First XV rugby: Rosmini's Morley scores 30 points in victory over Massey
Nobody could rein him in.
And if Morley quickly turned this match into a one-horse race, as far as we can establish, he also set a benchmark for the most points by an individual player in a top-ranking first XV competition this year. (You can never be sure of these things and readers are invited to use the email address below to advise of any superior tallies.)
It continued a fine season for Morley, a rangy 190cm, 92kg player who has also turned out at first five-eighths and fullback for Rosmini and has cultivated a reputation as having one of the biggest boots in the North Harbour region for his age (18), both off the tee and in general play.
Morley thrives under pressure. He has established a 79% accuracy rating with his goal-kicking this season and in the recently televised Rosmini-Westlake match delivered a flawless goal-kicking performance,
Rosmini coach Richard Mayhew said his team's performance against potentially tricky Massey was the best of the season in the Kyocera-sponsored competition. And Morley didn't look a gift horse in the mouth.
'He's been a revelation, and growing in confidence every week,' Mayhew said. 'It helps that he has a ginormous boot.
'I decided to put him on the wing in the interests of getting all the best players on the pitch. Braden may disagree and think he should be playing 10, but he has come on in leaps and bounds in this role.
'He is really important to the team.
'It's funny because when he was young his family lived on the same street as me growing up – and now we have come full circle.
'The game against Massey was our best performance to date and we are excited because we have three huge games coming up [Rangitoto, Whangārei, Westlake].'
Mayhew, son of legendary All Blacks and New Zealand Warriors doctor John, personally knows a thing or two about racking up big points for Rosmini. Back in 2003 he recorded 134 points (17 tries) during their highly successful 2003 season, which yielded 15 wins in 16 matches.
Meanwhile, there is no official record for the most points scored in a First XV match, but it's unlikely that anyone has surpassed the 66 points scored by future All Black Jeff Wilson for Cargill High School in a 102-6 win against James Hargest College in 1992. Wilson achieved this remarkable feat by scoring nine tries (which counted for four points each) and converting 15 tries.
In 2014, Matt Whaanga scored 10 tries and kicked five conversions (60 points) for South Otago High School in a pre-season match, resulting in a 70-5 victory over James Hargest College at the Balclutha Showgrounds. Whaanga, who has since gone on the play for the Highlanders, ended the season with a total of 307 points, which included 33 tries, 62 conversions, a dropped goal, and five penalties.
In another instance, Andre Bell scored 57 points for Lindisfarne College against Central Hawke's Bay College in 1988. Additionally, Ben Miller scored 50 points in his first start for Otago Boys' High School against James Hargest College in 2012.
Rosmini College have won eight North Harbour titles, and another notable scorer from their history is Gareth Anscombe, who helped them win the 2009 title. He went on to score more than 1000 first-class points in New Zealand and then played 42 tests and scored 169 points for Wales.
Palmerston North add to Wellington's misery
Wellington College concluded a gruelling fortnight of five fixtures with yet another heart-breaking defeat, pipped 24-22 by Super 8 leaders Palmerston North Boys' High School in favourable conditions at Massey University.
In an eerie resemblance to the Quadrangular Tournament final against Nelson College, Wellington started sluggishly and failed to recover from an early 10-0 deficit.
Neither team was at full strength, which allowed regular starters like Palmerston North's Cayden Pardey to shine even more.
With eight minutes remaining and his team ahead 17-15, centre Pardey slashed through the Black and Gold wall from a scrum at halfway, motoring towards the 22. Without changing gears, he stepped sharply off his left foot, leaving all in sundry grasping. The conversion, taken from under the sticks, stretched the lead to 24-15.
Stubborn Wellington rallied when first five-eighths Archie Sims skipped his entire backline with a pinpoint pass that reached Julius Toimata on the wing. The prop bulldozed his way to the line, and Sims' sideline conversion narrowed the gap to 24-22.
Earlier, a deft grubber from Sims had splintered the Palmerston North defence, engineering a try for fullback Navrin Campbell. Unfortunately for Wellington College, Sims missed two crucial kicks that could have swung the game in their favour.
Pardey signalled his early intent, setting up fullback Micah Steinmetz, son of All Black Paul Steinmetz, for the first try with a 50m break.
Right winger Charlie Robbie scored next after a break from his left-side colleague Cole Cullen.
Wellington College showed vulnerabilities on the edges, but their scrambling defence improved. Bentley Faulkner tackled Cullen, and Sims brought down Robbie with bootlace beauties. Campbell also averted multiple crises as Palmerston North's frustration mounted.
