Wellington College 1st XV

4 players and take out the honour of the top try scorers of the 2024 WC 1st XV, while secures the title as the highest point scorer this season! 🖤💛

A big thank you to all the players, coaches, families, and supporters involved in Wellington College Rugby this season. It didn't go our way today, but the boys all have a lot to hold their head high about. Undefeated in the Wellington Comp regular season and the first WC team since 2017 to make the Wellington premiership final. 🖤💛 Finally, a big congratulations to Silverstream on the win today!

Your starting lineup for the Big Dance! 🖤💛

"Why we wear the poppy."

The 1909 Wellington College First XV and the few teams before and after is the very reason we wear the sacred Poppy on our left sleeve. 1643 old boys served (nearly the student population of 2024) 222 Wellington College Old Boys were killed by the end of WW1 in 1918. Principal Joseph Firth wrote letters of condolences to each of the killed ex students families. The vast majority had been under is tenor starting in 1892, he was said to be heartbroken so many were killed or lost in action. He was observed standing where the top of the terraces stairs are now overlooking the field with tears running down his face. Many of these played for the First XV “The Gaillie brothers Oscar and Victor, Wilfred (Frisky) Fitchett, Alex McColl and Haami Grace.

The WC 1989 1st XV started the year with a focus to rebuild due to the 1988 team having completed their tour of Canada. The only returning Capped players were Gary Green, James Churchward (RIP) Paul Ferguson, Marc Ellis. The team built its strength on a foundation of friendship & fantastic family support. It was always a highlight after every game being hosted by a players family and friends. Playing in the Wgtn Club U19 comp meant games throughout the season were always physical/mentally tough, 16-17 year olds regularly playing against 18-19 working men. However this united our team as we entered Quad which was played at the end of the rugby season. Wanganui went into the tournament as massive Quad favourites with many NZ Schools players. However coach David Murphy had an ace up his sleeve – and it wasn’t a player. The introduction of David King, the 2nd XV coach and future 1st XV coach, brought his strategic genius to the squad and developed a game plan to allow the team to shut down Wanganui’s power and go on to win a memorable tournament in Nelson.
The team had some future stars in Marc Ellis, All Black 1992 #926 who played most of his 1st XV career at centre/wing until his last season playing 1st5. There was a young talented prop in Perry Freshwater who played/captained England Saxon & earned England caps including the 2007 England RWC Side. And Filo Tiatia All Black 2000 #993 – a player who never gave up, who was often overlooked in his early career but went to craft an amazing career in rugby.
Whilst we had the above players, others like Paul Ferguson who provided the strong leadership always provided hard defence/strength in the midfield, Jason Woolley, John Roach Jason & Nic Green , Fili Moananu, Benson Kerse and Simon Neal provided a solid foundation to the team. In 1989 WRFU changed jersey sponsor and their old Adidas jersey was no longer required. WRFU gifted their old jerseys to the team in time for Quad. New WC crests were sown over the top of the WRFU emblem. This was kept secret until the team walked out for the first game at Quad and the approx 3000 huge crowd roared at the sight of WC First XV walking to the field from the top of the driveway.

🏆🖤💛 For the first time since 2017, WC return to the big dance! As we play against St Pat's Silverstream this Sunday at Porirua Park. Kickoff at 11:15 am 🖤💛🏆

📸 from yesterday's game.

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📸's from yesterday's semi-final! 🖤💛 | 📸

Job done.

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2nd slide: Brent Moresi 1982-2004 and Cameron O’Connor 1981-2024 embrace after the 29-0 win over Stream
The Wellington College First XV of 1998 only lost 7 games in this 27 game season. In recent memory for these players they had watched the sides of 94 & 95 make the NZ top 4 as year 9s. This team had a wealth of experience with 5 players in their 3rd year. And captain Purdie in his 2nd year at the helm. Like this year’s side they believed they could win from anywhere, no matter how tough things were. Season highlights were beating a strong St Pats town at home 25-5 in the traditional. And Stream in a shutout at Stream 29-0, prompting the famous scoreboard photo. Threats all over the park lead around by the Moresi Brothers Nigel and Brent. And versatile forwards who could play in the backs with the likes of Kwain Auelua linking with Nafatali & Junior Fats putting the ball in the hands of legendary finishers! Pocket rocket Masun, Brendan Watt who had many games as a professional and the big strong fast Laulu the NZ softballer at the back. With 1 point losses to RC and St Bernard’s some sharpening up was required and saw them go on a 7 game win streak before falling to PNBHS in another 1 point loss. Coach and Coll Legend Mr Rob Corliss realising this team had greatness in them hammered home standards to his powerful pack. Up front current coach Otto Rasch , Leighton and Fa’Amausili locked by the late Cam O’Connor and Purdie anchored by the ever busy Moncur, hard carrying Lupeti Finau and Auelua. They had a mission to complete to emulate the sides of the past. A 5 game win streak would see a close local final loss to the strong Rongotai. However they qualified for NZ top 4 and used quad as a stepping stone. Another close loss to Nelson 10-13 in the final left the side frustrated. Good wins over Marlborough and Wairarapa they met Rongotai in the Top 8 and would beat them 13-7! Qualifying for NZ Top4 after the close losses in the season to this side the “no matter what! We can win from anywhere” came through when it mattered! RBHS in the Nike National Semifinal they lost 7-13 saw them finish 4th in NZ and missing out on playing The Richie McCaw lead OBHS in the final

