Jake Russ reaches out to score for Te Awamutu Sports.
The three Te Awamutu Sports rugby teams are ready for a big Waikato Club Rugby season.
“The club is tracking well heading into the 2026 season,” director of rugby and former Manu Samoa sevens representative Sam Gibbens said.
“While we’re sad to see key forwards Luka Benseman, who’s heading overseas for work, and Liam Pratt, who has secured an NPC contract with Manawatū, we’re excited about the group coming through.”
The colts (under-21) team are eager and have strong numbers at trainings.
“In his second year as head coach, Andrew Christie is looking forward to building on last season with a number of Te Awamutu College leavers and a few new faces joining the club this year.”
Christie is a former Te Awamutu Sports player.
Gibbens said the senior teams, premier and premier development, have had a positive pre-season.
“The boys have put in about nine weeks of solid work and we’ve focused a lot on connection, standards, and building the right culture within the group,” Gibbens said.
“There’s a good mix of experienced players and younger guys pushing through which is exciting for the club moving forward.”
Jake Russ will again captain the premier side. A solid core of players have returned for 2026. Two of the interesting additions to the squad are Canadian hooker/loose forward Jack Wallace and 2022 Te Awamutu Sub-Union Peace Cup representative Kees van der Heyden.
Wallace joins from Ballina Rugby Club in Australia’s Far North Coast Premiership, while Ōtorohanga product van der Heyden was previously at Hautapu.
Both senior sides start their season against Hamilton Old Boys on Good Friday.
“What I’m looking forward to most this season is seeing the growth of the group and how we represent the club and community each week,” Gibbens said.
“Te Awamutu Sports has always been a proud rugby club and it means a lot to wear the jersey.
“We’re really looking forward to getting into the season, competing hard, and making our supporters proud.”
The management team is: Premier coaches, Sam Gibbens, Tony Bennett and Awa Elkington. Manager, Sheree Easterbrook. Development coaches, Greg Edge and Ben Mylchreest. Manager, Lee Harper. Colts coaches, Andrew Christie, Willem Poolman, Wium Mostert and Connor Gower. Managers, Ava Trussler and Keri Baillie.