Sims' vision finally created an opening for Wellington, and a winding run by Tom Hughson was unorthodox but effective.
After the break, Wellington College successfully defused a series of rolling mauls and began to wrestle territory. Faulkner ran incisively, second five Lorenz-Markel Strickland-Rere thrust forward, and Z'Kdesus Schwalger and Toimata were tenacious.
Wellington have now lost four games by a converted try or less in 2025. A break will be welcome. Can they take the next step and break their decade-long Wellington premiership drought? The break might feel longer with that headache looming next term.
No 8 Alex Palazzo is a fine skipper of Palmerston North, who host Rotorua and Napier Boys' early next term, with a spot in the Super 8 final for the first time since 2014 at stake. Palmerston North haven't lost since April.
Viljoen joins the Chiefs camp
Classy Palmerston North Boys' High first five-eighths Jamie Viljoen was the most notable selection in the Chiefs' 52-strong development camp at St Paul's Collegiate in Hamilton last week.
The grandson of former Springbok halfback Joggie Viljoen, Jamie (raised in New Zealand) has emerged as one of the best playmakers in the country for Palmerston North Boys' High, strong on attack and defence.
Last year, he made New Zealand Barbarians and Hurricanes U18s, following in the footsteps of his halfback brother Jordi. But Viljoen has signed with the Chiefs and Taranaki post-school, so attending the Hamilton camp made sense.
To contextualise his move, the Hurricanes have signed New Zealand U20 first five-eighths Will Cole and Thompson Tukapua, who was named in New Zealand Schools last year but was injured, while Stanley Solomon who was their young player of the year can play 10 also.
Brother Jordi played just 22 minutes for the Hurricanes this season with his last appearance on March 28 against the Waratahs.
Chiefs U18 Development Camp 2025: Alapati Soagia (St Peter's Cambridge), Alex Arnold (Hamilton Boys' High), Ben Parnwell (St John's College), Brad Meek (St Peter's Cambridge), Brody Leicester (New Plymouth Boys' High), Bronson van der Heyden (Rotorua Boys' High), Cassius Meleiseā (Manurewa High), Cody Renata (Rotorua Boys' High), Cullen Parai (Hamilton Boys' High), Decky Kelly (Tauranga Boys' College), Devontae Pasi (Manurewa High), Epeli Pohiva (Wesley College), Flynn Morey (St Peter's Cambridge), George Roose (Hamilton Boys' High), Harper Mills (St John's College), Harry Fevre (Stratford Eltham), Hauraki Hira (Pukekohe), Hieke McGarvey (Rotorua Boys' High), Hunter Weaver (Rotorua Boys' High), Ioapo Kupita (Tauranga Boys' College), Isi Qaranivalu (Hastings Boys' High), Isi Tuutafaiva (Rotorua Boys' High), Izzy Kamana (St Peter's Cambridge), Jackson Edwards (St Peter's Cambridge), Jamie Viljoen (Palmerston North Boys' High), Jesse West (St Peter's Cambridge), Kahn Charlton (Tauranga Boys' College), Kobe Stranks-Rose (St Peter's Cambridge), Leighton Jones (Hamilton Old Boys), Liam van der Heyden (Hamilton Boys' High), Lucas Hale (St Paul's Collegiate), Lucas Makiha (Wesley College), Luke Goodman (New Plymouth Boys' High), Luke Rakuraku (Rotorua Boys' High), Malachi Emmett (Tauranga Boys' College), Maxwell Kara (Hamilton Boys' High), Nathan Stephens (Hamilton Boys' High), Noah Walker (Hamilton Boys' High), Ollie Guerin (Hamilton Boys' High), P'Torio Taimalie (Papakura High), Quintus Daniell (St Paul's Collegiate), Rhydian Spice (Tauranga Boys' College), Samuel McIntosh (Francis Douglas Memorial College), Simiona Auimatagi (University of Waikato), Solomone Mailulu (Rotorua Boys' High), Te Ariki Rogers (Rotorua Boys' High), Teina Beets (Te Awamutu College), Tini Manuika (Wesley College), Tokoaitua Owen (Rotorua Boys' High), Tommy McQuoid (Tauranga Boys' College), Whaitiri Preston (Bombay), Zayden Bradley (Matamata College).
Blues U18 squad named
The Blues have named a 53-strong U18 development squad for a four-day, high-performance training camp at Mt Albert Grammar which is running until Thursday.
It includes players from the Far North (Kaitāia RFC) down to Southern Cross Campus in South Auckland, with 20 different schools and clubs represented.
