Our senior teams are inching closer to the start of the season and will get a chance to run out at home this weekend, with four sides in action on Saturday.

The Premiers, Premier Development and Under 21s will all play their Patumahoe counterparts, while the Under 85kg Black Panthers will play for the Grant Henson Cup against Waiuku and Onehwero.

Boof, as he is more well known, helped to set up a pre season fixture between the Pakuranga, Waiuku and Onewhero clubs in 2023 and after a few post-match beverages the idea of formalising the match with a trophy came to fruition.

“I never expected there to be a cup named after me, especially while I am still alive,” joked Boof.

“But I am pretty humbled and very honoured, these three clubs that mean a lot to me.”

Boof played more than 200 premier matches for Waiuku, winning three McNamara Cups with the club. He finished his playing career at Onehwero – where he took the Pakuranga prems only a few weeks ago for a pre-season camp.

With one Black Panthers cap to his name, Boof is also the Director of Rugby here at the Ranga so hold his connections to all three clubs very dear.

The teams will play an game of three halves match on Saturday to determine the inaugural Grant Henson Cup winner.

Not only is Saturday a big day for the senior club, but we are expecting plenty of juniors through the doors with a Rippa Rugby Give it a Go morning and a junior Weigh In.

Grant Henson Cup - 12:30pm Kickoff
Premier Development - 1:00pm Kickoff
Under 21s - 1:00pm Kickoff
Premiers - 2:45pm Kickoff

Weigh-ins - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Give It A Go Day - 11:00am - 12:00pm

Article added: Wednesday 20 March 2024