The iconic Ponsonby Rugby Club has a long and illustrious history stretching back over 150 years. However, you may not have realised that Ponsonby Rugby also has a satellite club right here in The West. Based at Archibald Park, Ponsonby Kelston, or PK, has several junior teams that train and play out of the Kelston base.
General Manager Patrick Rhodes explains more: ‘Ponsonby Rugby has an extraordinary group of volunteers that proudly work with our club staff in supporting our West Auckland communities promoting fitness and health through rugby.’
Ponsonby Kelston has a long-established history out West, stretching back over 50 years. With a base at Archibald Park, the club has a strong relationship with Kelston Boys High School and other local intermediate and primary schools. These schools benefit from the knowledge and expertise of the club’s coaches, which are offered at no cost to the school or student.
Famous names that started their careers at PK include Caleb Clarke, Va’aiga Tuigamala, Sam Tuitupou, Dwayne Mann, Ben Atiga, plus many more. Even Shortland Street’s Teuila Blakely played her rugby with PK.
Children of all ages and abilities are welcome. All that’s needed is some enthusiasm and a love of rugby. However, training and sports equipment are also required to get these eager players playing.
Cyclone Gabrielle and the Auckland floods wiped out much of PK’s equipment store. ‘Gear lost during the flooding and cyclone included bibs, balls, post pads and more,’ advises Patrick. You can’t play a rugby game without a ball, so all the equipment needed to be urgently replaced.
The club approached the Your West Support Fund, and the $7,638 funding has been well spent on restocking the equipment store.
‘The club is committed to providing the best rugby experience possible for our tamariki,’ says Patrick. ‘And that involves having all the right gear,’ he adds. The equipment is also available to volunteer coaches and local schools.
The rugby season may have ended, but an exciting programme of pre-season workshops is in the pipeline. Led by rugby-championship-winning players, these sessions are lots of fun and an excellent way to improve your skills, learn new techniques, and get back into playing or have a go for the first time. Follow Ponsonby Rugby Club and the PK community on Facebook for all the latest news and updates.
