Mapu reaches 500 Club Rugby matches for Whakatane Marist

It was March 20, 2006 when tragedy struck the Whakatane Marist rugby club. Respected veteran Carl Young died suddenly of a heart attack. He was 46.

Young's best friend Steven Mapu made a graveyard pledge. He promised his mate he would play until that age.

Last Saturday at the club's home field on Arawa Road the 48-year-old took the field in his 500th official Senior A grade game. It was a pre-season hitout against Marist St Michael's. Whakatane enjoyed a resounding victory.

"It went well. I got through 70 minutes and we outscored them six tries to one," Mapu says.
The after match function was even more celebratory. A special presentation by the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union was followed by a barbecue, beers and some dirt dishing from the club captain.

"It was a great night. We got in at 2:15am as you do. It was just another game of rugby for me. I haven't counted the games I have played, but I guess it seems someone has. I started with my first game and have just carried on because I love it."

It's 1989. TV3 begins broadcasting, the Berlin Wall collapses, Paula Abdul is top of the billboard charts and Steven Mapu debuts for Saint Joseph's, as it was known then. Mapu recalls his humble beginnings.

"We weren't in the Baywide Competition. We were in the lower division. A three year plan was put in place to rebuild the club. In 1992 we won the Baywide comp (unbeaten) for the first time," Mapu recalls.

Val Barker and Matt Te Pou were central catalysts in the club's ascent to the top. Barker was a flanker who represented the New Zealand Maori while Te Pou later became that team's most successful coach by winning 35 out of 41 games and conquering several international sides, including the British Lions in 2005. The latter (back as Marist senior coach) paid tribute to Mapu in the New Zealand Herald.

"Steven has always shown incredible commitment to the code. There have only been a handful of games within the 27 years he hasn't played as a result of injury, bereavement or being stood down...He is an inspiration to all players around him."

The mid-nineties were glorious years. In 1995 Whakatane again won the Baywide Competition. Welsh international Brett Sinkinson passed through while in 1996 Mapu represented Bay of Plenty.

Mapu has played every position in the forwards,except openside flanker. He is mainly a prop but his personal preference is No.8.

"I like No.8 because its gives you the freedom to range out wide, maybe that's why I have lasted so long. As a prop you have to stick your head into dark places and that can be tough. The young fellas don't like it so I stay there."

Loyalty is an obvious reason why Mapu is highly respected among his peers. The club has suffered some turbulent times and Mapu has remained resilient.

"Playing numbers have dropped away at times and we have struggled to put a team on the field. A lot young players are more interested in themselves than their clubs. In 2004 we beat Te Puke Sports in the final. We were down 19-6 at half time and won 25-19. They had 13 current or ex Bay of Plenty players and we had two. All I saw was young cheque books running at me."

"Running a rugby club is expensive. I shoot a cow every year and supply some meat for the after matches. If you show a bit of loyalty the rewards are greater."

Mapu received the MVP of the final in 2004.

Naturally Mapu has suffered injuries along the way. The worst on the field was the splitting of a calf muscle. Off the field an even more painful blow occurred. Mapu is a mechanic for Fonterra and he chopped a finger off.

In 1987 Mapu survived an unexpected natural disaster. He was in Edgecumbe during a 6.5 magnitude earthquake.

"My car got crushed. The force of the quake was so powerful the road was waving. That earthquake house devoted to it at Te Papa is not even close to the reality and terror of that day."

Is retirement day approaching for Mapu?

"I have no idea. Except for touch I take summer off and then I get a call each year asking me if I am available again. As long as I am enjoying it, I will carry on," Mapu insists.
Mapu is optimistic about his teams' prospects in 2016.

"We've got a good mix of youth and experience. We have recruited some Fijian boys, good lads who bring strength and pace."

The eternally positive attitude of Mapu is reflected in his long-time nickname, puppy.

"I had a few girls at high school I was smitten with. I used to hang around girls a lot and the name puppy was applied and it stuck."