Rugby

Baxter Hunt
The 2025 1st xv season started out uncertain, with new coaches Biff Macphail and Shaan Stevens first job being recruiting players from around the area to form a team. With the help of the already existing players and new manager Brian Hunt we managed to form a squad of players from

Te Paepae o Aotea, Patea Area School, Te Kura Kaupapa O Ngati Ruanui, Te Kura o Nga Ruahine Rangi, and some ex-students who are now working full time. A huge thank you has to go out too these schools and players because without them we would not have had a 1st xv this year.

Once established and a few training weeks later, pre-season came around where we went 3-1 only losing to Central who would become our biggest rival in the competition facing them a total of 4 times through-out the year with us coming out on top 3 from those 4 times. In the regular

season the 1st xv went 6-3 falling short too Waitara, NPBHS Yellow and FDMC 2nd xv. After making it to the semi-finals, the challenge was set against Central 1st xv who had a strong season themselves. After a tough 70 minutes, Te Paepae o Aotea came out on top with the score being 14-7, meaning that we would go through to the final against a formidable Waitara side who had beaten FDMC 2nd xv in their semi-final.  

Saturday the 16th of August. The stage was set for a final of Waitara Whanui 1st xv and Te Paepae o Aotea 1st xv. It was a sunny day as both teams walked out of the tunnel and onto the field. As the game kicked off, we knew this would be a physical challenge with Waitara having the biggest team in the competition. Te Paepae o Aotea were in it the whole game but ended up falling short 21-10. Nevertheless, I am so proud of the season we had and all the new connections and friendships that were formed through all the schools and players coming together.