This article first appeared in the Times.

An adult male rugby side that’s open to anyone who has a love for the national game is being formed for next season by Pakuranga United.

In a community collaboration, the “inclusive team” is for men who want to give rugby union a go, but not necessarily in an intense environment.

Neighbourhood Support community activator in east Auckland, Andrew Poon, who’ll manage the team, says the side that’ll compete in Auckland club rugby’s first grade from April especially welcomes players from minority communities.

“We’ll be an inclusive team for people who have never played before, and we welcome members of the new migrant and LGBTQI communities.”

Poon says there’s demand in the community for a rugby team that has a mix of people, with or without playing experience, and it’s about “celebrating different and diverse backgrounds”.

“This inclusive team welcomes anyone playing for the core values of rugby – passion, respect, and community – something Pakuranga United Rugby Club stands for.

“The team particularly welcomes those who are new or beginning rugby, those who have been disenfranchised before – from the Asian, Rainbow or migrant communities – and those who are experienced in the game but enjoy a more social, whanau, values-based playing environment.

“We are a values-not-opponents based team,” says Poon, who has also played rugby for five years.

“I know I may be an unlikely face of rugby, but that’s the point. There hasn’t been a team in rugby like this here before.

“PURC is embracing the diversity and momentum of the interest we have had,” Poon says.

Mike Anderson, the PURC general manager, says the club welcomes the initiative.

“As a club we’re incredibly grateful that Andrew has reached out and is interested in building a team with us.

“We believe rugby is for everyone and this team will give more east Auckland men the opportunity to experience rugby which is exciting,” says Anderson.

“This is another step in being a real hub for our community and getting more people active and is in line with what we’re working towards with the expansion of the badminton facility.

“We encourage any and everyone who is keen to give rugby a go to get in contact with Andrew or us, as we’re working together to ensure a safe, fun, inclusive environment for all.”

Men who want to join the new PURC first-grade team can register their interest here or by sending an email to rugbyadmin@purc.co.nz with questions.

PURC is part of the developing Howick Pakuranga Community and Sports Centre (HPCSC) at Lloyd Elsmore Park.

It caters for more than 4000 participants across the sports of rugby, netball, badminton, baseball, touch rugby, and American football.

It also hosts east Auckland’s only international-standard badminton facility next to the rugby clubrooms.

Read full article at www.times.co.nz

Article added: Monday 24 November 2025