2nd slide: Brent Moresi 1982-2004 and Cameron O’Connor 1981-2024 embrace after the 29-0 win over Stream
The Wellington College First XV of 1998 only lost 7 games in this 27 game season. In recent memory for these players they had watched the sides of 94 & 95 make the NZ top 4 as year 9s. This team had experience with 5 players in their 3rd year. And captain Purdie in his 2nd year at the helm. Like this year’s side they believed they could win from anywhere, no matter how tough things were. Season highlights were beating a strong St Pats town at home 25-5 in the traditional. And Stream in a shutout at Stream 29-0, prompting the famous scoreboard photo. Threats all over the park lead around by the Moresi Brothers Nigel and Brent. And versatile forwards who could play in the backs with the likes of Kwain Auelua linking with Nafatali & Junior Fats putting the ball in the hands of legendary finishers! Pocket rocket Masun, Brendan Watt who had many games as a professional and the big strong fast Laulu the NZ softballer at the back. With 1 point losses to RC and St Bernard’s some sharpening up was required and saw them go on a 7 game win streak before falling to PNBHS in another 1 point loss. Coach and Coll Legend Mr Rob Corliss realising this team had greatness in them hammered home standards to his powerful pack. Up front current coach Otto Rasch , Leighton and Fa’Amausili locked by the late Cam O’Connor and Purdie anchored by the ever busy Moncur, hard carrying Lupeti Finau and Auelua. They had a mission to complete to emulate the sides of the past. A 5 game win streak would see a close local final loss to the strong Rongotai. However they qualified for NZ top 4 and used quad as a stepping stone. Another close loss to Nelson 10-13 in the final left the side frustrated. Good wins over Marlborough and Wairarapa they met Rongotai in the Top 8 and would beat them 13-7! Qualifying for NZ Top4 after the close losses in the season to this side the “no matter what! We can win from anywhere” came through when it mattered! RBHS in the Nike National Semifinal they lost 7-13 saw them finish 4th in NZ and missing out on playing The Richie McCaw lead OBHS in the final.

Finals time.

A finals double header at WC! The WC 2nd XV take on HVHS at 1pm followed by the 1st XV playing Scots College at 2:30 PM. Make sure to get down there! 🖤💛

Tactical Tuesdays 🛠

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We take on Scot's College in our biggest game yet this season on Saturday at 2:30pm! Make sure you and your friends get down there to support the boys 🖤💛

🎨 📸 credit ~

Flicks from today.

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Starred by a Z'Kdeus Schwalger hat-trick, we complete an undefeated Wellington comp regular season. Our focus now shifts to next week's semi-final! 🖤💛

The 2008 Wellington College First XV had one of the strongest starts to a 24 game season. 7 wins on the trot including HBHS 51-0, PNBHS 19-3, NBHS 38-3 and St Pats Town 20-7. Following the undefeated 2007 season this team had turned up to preseason fighting to go further. However given the strong start against the Super 8 schools and local competition they would come undone in a close game against Stream in the traditional 3-11. With the team in unfamiliar territory having to pick themselves back up after that loss. Then went down to the Savea brothers with Rongotai College in a close battle 12-14 where opportunities were not taken. Now this side as talented and strong as they were needed a hard reset and focus. The Ali saying always push for “one more round” became a theme of fight through adversity. This saw them beat the very strong CBHS 32-10 and avenged losses beating Rongotai and Stream at home in the 2nd round. Now on the war path with a new sense of confidence they demolished Quad for the 6th year in a row winning the final vs Nelson 27-0. Then in the span of 3 weeks played the TJ Perenara lead Mana College (also top Co-Ed school in NZ) twice beating them in the Wellington final at Porirua Park 17-13. With 2 tough Hurricanes schools playoff games vs Napier and Palmy, the side knew they were not going to be the same sides they accounted for earlier in the year. The new focus and drive saw Coll come out on top 22-8 and 17-14 respectively. NZ TOP 4! the school was becoming familiar with this level of rugby having been there more times than any other side in Wellington. Unfortunately for this talent stacked side fell short in the 2 close games vs De La Salle (Blues) and St Bedes (Crusaders) finishing a proud 4th in NZ. This side showed you can be rolling and winning in strong fashion and still have your feet tripped up, but it’s how you refocus your energy and pride and get right back to work.

For the last game of the Tranzit Premiership regular season we take on Tawa College at Mac Allister Park 🖤💛

What a game.

