18 May: Round 8 news and events

Interclub Trophies

There are four interclub trophies being contested this round in the Swindale Shield, plus the Bill Brien Challenge Cup is on the line.:

• Marc Verhoeven Memorial Trophy. New - Petone v Old Boys University
• Roy John Trophy. Poneke (holders) v Hutt Old Boys Marist
• To'omaga Alex Iona Memorial Cup. Ories v Norths (holders)
• UPDATED: Morrisey-Rona Cup. Wainuiomata (holders) v MSP
• Bill Brien Challenge Cup. Wainuiomata (holders) v MSP

Old Timers' Days

There are three clubs holding their Old Timers' Days, these are:

• Avalon
• Petone
• Poneke

Thanks ref round
This round Wellington Rugby will acknowledge the role that match officials play in our game. Refereeing can often be a thankless task so supporters and spectators at games are encouraged to take a moment this weekend to thank the referee.

17 May: Wellington players in Samoan squad

Two current and four former Wellington club players have been selected in Samoa's squad for next month's Pacific Nations Cup and one-off home Test against Scotland. Current players are Nalu Tuigamala (Wests Roosters) and Greg Lealofi (Wainuiomata, non travelling reserve). Former players James So'oialo, Ki Anufe (both Norths), Fautua Otto (Petone) and Kane Thompson (Wests) are also included. Former captain Mo Schwalger (Avalon) was a notable omission, while Hurricanes player Tusi Pisi has also been included

14 May: Wellington players in All Blacks

Eight of 35 players in the first All Blacks squad of the year are Wellington players, including first-timers Brad Shields and Julian Savea. The players selected for the two upcoming All Blacks wider training camps are:

 Tamati Ellison (Norths), Cory Jane (Upper Hutt), Ma'a Nonu (Ories), Julian Savea (Ories), Brad Shields (Petone), Conrad Smith (OBU), Victor Vito (MSP) and Piri Weepu (Wainuiomata)

30 April NEW club websites on board

To follow the Premier club competitions in Auckland and Hawke's Bay bookmark these two websites:

www.clubrugby.co.nz/auckland

www.clubrugby.co.nz/hawkesbay

We're now running draws & results and points tables for both these regions, along with a player database for Auckland. For all news and stories, visit the union websites: www.aucklandrugby.co.nz and www.hbrugby.co.nz 

3 April: Listen to Wellington club rugby live 

Can't make it to the game? Bookmark this link to listen live to the Newstalk ZB Saturday afternoon Club Rugby Show throughout the season.

14 May: Billy Wallace Best & Fairest points after 7 rounds

8 points: Glen Walters (HOBM)

7 points: Jonathan Fuimano (OBU), Taniela Buakula (Tawa), Sio Tuia (MSP)

6 points: Ben Aoina (Upper Hutt), John Monu (Wainuiomata), Luca Rees (Petone), Galu Taufale (Poneke), Ephraim Reynolds (Tawa)

5 points: Ambrose Curtis (Ories), Justin Va'a (Wainuiomata), Scott Fuglistaller (Wests), Perry Hayman (Norths), Leka Tupuola (HOBM), Jason Woodward (Upper Hutt)

4 points: Matthew Treeby (Tawa), James Wall (Upper Hutt), Deon Carney (HOBM), Shahn Eru (Wainuiomata), Jared Kahu (Petone), Daniel Kirkpatrick (Petone)

3 points: 17 players on 3 points

Swindale Shield round 8

With Poneke having their Old Timers' Day on Saturday, this week's guest selector is former grade player, Senior 1 Manager and Club Captain for the past eight years Mark Warrington. His picks are:

• Poneke to beat HOBM by 13+
• Norths to beat Ories by 12-
• MSP to beat Wainuiomata by 12-
• Tawa to beat Rimutaka by 13+
• Upper Hutt to beat Wests by 12-
• Petone to beat OBU by 12-