Lower grades start this weekend

Club rugby in Wellington will be in full swing from this weekend with the start of all other grades.

Two more competition grades start up this Saturday, the Senior 3 JDR Cup and the first round Fleurs Trophy women's competition. Ten teams representing nine clubs will take part in the first round of JDR Cup matches, while six women's teams will contest the Fleurs Trophy double round-robin competition.

The two dominant women's sides of recent seasons Norths and Eketahuna, are joined by Stokes Valley, Wainuiomata, OBU and Ories teams - are all eager to knock this pair off the mantle. Ories replaces MSP in the women's competition this year.

The start of age grade, U85kg and Reserve Grades are all non competition rounds, while every round of the popular Presidents grade is a social round.

A feature of the Reserve Grade is the return of colourful team names such as the OBU 69ers, ?OBU Pink Ginners, OBU Dead Ants, Poneke Ruffnuts, Paremata-Plimmerton Punters, Wests Mixed Veges and Johnsonville Cripples. Many of these teams are institutions and make for many memorable seasons for all involved.

WRFU spokesperson Benji Crossley says rugby is on a high at the moment and it's never too late to join one of these teams and play rugby in Wellington this year.

"Following the success of the Rugby World Cup, we're anticipating a bumper season of rugby this year and we encourage anyone that wants to lace up their boots to contact their local club. Whether they're new to the region or they want to relive past glories there's a grade for everyone.

"These lower and social grades are always competitive and played hard, but always within the spirit of the game and with an emphasis on enjoyment and having fun with your mates and the opposition on the park afterwards or over a drink in the clubrooms."

One example of a local club that welcomes new or returning players is Poneke.

"Poneke is immensely proud of its diverse membership and is very welcoming of players of all abilities and experience," says their club captain Mark Warrington.

"Some of the grade sides are real institutions within the club's culture and they're all respected for the contribution that they add to the tapestry of Poneke. I know that they play a huge role in the overall camaraderie among all of our members and their progress is eagerly followed."

"Come one and come all and play club rugby this season," adds Warrington.

To get in touch with your local club visit www.wrfu.co.nz or click here