The Blues have also drilled down to Auckland 1B ranks to find berths for Macleans College skipper and No 8 Jacob Ely and prop Caylis Hempleman, and Otahuhu College's Peter Ohaufi.
Forwards: Flynn Hamilton-Muller (College Rifles), Mikaera (Mika) Crichton (Mt Albert Grammar), Tu'akoi Ahio (Liston), Caylis Hempleman (Macleans), Kaiva Tulimanu (Westlake Boys'), Sione Manuopangai (King's), Riley Grant-Faiva (Saint Kentigern), Jacques Miller (Whangārei Boys'), Luka Makata (Saint Kentigern), Charlie Burn (King's), Dailyn Dickeson (Whangarei Boys'), Santino Naufahu (Auckland Grammar), Jacob Carter (King's), Junior Slade (Saint Kentigern), Harry Cornelius (Westlake Boys'), Peter Ohaufi (Otahuhu), Aidan Finefeuiaki (Botany Downs), Allistair Martin (Waipū RFC), Solomone Tuitupou (Westlake Boys'), Logan-John Sao (St Peter's), Logan Platt (Auckland Grammar), Leitofiga (Lei) Mautofiga (Southern Cross Campus), Cruiz Simpson (Sacred Heart), Travis Findlay (Westlake Boys'), Brock Reid (Whangārei Boys'), Jacob Ely (Macleans), Daniel Lawrence (Liston), Jake Hutchings (Rotorua Boys'), Johan Schaumkell Kings), Justin McGrath (Mount Albert Grammar).
Backs: Boston Krone (Pakūranga RFC), Matt Harris St Peter's), Bobby Neels (Auckland Grammar), Liston Vakauta (Sacred Heart), Marco Miln (King's), Keanu Simpson Sacred Heart), Max Talbot (Kelston Boys'), Josh McRae (Whangārei Boys'), Tipene Herewini (Kaitāia RFC), Malachai Tuivaiti (St Peter's), Siale Pahulu (Saint Kentigern), Jonathan Simote (Liston), Matt Fleming (Westlake Boys'), Casey Wright (Whangārei Boys'), TJ Anae-Paila (King's), Leofe Usufono (Saint Kentigern), Charles Howlett (Auckland Grammar), Sebastian Smith (St Paul's), Munroe Fusitua (Massey High), Niko Jelas (Westlake Boys'), Luke Thomson (Auckland Grammar), Connor Bowden (Botany Downs), Adam Gruebner (Mount Albert Grammar).
Hurricanes U18 taking shape in regional camps
Some 149 players from Wellington, Hawke's Bay, Manawatu, Wairarapa Bush, Horowhenua-Kāpiti, Whanganui, and Poverty Bay have been featuring in two-day camps across the Hurricanes region.
The Hurricanes will name an U18 squad on September 10 for a five-day camp from September 30 to October 4, which includes a match against the Crusaders U18 side on October 3.
2025 Hurricanes U18 Regional Development Camp attendees:
Hawke's Bay: Isireli Qaranivalu (Hastings Boys' High), Joseph Lilo-Iosefo (Hastings Boys' High), Nehemiah Lauvao (Hastings Boys' High), Louie Uregei (Lindisfarne College), Riley Mullany (Napier Boys' High), Manuel Vaoheilala (Lindisfarne College), Tobiuz Lowe (St John's College), Flynn Hamilton (Napier Boys' High), Eli Southwick (Hastings Boys' High), Charlie East (Lindisfarne College), Lachlan Varcoe (Hastings Boys' High), Vincent Kite (Hastings Boys' High), Carter Pirie (Napier Boys' High), Solomone Halaufia (Hastings Boys' High), Ollie Maclachlan (Napier Boys' High), Ariki Rossiter (Te Aute College), Carlo Mienie (Napier Boys' High), Panapa Peia (Hastings Boys' High), Francis Whata (Te Aute College), Brad Pearce (Napier Boys' High), Dayton Birch (Te Aute College), Harry Bain (Napier Boys' High), Tana Faumuina (Hastings Boys' High), Joe Jury-Senitu (Napier Boys' High), Will Lovatt (Napier Boys' High), John Lameko (Hastings Boys' High), Joshua Talau (St John's College), Triumph Voice (Hastings Boys' High), Raef Robinson (Hastings Boys' High), Noah Rogers (Lindisfarne College), Harvey O'Rourke (Napier Boys' High), Panapa Lambert (Hastings Boys' High), Reid Palmer (Lindisfarne College), Angus Scott (Lindisfarne College), Philburgh Viljoen (Hastings Boys' High).
