. In the end Law won in the 'kick off' which was the best
of five kicks in front of the posts on the 22.
Do not miss the next three weeks of true Varsity rugby. Games
kick off at 1.00pm and 3.00pm.
The bar will be open.
The previous results are;
15th August 2009
- Ernst & Young Commerce Cougars 13 Martelli McKegg Law
0
- Drake Medicine 13 Mighty River Power Engineering 17
22 August 2009
- Seager and Partners Property 6 v Ernst & Young Commerce
Cougars 32
- Martelli McKegg Law 5 v Drake Medicine 19
19 September 2009
- Seager and Partners Property 16 v Drake Medicine 18
- Martelli McKegg Law 12 v Mighty River Power Engineering
12 (Law wins on penalties kicks 3 - 1)
The upcoming games are;
26 September 2009
- Ernst & Young Commerce Cougars v Mighty River Power
Engineering Eagles
- Seager & Partners Property Pirates v Martelli McKegg
Law
30 September 2009
- Ernst & Young Commerce Cougers v Drake Medicine
- Seager and Partners Property Pirates v Mighty River Power
Engineering Eagles
Auckland Emerging Team
Congratulations to John Vea for making the 2009 Auckland Emerging
team.
AURFC Prize Giving 2009
Congratulations to the recepients of the following awards
presented at the Varsity prize giving on the 8th of August.
Premier Alan Tohill Memorial Cup for Most Outstanding Forward
Francis Smith
Premier John Gillett Memorial Trophy for Most Outstanding
Back Pasila Wilson
Premier Hank Schubert Cup for Sportmanship Pauliasi Manu
Reserves Richard Osborn Memorial Trophy for Best & Fairest
Pule Vili (Tana)
Reserves Dean Paddy Finnegan Trophy for the 'Player of the
year' Samson Havea
U85 A.J. Park Trophy for the Best Restricted Team Lions
U85 Bob Burns Trophy for the Most Improved U85 Player Nick
Smith (Shooters)
U85 Barbarians Best & Fairest Scott Carstens
U85 Legends Best & Fairest Jamie McLagan
U85 Lions Best & Fairest Brad Kirner
U85 Shooters Best & Fairest Tim Gibbs
U21 Richard Cochrane Memorial Cup For Best & Fairest
Junior Manase
U21 Morrie Dingwall Memorial Trophy Most Outstanding Player
Rhema Sagote
U21 The Peter Trevana Memorial Trophy Club & Team Contribution
Charles Urry
U19 Coaches & Managers Trophy for Best & Fairest
Simon Underwood
U19 Gary Davies Memorial Trophy for Most Improved Junior Player
Spencer Raymond
2009 AUCKLAND COLTS REPRESENTATIVE
TEAM
Congratulations to the following Varsity players for making
the Auckland Under 20 team.
Sean Polwart
James Semple
Grayson Schiphorst
Howard Sililoto

Sean Polwart is among the 29 players selected in the 2009
Auckland Colts squad.
Varsity Shooters Trophy Cabinet
Full
The new U85 boys at Varsity are building a new trophy cabinet
at their Colin Maiden Park clubrooms after collecting the
Colin Maiden Shield, Speights Plate and another plate trophy
for winning their respective grade. Shooters Captain Tim 'Godfather'
Gibbs was in tears after the game, praising all the hard work
his lads have put in during a long hard season. It has been
a traumatic 12 months for the Shooters, after not knowing
if the team would even have a home for the 2009 season and
now to collect all the silverware was just too much for the
young lad to handle. Though the dream did not finish there
for young Timmy, at the Varsity 'Grammys (but on a bigger
scale)' prize-giving, he picked up the Best & Fairest
award for his team.
Congratulations to the Shooters and condolences to Andy Summerville's
Legends who were on the losing side in the final played at
Colin Maiden Stadium.
Varsity Rugby: The home were U85 rugby dreams come true.
Click HERE
to see the photos from the final.
