Johnsonville Rugby Club
The Johnsonville Rugby Club started in 1900. Rugby was getting popular during those years, so they wanted to have a rugby club in Johnsonville. The club was at Alex Moore Park first. The space for the club rooms was made by hand. In 1903 the club was affiliated with the Wellington Rugby Football Union (WRFU). In the 1980s, it was moved to Helston Park.
The club was affected when players had to join the armed forces in the 2nd World War. In 1942 they were dropped to senior 2nd division and they went back to 1st division in 1946. From 1949 to 1960 again had the club at the edge of promotion, going second in the 1955-1956 seasons. In 1967 the club was in decline with the drop to senior 3rd division with only 3 teams.
One of the famous rugby players who used to play for Johnsonville Rugby Club is Chris Masoe. His full name is Matemini Christopher Masoe. He was born on May 15 1979 in Savaii, Samoa. Chris played for the Hurricanes, Chiefs and the All Blacks. He played all 11 games in 2005 season for the Hurricanes. He played for the All Blacks frrom the age of 26 in 2005 until 2007. Chris Masoe is currently playing for the Castres Olympique.
Today the club has about 6 junior teams and 6 senior teams:
Junior teams:
- UNDER 6s LIONS.
- UNDER 6s TIGERS.
- UNDER 7s RAIDERS.
- UNDER 8s CROCODILES.
- UNDER 10s CHIEFS.
- UNDER 12s HUNTERS.
Senior teams:
- PREMIERS.
- SENIOR 3s.
- UNDER 85 Kg TERRORHAWKES.
- WOODRIGDE COLTS.
- COBRA DRAINAGE RESERVE CRIPPLES.
- PRESIDENTS.
The Johnsonville Rugby Club is still important to the Johnsonville community!