Poverty Bay: Kahurangi Leach-Waihi (Gisborne Boys' High), Ruan Ludwig (Gisborne Boys' High), Storm De Their (Gisborne Boys' High), David Gray (Gisborne Boys' High), Frazor Wainohu (Gisborne Boys' High), Joshua Aukuso (Gisborne Boys' High), Samuel Fox (Gisborne Boys' High), Kane Soto (Gisborne Boys' High), Max Hammond (Gisborne Boys' High).
Manawatū: Hekenui Tatana-Tapp (Manukura College), Otaki Adams (Manukura College), Iani Simeon-Governor (Manukura College), Kaylem Harding (Manukura College), Manueli Boteiviwa (Manukura College), Tevita Ionae-Killisimasi (Manukura College), Nehemiah Su'a (Palmerston North Boys' High), Alex Palazzo (Palmerston North Boys' High), Henry Speedy (Palmerston North Boys' High), Carlo Isaac (Palmerston North Boys' High), Siokatame Langilangi (Palmerston North Boys' High), Hunter Kennedy (Palmerston North Boys' High), Cayden Pardey (Palmerston North Boys' High), Clark Sutcliffe (Palmerston North Boys' High), Bailey Ngatai-Cribb (Palmerston North Boys' High), Tylerjay Wallace (Palmerston North Boys' High), Flynn White (Palmerston North Boys' High), Viliami Rongokea Tupou (Palmerston North Boys' High), Tristan Chambers (Palmerston North Boys' High), Kisione Ma'asi (Palmerston North Boys' High), Eric Miller (Palmerston North Boys' High), Moe Sekona (Palmerston North Boys' High), Alani Fakava (Feilding High), Rupeni Raviyawa (Feilding High), James Tuituba (Feilding High), Peni Havea (Feilding High), Nixon Foreman (Feilding High), Karnyae Ropiha-Waiwai (Feilding High), Aston Scott (Feilding High), Lucas Goodman (Feilding High), Tevita Fakava (Feilding High), Joseph Nikola (Feilding High), Monty Gibson (Feilding High), Tom Dyer (Massey Varsity) Taylor Barnes (Massey Rams).
Horowhenua-Kāpiti: Leo Fonoti (Horowhenua College), Solomona Toleafoa (Horowhenua College), Paora Drake (Paraparaumu College), Kita Kanavatoa (Paraparaumu College), Jaco van der Watt (Paraparaumu College), Lazzoryss Tovo (Levin Wanderers), Tapata Matakatea (Levin Wanderers), Fotofili Aholoka (Waiopehu College), AJ Talai (Waiopehu College), Ben Charlton (Kāpiti College),
Whanganui: Carlos Hay-Martin (Whanganui High), Nga Wairiki Turia (Whanganui High), Ben Bullock (Whanganui Collegiate), Angus Allpress (Whanganui Collegiate), Johnathan Solomona (Whanganui Collegiate), Oliver Toohey (Whanganui Collegiate), Sam McDougal (Whanganui Collegiate), Rory Nugent O'Leary (Whanganui Collegiate),
Wellington: Brandon Lo (Scots College), Tevita Bulai (Scots College), Advent Va'a (Scots College), Elijah Solomona (St Patrick's Silverstream), Heath Tuifao (St Patrick's Silverstream), Fletcher Stirling Cooper (St Patrick's Silverstream), Kitiona Kenese Talaepa (St Patrick's Silverstream), Ryder Thompson (St Patrick's Silverstream), Axel Daken (St Patrick's Silverstream), Oakley Time (St Patrick's Silverstream), Kian O'Connell (Hutt Old Boys-Marist), Noah Krijnen (Hutt Old Boys-Marist), Preston Moananu (Marist-St Pat's), Dante Ford-Tueve (Marist-St Pat's), Corban Thomas King (Marist-St Pat's), Charlie Carter (St Patrick's Town), Zack Kimmins (St Patrick's Town), Jayden Caseley (St Patrick's Town), Ethan Lepou (St Patrick's Town), Remu Fitisemanu (St Patrick's Town), Ioane Aukusitino (St Patrick's Town), Kingston Wright (St Bernard's College), Thomas Prichard (Hutt International Boys'), Liam Phelps (Hutt International Boys'), Mylo Guthrie-Thiel (Hutt International Boys'), Tamati Payne (Upper Hutt Rams), Jack Stowers (Upper Hutt Rams), Seb Hoskins (Wellington College), Hyrum Betham (Wellington College), Laifone Kamoto (Wellington College), Dru Faletolu (Wellington College), Jack Robinson (Wellington College), Z'Kedus Schwalger (Wellington College), Archie Sims (Wellington College), Charisma Faitala (Wellington College), Shea Bosher (Wellington College), Navrin Campbell (Wellington College), Malachi Osman (Tawa RFC), Cliff Hunt Junior (Tawa RFC), Jarrell Sagote-Mears (Rongotai College), Jeremiah Peleseuma (Hutt Old Boys-Marist), Tuimola Gaualofa (Tawa RFC).