2009 Auckland Rugby Development
Team:
The following players have been selected in the 2009 Auckland
Rugby Development Team:
Forwards
Kieran Williams (University)
Backs
Gareth Arlidge (University)
Brad Linklater (University)
Ormrod to the Naki
Congratulations to Premier halfback David Ormrod for being
selected to play for Taranaki in the 2009 Air New Zealand
Cup.
2009 Air New Zealand Cup Auckland
Squad:
Congratulations to the following Varsity men who
have made the Auckland squad;
Pauliasi Manu (University)
Francis Smith (University)
Andrew Van der Heijden (University)
Jamie Helleur (University)
Teddy Stanaway (University)
Bold indicates new players to the Auckland squad.
Wanted 2009/10 7s Coach for AURFC
Sevens rugby at Auckland University Rugby Football Club (AURFC)
has grown tremendously in popularity since it's inaugural
year in 2008 and is an exciting new chapter in Varsity rugby.
The club is looking for a specialist or a knowledgeable Sevens
coach for 2009/10 summer season.
Please contact:
AURFC Director of Rugby: Robert Taylor
Robert.Taylor@aurfc.co.nz
09 528 0688
Cambridge Seen As Springboard For
International Career
Cambridge University is the next challenge for outstanding
scholar, thespian and sportsman Tom Elton following his selection
as the Girdlers Scholar for 2009.
The former Westlake Boys High School pupil & University
Under 21 fullback is currently studying at the University
of Auckland, having won a scholarship to attend that institution,
and will fulfil a long-held ambition to study economics at
Cambridge when he takes up his Girdlers award later
this year.
Administered by the NZ Vice-Chancellors Committee,
the Girdlers Scholarship is funded by the Worshipful
Company of Girdlers which traces its foundation back to medieval
times as a craftsmens guild. The award is worth a minimum
of £20,000 and enables a distinguished New Zealand
school pupil to undertake a degree course at Cambridges
Corpus Christi College.
The University club wishes Tom all the best and look forward
to keeping a close eye on his progress.
What a Saturday!
University grinded out a gritty 10-6 victory over Grammar
Carlton on Saturday to assert themselves as a major title
contender in this years competition.
The match was billed as a blockbuster as the second and third
placed teams went head to head, and it failed to disappoint
with both teams refusing to give an inch in a brutal encounter.
Grammar Carlton controlled the wealth of possession and territory
in the first half, first five eighths Ash Moeke steering his
team around the park superbly with a well executed kicking
game.
But they were unable to match University up front with the
intimidating front row trio of John Afoa, Francis Smith and
Pouliasi Manu dominating at scrum time to win a number of
Grammar Carlton feeds.
Moeke kicked two penalties early in the game to give his side
a 6-0 lead, and Grammar Carltons aggression at the breakdown
reaped rewards with University unable to gain any fluidity
in attack.
But it was a different story in the second half, University
first five eighths James Semple nailing a drop goal within
a minute of play resuming as his team looked to fight back.
The match continued to be a tightly fought contest as both
teams threw everything at their opponents, but the game breaker
came with 12 minutes to go as Semple threw a brilliant cut
out ball to Brad Linklater who got outside his man and offloaded
to Pasila Wilson who dived over in the corner.Trailing 10-6,
Grammar Carlton rallied in the final minutes and were desperately
pressing the University line for a try.
A charged down kick five metres out almost resulted in a five
pointer to the visitors but University eventually repelled
them to run out deserved victors.
University head coach Murray Helleur was rapt with his teams
performance.
Im absolutely ecstatic with that, Helleur
said. Thats our first eighty minute performance
which was our first goal and the second goal was actually
winning. We knew it was going to a brutal game so we
prepared hard for these guys and Im just absolutely
stoked we won, he said.
Grammar Carlton flanker Dean Budd, returning to the side
after a couple of weeks out on duty with the Blues, said the
game was lost up front.
It was back and forth the whole time but they were strong
at set piece which is where we lost the game Id have
to say. (University lock) Andrew Van der Heijden was
good at lineout time and their classy front row just really
got on top of us from scrum one so we couldnt get any
clean ball to our backs.We struggled to convert our
opportunities, we created a lot but we just couldnt
finish them off which has cost us the game.