We take on HIBS lead by Ollie Church out at NZCIS today at 2:30 🖤💛

The 1994 First XV had an outstanding season, which will be remembered for winning all of their traditionals, The Wellington Under 19 grade, Quad, and being the first WC team to attend the famous NZ Top 4. Led by talismatic captian Ace Tiatia who would win a super rugby title with the Crusaders in 1998 4 years later, the team would remain undefeated for the majority of the season with traditional wins over OBU u/19s 40-22, then win a close one at home to St Pats Town 12-11. And a season highlight, a resounding 40-8 win out at Silverstream. Further traditional wins over Rongotai 31-5 and NBHS 33-0 set the team up well to knock over HOBM 28-20 in the semi and Petone 35-6 in the u19 grade final.
The team were about to learn alot about the fun and camaraderie that can be had on tour. Firstly, to Australia to enter the World Schools Cup where hard victories over Paul-Roos (SA), Maritzberg (SA), and St Stanislaus (AUS) set up a semi final entry. Unfortunately, the team faced it first loss of the year where Maritzberg got revenge, before closing out with a further loss to St Stephens 20-22 after leading the whole game. Quad next, where a big win over Nelson 49-7 led to a final v Collegiate and a 29-12 victory, for the 3rd in a row for the school.
Top 4 was a great experience and new territory for the school, which hopefully paved the way for future First XVs to strive to make this school rugby pinnacle. Another narrow loss to St Stephens set up a 3rd place play-off where they beat a much favoured Otago Boys High School to finish a proud 3rd in NZ. 30 years on, and many of the players still keep in contact and are looking forward to our year group reunion in November. This team pioneered future Wellington College sides where 7 have gone to make the NZ Top 4 and the school would have 12 Quad wins in a row. Many of the players went on to do wonderful things in the game and away from it. Sadly our front row legend Misiluni Moananu who started 209 premier games , played in 7 Jubilee Cup Finals spanning 15 years for Poneke RFC passed away 9 years ago.

Onto the next job...

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Today, after a fierce battle at the graveyard, we emerged victorious. Despite the slippery and wet weather, the boys gave it their all, showcasing incredible determination and teamwork. A heartfelt thank you to all the supporters who came down and cheered the boys on in these tough conditions. Your support made all the difference.

The First XV of 1999 is remembered as one of the ultimate teams ever assembled of Wellington Colleges 148 teams. Lead by Sam Moncur, these lads would go on a historic run of 27 regular season games, only losing four with one draw, with eight games won by shutout.
Unbeaten in the local Wellington Competition beating Upper Hutt College in the Final. And won Quad at home beating Whanganui, then the favoured Christs College in the final. Also curtainraising The All Blacks Vs France at Athletic Park (the last to ever do so) vs GBHS in a draw 20 all.

Bolstered by a powerful forward pack that would help scrum and defend against the 1999 All Blacks in training for the RWC, they monstered teams up front before the sharp, fast & well lead backs were crucial finishing off scoring consistently. Guiding the side were 1999 NZ Schools & Scottish Int Robbie Kidd, Tongan Int David Palu and arguably one of the best players to wear a DubC jersey Brent Moresi (RIP). This side had many who played professionally with a few internationals featuring Neemia Tialata as its only All Black (43 tests).

After only losing 2 close traditionals of the 8 that year to NBHS 6-17 and CBHS 22-25. They regrouped knowing they were bound to meet them in the Nat Top 32. They won the home traditional vs Stream lead around the Waldrom brothers 16-0. Significant as the team knew to test themselves, they had to beat the talked up Stream side who played in the Club Colts comp.

A strong finish VS Upper Hutt in the local final 10-8. Knowing that was a wake-up call for tougher games to come

Nike Nat Top 4 they faced NBHS, who came out strong in the first 15mins when changes were needed at the next scrum to stem the flow. Packing down Rasch, Tialata and Fa’amausili up front anchored by Finau at 8 and Kennedy & Thomson who made NZ U19s that year in the engine room they dominated the NBHS scrum and won 21-17 to make NZ Top 4. A master stroke by Coach Corliss.

After a close game in the Semifinals vs The Dan Carter lead CBHS they fell short 0-8. They would finish 4th in NZ, but the tone & standard had been set for the next teams to come!

Team list for tomorrow's matchup against Wairarapa College at the Graveyard 🖤💛

“Ua maliliu toa, ua maumau ai aupega o le taua.”

The WC rugby community stands by our St Patricks College brothers in mourning the loss of their much loved and respected 1stXV coach Willie Leota. You will be in our thoughts and hearts as your community faces this devastating loss.
Our heartfelt condolences and sympathy to SPC and to Willie’s aiga and friends. Rest in love uso.

Ia pa’ū se toa tula’i se toa. Alofa’aga e le mavae mo oe le uso. Ia manuia lau malaga.

Neemia Tialata
WC Rugby Director

Big win at the Graveyard 🖤💛