Wairarapa Bush: Eddie Weatherstone (Rathkeale College), Jock Rutherford (Rathkeale College), Harry Oliver (Rathkeale College), Brandon Matthews (Rathkeale College), Kaieyn Hawkins (Rathkeale College), Zane Apiata (Rathkeale College), Hunter Gembitsky (Kuranui College), Ethan Davidson (Wairarapa College), Anthony Saumamao (Wairarapa College), Austin Grant (Wairarapa College), Konnor Vainu (Wairarapa College), Bayle Griffin (Wairarapa College).
Roar of the crowd: Readers back De La Salle
Former De la Salle College teacher Ben Curtis has come to the defence of his old school and criticised 'pot-shots' published in a First XV wrap a fortnight ago.
The commentary in question noted the incongruity of De La Salle being leading proponents of the ongoing 1A rugby media ban but having no problem broadcasting a premier school rugby league match on their Facebook feed.
Further, it noted De La Salle, at the time bottom of the 1A competition, had not managed to upload a single team list all season to the new online Rugby Xplorer registration. (Since publication, De La Salle have uploaded team sheets.)
Curtis, now assistant principal at Waitakere College, said correlating the management of an app with running a rugby team and suggesting that led to a non-successful culture was 'presumptuous and ill informed'.
'Furthermore the comments equating the broadcasting of league matches on a Facebook page to 1A matches being streamed on Sky is preposterous. The reach of each of these broadcasts is entirely different and is being used to support a narrative.'
De La Salle was one of the 'lowest budget' 1A First XV teams yet really the only consistently competitive team in South Auckland for the past 20 years-plus.
Further, he said regurgitating historic comments from college principal Miles Hogarty about the reasons for the media ban in light of the rugby league Facebook feed was 'poor form and petty'.
'It's also totally unnecessary within the context of commentary that should be supporting 1A rugby and its players...
'A broader discussion of the televising of 1A rugby is right to be had but the way that it was initiated here was inappropriate and unprofessional.'
Curtis was among those supportive of Auckland's media ban.
Meanwhile, reader Roger Borrows said it was unfair to single out De La Salle for criticism given it at least gave students a choice of codes, unlike many other 1A schools 'where rugby league is just a vague rumour'.
'How are King's College, just up the road, going with their rugby league programme?'
Reader Jeff Munro said De La Salle were part of the majority in struggling with the new Rugby Xplorer app.
'See if you can find one single person who thinks the app works well. It is a dog. De La Salle are just volunteers trying to make the best of things.'
Readers are invited to send their first XV rugby updates, news snippets and hot takes to nzschoolboyrugby@gmail.com
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Carter chose to wow in a custom pink tulle Trelise Cooper gown, from her good friend designer Julia Leuchars, and Carter's husband Steve wore a classic black suit. Steve Ferguson, Steve Carter and their wives, Olivia and Shelley. Photo / Jared Donkin Among Carter's guests were Rich Listers Natalie and Greg Norman, and Anna Mowbray with her husband Ali Williams, who wore a top hat; restaurateurs Josh and Helen Emett; interior designer Shelley Ferguson and husband, former Olympian Steven; Entain's Pip Eriksen and her husband William, of The Neat Meat Company. Anna Mowbray and Olivia Carter. Photo / Jared Donkin Julia Leuchars, Pip Eriksen and Helen Emett. Photo / Jared Donkin Gavin Pook, Josh Emett and Nathan Bryant-Taukiri. Photo / Jared Donkin Ali Williams. Photo / Jared Donkin Carter's favourite tipple, Champagne Mumm RSRV, was on free pour along both tables, with chicken nuggets topped with caviar to start. A three-course dinner followed, featuring tuna, grilled scallops, scotch fillet, greens, mini fries, and pomme puree. The birthday toast was made with RSRV LaLou Cuvee 2008, followed by a playful group game of paper, scissors, rock. DJs the Sweet Mix Kids kept the dance floor full after dinner to midnight, while a fabulous, large-scale cake made in-house was the cherry on top, as Carter cut and served slices of strawberry and rose water pavlova to guests as they danced the night away. Auckland FC gearing up for bigger and better second season Mike Higgins, Bill Foley, and Nick Becker. After an