PAREMATA PLIMMERTON RFC

MONTHLY eNEWSLETTER

Inaugural PP Rugby v PP Softball Game
Saturday 25th March saw the inaugural “PP Rugby v PP Softball” softball game take place at Ngāti Toa Domain. A fantastic afternoon involving both clubs, and saw Team Rugby take the win, 7-6.  We are looking forward to this becoming an annual event going forward, growing the day and most importantly, the relationship between the clubs. 
Thank you to all that played a part in the day, from the organising through to participating.

Senior Rugby
Update from Gerrard Fasavalu, Head Coach, Premier 1 & 2 Men
It was a slow start to the year as many players were still involved in a large number of summer sports, working long hours to pay their rent or mortgages (or just to be able to afford to fill half a trolley of groceries!)

The slow trickle of players in the early weeks of preseason was not good for the coach's stress levels, but once summer sports had concluded, the increase of players showing up helped reduce the coach's heart palpitations! 8 weeks of preseason has now passed with round 1 around the corner. 2022 was the foundation year. The arrival of a new coaching group along with some new, but familiar faces in the rugby fraternity. There were some lows but there were also many highs and a lot to be proud of. After not winning a game in almost 3½ years, we managed a feat of winning 6 games last year. This set the tone and set the wheels in motion for it to be an exciting year ahead! We have seen a few more new faces join the family at Ngāti Toa Domain in 2023. It's going to be an exciting year for the Club and community. Come down on a beautiful Saturday afternoon to see what all the fuss is about!

The 85s Are Back!
For the first time in over a decade, an Under 85kg side took to the field (below) in our club colours in their preseason game against Petone on Saturday 25 March. They got the job done, winning the contest two tries to none.

Massive credit to the group - led by Cam Bacon - for getting this team in place. They've been getting big numbers to training and had at least 25 players at the game. 

The Under 85s season kicks off this weekend, 1st April.
 

A reminder to ALL senior players to get registered! All players need to be registered to take the field on game days.

Junior Rugby
Thank you for coming along to our registration days in the club. We currently have 347 registered players for 2023!

Our final registration day/weigh in will be at our Club Day on 22 April.

Preseason training has begun, and we’ve been seeing some great numbers! Preseason will continue every Tuesday and Thursday 5-6pm throughout March at Aotea College. We would love to see all our Yr 7/8 players attending these sessions. 

Urgent Help Required - we are still seeking a number of coaches for the year 2 grade. In order for juniors to play, we really need volunteers to put their hands up to coach to make it happen. If you are able to get involved, please email juniors@pareplimrugby.co.nz

Some key dates for juniors to put in your calendars:  

• Preseason Tuesday and Thursdays 5-6pm at Aotea College
• Club Day (final rego/weigh in) 22 April
• Season kicks off 28/29 April

Club News & Events
Key dates:

Game Day 1 April:

•  Premier Men v Upper Hutt @ Maidstone Park, 2:45pm
• Premier 2 Men v Upper Hutt @ Maidstone Park, 1:00pm
• Premier Women v Wainui @ Ngāti Toa, 11:30am
• Under 85s v HOBM @ Ngāti Toa #1, 2:45pm

8 April: First Premier Men Home Game v Ories

15 & 22 April: Other Senior teams seasons commence.

28 April: Junior rugby season commences. 

20 May: Old Timer's Day

25 June: Annual Darts Tournament
 

Be sure to follow us on our Facebook and Instagram pages, as well as our website for all the latest news & updates.

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PPRFC Merchandise
Head on over to the merch page on our website for all your playing and supporter gear, or in the club rooms for some senior home games. Sizing will be updated online when it arrives, so if your size isn't currently showing, check back in late April. 

Also coming new this season, a limited supply of Old Timers Day merch, watch this space!

**Please note the cap in the image below has now sold out**

Club Operations
The Club welcomes back Classic Kiwi Kai who will be running the kitchen operation again this season and the pie warmer will be stocked with pies from our new sponsor, Urban Bakehouse.

The Club would also like to give a shout out to Freear Philip for donating a new fridge, microwave and crockery for our use.

Last but not least, the Club now has glass bottle recycling available! Ensure you put your empty bottles in the labelled bins around the clubrooms.