Thank you to Graham Henry(University Gallaher Shield winner
74 & 84) for speaking with the Varsity players prior to
the game.
Univesity 10 (P Wilson try, B Linklater con, J Semple d/goal)
Grammar Carlton 6(A Moeke 2 pen) Halftime: 6-0
Pollard Cup Final 43 - 0 v Suburbs
Congratulations to the University Premier team for collecting
the first piece of silverware this year. In a very convincing
win over Suburbs at Colin Maiden Park.
The Mighty Blues raced to a 30 - 0 lead at halftime with Michael
Peters, Mapa Tuipolotu, James Semple, Mike Toko and Priscilla
Wilson all dotting over in great fashion.
In the second half Brad Linklator added two penalties and
a brillant individual try with a consolation conversation
for Donny Latu.
Another Mighty Blue in theBlues
Well
done to Andrew Vander Heijden(pictured) who has been alleviated(some
might say) to
Super Rugby for the Blues during the latter part of the competition.
Just another talented
Varsity man being selected for higher honors.
Ramrod Chronicles of New Zealand
University Tour 2009: Return of the Rod
Ended up beating hong kong 33-0 on an artificial turf. was
a pretty good game, still a little hot for comfort though.
That night proved to be a landmark in its own, hitting the
streets of Hong Kong.
After a rough flight we moved on to Japan, who are being
amazing hosts. Played a selection of professional rugby players
yeasterday and lost 31-30. we were wining with 5 mins to go,
which was quite disapointing. Very weird game, quite messy,
but they were very strong in the rucks and mauls. Had a court
session last night so have slept the day away. Also ended
up going to a karaoke bar...$60nz all you can drink. I think
its fair to say that everyone got their fair share. Including
overloading the lift and dropping down half a floor...not
a good experience. though we were going to be stuck in there
for a while.
That pretty much sums up the trip so far...last game on Saturday
and then fly home Sunday morning.
Stoked the boys pulled through in the weekend. Wish them luck
from us this weekend.
Varsity hard
Love Rod.
Dave 'Ramrod's' New Zealand University
Tour Diary Entry.
Dear University,
Sorry about the late reply, but we thought we would flick
you what we are up.
Malaysia was pretty mean, flew in pretty late with a game
the next day. In the very hot and humid conditions we played
the Malaysian International Team for the first 40 and then
a Sarageta Club invitational team.
We raced to an early lead and managed to build this into a
88-10 win.
That night proved to an experience in its own. Starting at
the club we moved to the Beach Club in Kuala Lumpur city centre,
it's got nothing on our sponsors pub 'THE BELGIUM BEER CAFE'
however the ladies there were a little too friendly and on
further inspection, we found that every single one was soliciting
our fine company, then..............
Markets have been great, buying up all the cheap imitation
gear, only thing is the bloody pushy stall owners, they grab
your arms and block you in their stores, getting rough with
them is the only way to get the hell out.
We play the Hong Kong national team tonight on astroturf,
should be a fast game, the temperature is in the 30's with
80% humidity.
Tomo. Kez and myself miss you all dearly.
Good luck for this weekend.
Love Ramrod.
Player Network
If you are on Facebook, join the University rugby group.
Keep in touch with your old Varsity teammates. We want to
build a huge network!!
New Zealand University Team
The unique thing about playing at the University club, is
the possibility of being selected for the New Zealand University
team. Each year they
tour overseas or play a touring team in New Zealand. Back
in 1950 they even beat the touring Springboks.
Congratulations to the following Auckland University players
who will be touring Asia with the 2009 New Zealand University
Team.
- Kieran Williams (Te Aroha College)
- David Ormrod (New Plymouth Boys High)
- Thomas 'The Tank' Vaughan (Westlake College)
Unable to travel:
- Andrew Vander Heijden (Auckland Grammar School)
On stand by:
- Brad Linklator (Whangarei Boys)
- James Semple (Sacred Heart College)
Raising Tongan Star - Sonny Halanukonuka (Tamaki College)
More great news from the talent farm of AURFC, Sonny has been
selected to represent Tonga in the 2009 IRB Under 20 World
Cup.
