Kia ora, 

With the 2023 season wrapped up for the Cyclones and Turbos, we now move into our planning for 2024. 

Some highlights from our high performance teams:

  • The Cyclones reached the Farah Palmer Cup Championship final after an unbeaten run through the regular season.
  • The Turbos beat Auckland at Eden Park for the first time since 1980.
  • Selica Winiata played her 100th game for Manawatū, making her the first Cyclones centurion and the 13th overall Manawatū player to reach 100 games.
  • Sam Tipene played her 50th game for the Cyclones.
  • Layla Sae was selected to the Black Ferns.
  • Rangimarie Sturmey and Sam Taylor were selected to the Black Ferns XV.
  • Sosoli Talawadua and Rebekah Cordero Tufuga were selected to the Manusina squad.
  • Turbos rookies Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula and Waqa Nalaga signed with the Fijian Drua for Super Rugby Pacific. READ MORE  

STURMEY AND IOSE CLAIM TOP HONOURS AT MANAWATŪ RUGBY AWARDS

Thanks to everyone who celebrated our awards dinner with us last week. It was a great night where we not only celebrated the top Turbos and Cyclones players, but also the best in community rugby. Rangimarie Sturmey and Brayden Iose swept the supreme awards after standout seasons in the green and white. READ MORE 

TWO NEW LIFE MEMBERSHIPS AWARDED

We were proud to present two new Manawatū Rugby Union Life Memberships at our awards dinner. Our new Life Members are:

  • Ron Eglinton - Longtime Manawatū Rugby auditor.
  • Shane O'Brien (pictured) - Former Manawatū Rugby Board Member and longtime sponsor through his company Colspec Construction.

READ MORE

COMMUNITY RUGBY INITITIATIVES 

We have a few initiatives running in November for young players and anyone wanting to become a referee.

Tiny Turbos and Cyclones     

  • This is a free programme for kids aged 3 to 6 to learn rugby and fitness skills. It's great for kids who are new to rugby.
  • When: Fridays 2, 9, 16 and 23 November, 3.30pm to 4.30pm.
  • Where: CET Arena Field 3. REGISTER HERE

Future Cyclones       

  • This is a free programme for girls aged 8 to 13 to develop new rugby skills and knowledge.
  • When: Fridays 2, 9, 16 and 23 November, 5pm-6pm.
  • Where: CET Arena Field 3. REGISTER HERE

You Make the Call referee course                              

  • Learn to become a rugby referee while earning NCEA credits.
  • When: Friday 3 November.
  • Where: 28 Waldegrave Street.
  • Contact Matt Booth at mattb@manawaturugby.co.nz to register or find out more.

Thanks to everyone who came out and supported the Cyclones and Turbos this year. An extra big thanks to all of our sponsors for helping make what we do possible. 

Mā te wā. 

Manawatū Rugby