Wellington club rugby team profile: OBU Onslow Spartans

In the first of our team profile series, taking a look at as many as possible of Wellington club rugby's serious and social lower grade teams, their histories, and the personalities involved, we introduce the OBU Onslow Spartans.

The Spartans are one of two Old Boys University teams, alongside the OBU Onslow Bunnies, in the highly competitive 10-team JC Bowl 85kg Restricted Division 1 grade (plus there's another nine teams in Division 2).

This grade remains the sleeping giant of senior rugby grades and one that the national body would do well by fostering and promoting as a way of maintaining and boosting participation levels in the modern game. ?

Want your team and club featured in this series? Email editor@clubrugby.co.nz for more.

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Club: Old Boys University

Team name: Spartans????

Team mascot: Spartan Horse

Competition currently playing: The U85 kg Restricted Division 1 JC Bowl

Social Media: @obuspartans

Home ground: Prince of Wales Park is the spiritual home for the Spartans after being the scene of many great victories in the early days of the Spartans. It was also the home ground for the 2011 team court session which provided many battle stories.

Team origins: The Spartans were created by a group of mates in 2006 who were keen to keep playing rugby after leaving school, but weren't too keen to train twice a week. From 2006 the team has grown and are now challenging at the top of division one.

Biggest rivals: The OBU Onslow Bunnies are the Spartans biggest rivals. This is an obvious rivalry given that we are the only two U85 kg teams in the grade.

The big matches: The OBU Bunnies v Spartans game is always a big one. There is a shield between the teams and it is traditionally low scoring and hard fought. We always look forward to playing Upper Hutt as well, more for the off-field hospitality they provide.

Magic moments: A few years ago the team won the Division Two competition which was a turning point for the Spartans and their first taste of glory.

Other than that, retaining the Torbit-Brooking shield against the Bunnies is a real highlight.

There was also that time at a team function where a dude ran blindfolded in to a fence and was left with an imprint of it on his forehead.

Team rituals and traditions: Pre-game and post-game rituals centre on prop Kevin Liu. Each game the team rubs his head for good luck just before heading out.

If the team wins, the Spartans push bar leaners together and grease them up with beer. Kevin Liu has then been known to slide down them naked. ?

The team's experienced players: Ben Lacey has been involved in the team for about five years and has been able to amass a huge 10 caps.

Other players who have been involved with the team for a few years now are Sam Hawkins, Michael Earby and Pat Thompson. Notable mention to Pat who has been involved with the team since its inception in 2006.

The team's personalities: We are lucky to have a really good team spirit and a good bunch of lads.

Ben "The Detective" Prebble is a personality off the field but after hours it is recommended you stay away from him with an empty jug.

The team's famous players: One of our former players was dating the actress who played the wife of the Wolf of Wall Street. Naturally, he has gained legendary status.

Dan Kubiack has been voted as an NZ Hunk of the Day on multiple occasions. His details can be found by swiping right on Tinder.

On player retention and rejuvenation: Simon Jones, our team manager, personally funds an incentive plan for our players. This involves bonus schemes for long service and sign on bonuses for new recruits. Bonuses are usually in the form of BNZ pens or personalised tweets from our team page.

The OBU club is always really supportive and we get a lot of new recruits from new students coming to the club and also those coming from the U21s.

Other than that, we have a good core of players that is formed around a group of mates. ?

The last word: The Spartans are huge supporters of U85 kg rugby. It's a great grade to keep people involved in the game. It's a good level of rugby and its good fun off the field as well. Anyone who is keen to give u85kg footy a go is more than welcome to come for a run around.