Congratulations on your selection Sonny, very well deserved.
Teddy Stanaway Selected for New
Zealand Under 20s

Congratulations to Teddy (pictured) for being selected for
the New Zealand team. Teddy was very thankful for the support
the University club has given him while moving from St Kentigerns
College in 2007. Playing the majority of the 2008 season with
the Under 21 team and playing a handful of Premier games at
the end the season, it was evident the young man has the class
to play representative rugby.
Former Player News
Former Varsity, NZU and Poverty Bay hooker/flanker Dr Chris
Fougere and his four mates won a three year battle to get
permission to build a café at Piha. Nice one Chris!
Player News - International -
Roddy Grant
Congratulations to Roddy Grant who made his professional
debut for Edinburgh Gunners in the Magners league last Friday.
The following is taken out of a Scottish newspaper.
"As part of his rehabilitation Grant, the current
Scotland sevens captain, spent last summer playing in New
Zealand thanks to a scholarship award."
"Paying tribute to the family who made the bequest
in memory of John Macphail, a former Scotland hooker, Grant,
pictured below, said: "To play eight successive matches
for an Auckland University club who have a record of producing
the second highest total of All Blacks helped my development
enormously."
"One of the main attractions for Grant is learning
from coach Andy Robinson who represented England in the
same open-side position of the back row. And the admiration
is mutual with Robinson remarking: "You can tell a
lot from body language, the way you carry yourself. You
wouldn't have known it was Roddy's first start in the league.
The way he stepped in seamlessly was class."
Player News - International -
Andrea Pozzi
Andrea Pozzi having played at AURFC in 2008 has made a
very successful return to Italy. He is now playing professionally
in Noceto a small city near Parma. Andrea has the unique
distinction of playing for U19s, U21s, Reserves and the
Premier side all in one season.
Player News - Michael Hobbs
Michael Hobbs who was drafted to the Blues has aligned
himself with the best club in Auckland.
Hobbs, a New Zealand Schools and Under-19 representative,
played mainly as a super sub for Wellington this year. He
looks to be a bright talent for the future. He is the only
player drafted in by the Blues for the 2009 competition.
Son of New Zealand Rugby Union Chairman and former All Black
Jock Hobbs.
The University Club wishes Michael all the best for his
stint in Auckland.
Player News - Sevens - Mapa Tuipolotu
Congratulations to Mapa Tuipolotu for making the Auckland
Sevens squad.
Player News
At the ARFU prize giving, Daniel Braid picked up two awards;
- ARFU Supporters Club Player of the Year
- ANZC Defensive Player of the Year
Congratulations to the following players who were selected
for the 2009 Blues Squad;
- Jamie Helleur
- John Afoa
- Jerome Kaino
Well done to Franco Smith who was ARFU High Performance
Academy Player of the Year.
And, to a former University Player, lock Andrew van der
Heijden was named Counties Manukau rugby player of the year.
Player News - Past
Former Varsity, Auckland and NZU lock Paul OShannessey
was in the Sunday Star-Times promoting his online clearing
house www.thedeal.co.nz
with his wife Kelly. Osh played two games for Auckland and
won hundreds of lineouts for Varsity.
1992 Varsity Under 21 midfielder Blair Strang (of Shortland
Street fame) was awarded Metro magazines Outstanding
Arts performance for his role in Massive Companys
Wheros New Net.
2008 AURFC Representative Players
- Dave Ormrod, Auckland Colts
- Teddy Stanaway, Auckland Colts
- Jamie Helleur, Auckland
- Pauliasi Manu, Auckland
- Franco Smith, Northland
- Brenton Helleur, Northland
- Paula Fakautoki, Auckland Emerging
- Mapa Tuipulotu, Auckland Development
- James Semple, Auckland Colts
- Sione Fifita, Auckland Colts
- Chris Mahoney, Auckland Development
- Chris Heard, Auckland Blues
- Daniel Braid, Auckland Blues, All Blacks
- Jarek Goebel, Auckland Blues
- John Afoa, Auckland Blues, All Blacks
- Jerome Kaino, Auckland Blues, All Blacks
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