incredible inaugural year, Auckland FC is getting ready to kick off the new season in style, on and off the pitch. The A-league football club is co-owned by US billionaire Bill Foley, founder of Foley Entertainment Group (FEG), and this season there are plans for 'more synchronicity' between the team and his Foley Hospitality NZ group's offerings. Foley's NZ businesses include Wairarapa luxury lodge Wharekauhau Estate, wine brands including Te Kairanga, Mt Difficulty, Dashwood and Te Tera, and 10 venues, including Andiamo, Soul Bar and Bistro, and The Jervois Steak House. Foley Hospitality NZ CEO Mike Higgins, 49, says Foley, 80, who has an estimated net worth of more than US$2.5b, has challenged him and Auckland FC CEO Nick Becker to bring the wider group closer together. Higgins tells Society Insider Foley wants the pair to 'provide exceptional experiences to those that engage' with its businesses and interests. Shane Green, Nick Becker, Mike Higgins and Rob Foley. Photo / Supplied That will begin later this month, with an Auckland FC fashion show on August 28 at Soul as part of NZ Fashion Week, where the club's new kit will be revealed. 'The show will weave in New Balance's newest footwear and apparel and showcase the cutting-edge Auckland FC Kit Couture collection,' Becker tells Society Insider. 'Our lads will be modelling with professional models, and we are hoping players such as Logan Rogerson, Callan Elliot, Hiroki Sakai, and Dan Hall show the same finesse on the runway as they do on the pitch.' Auckland FC player Hiroki Sakai. Photo / Supplied Auckland FC players Dan Hall and Logan Rogerson. Photo / Supplied The idea is reminiscent of past Fashion Week runway shows that saw All Blacks players walk the catwalk in Jockey underwear. The Soul show will come the day after the new eight-part docuseries Forever Auckland FC premieres on a raft of Sky TV platforms, including Sky Open, Sky Go, Neon, and Sky Sport. The 'black and blue themed' VIP screening takes place at Event Cinemas in Newmarket next week, with Becker, his team, and players expected to attend, alongside FC co-owners Ali Williams and Anna Mowbray, and the series executive producer, Dame Julie Christie. The premier season kicks off in two months, so Higgins and Becker are making plans for special hospitality offerings for AFC's loyal fans. They're hoping this will help attract new fans, too. 'AFC members and season ticket holders will have some fantastic Foley wine, bar and restaurant deals, which we will soon reveal to them,' says Becker. This includes making an even better home for The Port (AFC's hardest core fans) at the Foley group's Tyler Street Sports bar at Auckland's Britomart this season. For away games in Wellington, Becker says there will be deals available at Foley venues Shed 5, Crab Shack and The Runholder. Becker shared another secret with Society Insider: they are looking to bring the Soul Bar experience to Go Media Stadium in Penrose this season. 'We have a VIP lounge nicknamed The Black Knight Club, which holds 500 people,' says Becker. 'This season, Soul's Group Executive Chef, Gavin Doyle and his team, will offer up a few surprises, both culinary and beverage.' Sponsors and high-rolling members are known to fork out more than $5000 to be part of the Black Knights, and Soul's infusion of hospitality will take things up a notch from the standard fare. Mowbray and Williams enjoy hosting the room; Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Dame Lisa Carrington, and a number of other sporting greats attended last season. Higgins had a 23-year career at leading advertising group Clemenger and was contemplating his semi-retirement years when Foley came into his sphere, through mutual friends in sport. He and Becker played a pivotal role in launching Auckland FC and getting a blue-chip group of sponsors on board. 'Nick and I were in a privileged position to set up a professional sports team from scratch with enviable support and resources coming from Bill Foley's sporting world in Las Vegas and Bournemouth,' Higgins tells Society Insider. Bill and Carol Foley at Wharekauhau Estate. Photo / Supplied by Wharekauhau Estate The connections between the Las Vegas arm of the business are now even stronger, with Kiwi expat Shane Green taking over as Foley Entertainment Global CEO. He is opening access to Kiwis to all the best of the Foley offerings in the US, with sponsors and suppliers in New Zealand being offered luxury adventures stateside. 'It certainly helps having a Kiwi in charge, looking out for us down here,' says Higgins. Shane Green, the Kiwi CEO of Foley Entertainment Global CEO. Photo / Paul Taylor Green and Higgins are working together to provide opportunities for their hospitality talent in NZ to work across the US portfolio, and vice versa. The group's interests may be expanding even further in NZ - there has been speculation that it is looking to extend its Queenstown offerings, with the establishment of a sister luxury lodge to Wharekauhau Estate. Higgins could not confirm but told Society Insider, 'Watch this space.' Party people of the week Samsung's SPY Bar Revival It was a night of nostalgic throwbacks as Samsung brought Auckland's 2000s nightclub scene back to life with a one-weekend-only revival of SPY Bar. The exclusive preview evening was recently held at 204 Quay St, with the reimagined space - now known as Cellar Bar - transformed into a neon-lit time capsule to celebrate the launch of two new mobile phones. SPY was iconic on the Auckland party scene from the very late 1990s to when it closed in 2016. High-profile guests in its earlier years included Nicola Robinson Evans, Eric Watson, Aja Rock, Lana Cockroft, and a host of sporting names of the time, including Matthew Ridge and Marc Ellis. The night kicked off with a welcome note from Samsung New Zealand's Morgan Bunt, who welcomed guests and got the crowd warmed up for the crescendo of the night: an epic dance battle worthy of the early 2000s. Themed cocktails flowed as media, influencers, and longtime club kids dressed in 2000s-themed outfits danced to nostalgic beats by DJ Grant Marshall on the decks amongst the Y2K-themed décor. Among the revellers were ZM's Clint Roberts, The Hits' Matty Mclean, Remix magazine publisher Tim Phin, Miss World New Zealand, Samantha Poole, actor Vinnie Bennett, make-up artist Kylee De Thier, DJ Arii Jade, and fashion influencer Jess Molina. Clint Roberts and Matty McLean at Samsung's SPY Bar Revival. Gina Henderson, Samantha Poole and Lola Elle Bellamy-Hill. Petra Pocock, Josh Young, and Samantha Poole. Miss Geena and Jess Molina. Adam and Stacy Middleton. Jade Cheah and Louis Ova. Jenny Jung, Sophie Chung and Siposetu Duncan. Mouse Varcoe and Claudia Sykes. Discovering the Cellar On Wednesday, The College Hill Wineroom hosted an intimate, invitation-only evening to showcase new, state-of-the-art subterranean storage cellars, available onsite for private collectors and aficionados of fine wine. The evening featured a panel discussion on The Rewards of Cellaring led by The Wine Room's David Nash, Jean-Christophe Poizat of fine wine merchants Maison Vauron, and Paul Brajkovich of Kumeu River – some of the country's most prominent names in wine. Dave Nash in the state-of-the-art subterranean storage cellars at Discovering the Cellar at The College Hill Wine Room. Photo / Hope Patterson Guests were treated to tastings of perfectly cellared wines from Kumeu River as well as prized bottles of Burgundy and Bordeaux, which mixed nicely with jazz from the George Brajkovich Trio. Canapés from executive chef Ryan Moore's kitchen were circulating, and below ground, a raw oyster bar greeted guests in The Residences' Barrel Room, with guided tours through the private cellars. Ryan Moore, David Nash, Milan and Paul Brajkovich at Discovering the Cellar at The College Hill Wine Room. Photo / Hope Patterson The secure cellars are temperature and humidity-controlled and offer members a full concierge service and 24/7 access to their collections, with the ability to drink their own wines in the Wine Room's restaurant with no corkage. Wine aficionados in attendance included Scarborough Group director, Ulrik Olsen, and wife Aisling; Ray White New Zealand CEO Daniel Coulson and wife Maddy of respected Ponsonby advertising firm Magnum; and Centuria NZ head of investor relations and communications, Matthew Butt. Ulrik and Aisling Olsen. Photo / Hope Patterson Daniel and Maddy Coulson. Photo / Hope Patterson Sophie Kember and Kate Lines. Photo / Hope Patterson Mike and Rosemary Simpson. Photo / Hope Patterson Robbie Dunphy and Jean-Christophe Poizat. Photo / Hope Patterson Ricardo Simich has been with the Herald since 2008 where he contributed to The Business Insider. In 2012 he took over Spy at the Herald on Sunday, which has since evolved into Society Insider. The weekly column gives a glimpse into the worlds of the rich and famous.
Otago Daily Times
6 hours ago
- Otago Daily Times
Toleafoa to start as Lio-Willie given break
All Black Christian Lio-Willie has been given some time off to unpack his suitcase and get settled in Dunedin again. The powerhouse No 8 made 22 tackles to help Otago beat Southland 24-15 in the NPC opener in Invercargill on Saturday. But the star loose forward has had a busy few months, and coach Mark Brown said Lio-Willie would take some time off and rejoin the team on Monday. "We really appreciate what Christian has done for us," Brown said. "After the All Blacks' campaign [against France] finished, he just jumped in his car and came down for the Southland game. "He has been domiciled up in Christchurch for the Super campaign ... and he has had a big few months, culminating in his All Black appearances and also the Super Rugby final. "He needed a break and now is as good a time as any to give it to him." Southern's Konrad Toleafoa will start at No8 for Otago against Hawke's Bay in Dunedin this Sunday and will be making his debut. The promising loose forward is a devastating ball-carrier and light on his feet. There is one other change to the starting lineup. Jae Broomfield earns promotion from the bench and will start on the right wing ahead of Charlie Powell, who had an underwhelming debut for Otago. "Charlie has done nothing wrong. In fact, he has been really good with his detail. "But it is more the fact that we felt Jae has been offering just a little bit more potency on attack, so for that reason he gets the nod." Otago have strengthened their bench. Highlanders midfielder Jake Te Hiwi returns from injury (groin) and will start from the pine. He had a hit-out last weekend in the Tuppy Diack Shield and performed strongly. Te Hiwi set up two tries and dotted down for Otago Metro South in a 52-7 win over Southland Metro. Highlanders blindside flanker Oliver Haig has also returned from injury (ankle) a little early and he will provide lock and loose forward cover from the bench, while Charles Elton drops out of the game-day squad. New Zealand under-20 halfback Dylan Pledger replaces Bob Martin and will look to make an impact from the bench. Prop Rohan Wingham, who was a late scratching last week, has been named in the reserves. Hawke's Bay have named an unchanged side after thumping Counties-Manukau 54-14 in the opening round. NPC The teams Otago: Sam Gilbert (captain), Jae Broomfield, Josh Timu, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Jona Nareki, Cameron Millar, Nathan Hastie, Konrad Toleafoa, Harry Taylor, Will Stodart, Joseva Tamani, Will Tucker, Saula Ma'u, Henry Bell, Abraham Pole. Reserves: Liam Coltman, Ben Lopas, Rohan Wingham, Oliver Haig, Lucas Casey, Dylan Pledger, Jake Te Hiwi, Sam Nemec-Vial. Hawke's Bay: Zarn Sullivan, Jonah Lowe, Nick Grigg, Kienan Higgins, Lukas Ripley, Harry Godfrey, Ere Enari, Devan Flanders, Cooper Flanders, Miracle Fai'ilagi, Tom Parsons (captain), Geoff Cridge, Josh Smith, Jacob Devery, Pouri Rakete-Stones. Reserves: Kianu Kereru-Symes, Hadlee Hay-Horton, Lolani Faleiva, Hunter Morrison, Frank Lochore, Folau Fakatava, Lincoln McClutchie, Andrew Tauatevalu.
RNZ News
2 days ago
- RNZ News
Former All Black George Bridge signs with Force
George Bridge scores the first of his four tries Photo: Photosport The Western Force have secured the signing of former All Black George Bridge for the next two Super Rugby Pacific seasons. The 30-year-old has spent the past three seasons with Montpellier in France's Top 14 where he also played in the European Rugby Champions Cup and Challenge Cup. He was part of New Zealand's 2019 World Cup squad, is a four-time Super Rugby champion and two-time Super Rugby Aotearoa winner from his six-year stint with the Crusaders. During the 2019 World Cup, Bridge started four of the All Blacks' games, scoring in the pool stage win over South Africa and the quarter-final victory over Ireland. Photo: Photosport He has scored 12 tries from his 19 test appearances. Bridge has played 82 Super Rugby games and scored 37 tries during his time with the Crusaders from 2017 to 2022 and then clocked up 48 caps and 11 tries for Montpellier. Bridge said the Force are a franchise which is heading in the right direction. "I'm keen to take on the new challenge and contribute to the club's success. I've always loved my time in Perth, and with friends and good connections among the staff and players, it felt like the right fit." Force head coach Simon Cron said Bridge brings professionalism, versatility and a high rugby IQ. "He's got a massive left foot kick. He can play multiple positions. He's a brilliant player. An amazing talent. He will add to the guys that we have in the squad. We know when we have injuries, it's important we have depth so we can progress deep into Super Rugby finals. "I know a few New Zealand franchises were chasing him hard, but he wanted to join the Force. He'll add a lot to our environment." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
