20/03/2026
TRFC Appeal for Snr Mens
CLUB BACKGROUND & CHALLENGES
Tongariro Rugby Football Club is currently facing the real possibility of being unable to field a team for the King Country Rugby Union competition.
Over the past six years, the club has remained active by amalgamating with the Taupō United Football Club, creating the Tongariro Taupō United (TU) senior team. Prior to this, both clubs struggled to gather sufficient player numbers, and the merger served as a vital step to preserve club history, mana, and continuity.
The combined team went on to experience four to five strong seasons, including a first-place finish last year, supported by dedicated management and quality coaching. However, some players from previous years did not make the most recent squad and have since moved on, which has further reduced the pool of available players going into the 2026 season.
CURRENT SITUATION & COMMUNITY CALL
This year, there is a significant shortage of committed players, and the club is at risk of not being able to field a senior team.
At a recent meeting between management and current players, it was agreed that the club would make a final, all-in effort to regroup and assemble a team for the upcoming season. This includes reaching out to former players who have supported the team over recent years, as well as actively recruiting new players from across Taupō, Waitahanui, and Tūrangi.
An open training session is scheduled for Tuesday, March 24th at 6.30pm at the Tūrangi fields, with a public call for support from potential players, whānau, and the wider community.
Special acknowledgment is given to Aarin Dunster for his foundational role in establishing the amalgamated team and his ongoing contributions at higher union levels.
LEGACY, HISTORY & COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
The club has deep historical roots in Turangi, with many past local rugby greats who have significantly contributed to shaping the sport in the region and preserving the club’s traditions for future generations. While the club continues to maintain well-managed junior and women’s teams, the senior team is facing a serious threat due to low player numbers. Therefore, we highlight our invitation once again to the wider community, including past players, supporters, whānau, and newcomers, to step forward and help ensure that the club's legacy is not lost.
Tongariro Rugby Football Club (TRFC) also serves as the primary point of contact for hosting external teams due to its central location and strong reputation for manaakitanga across the motu. The club warmly welcomes guests from a variety of iwi, including Ngāi Tūhoe, Tauranga Moana, and Ngāti Awa, many of whom share whakapapa connections and a long history of engagement dating back to our esteemed founder, Mr. Puataata Grace.
The newly built Te Mataapuna facility and Tūrangitukua Sports Park are highly regarded, thanks to the combined efforts of Ngāti Turangitukua and the Taupō District Council. Tongariro R.F.C. also takes this opportunity to acknowledge the Waipapa 1A Trust, the owners of the whenua on which our clubroom has stood for many years up to the present day.
WOMENS & JUNIOR RUGBY
Our local women’s rugby team is performing exceptionally well, reflecting a strong partnership between both clubs and a genuine commitment to growing women’s rugby in our region. Their dedication, consistency, and contribution to the club’s long term sustainability deserve real recognition.
Junior rugby also continues to thrive, supported by high participation and strong management. However, the absence of a senior team will have a noticeable impact on our juniors, as it removes visible role models, limits their progression pathways, and weakens the wider sense of community within the club.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Today marks the first of many visiting teams for the season, as Waikato University faces Massey University.
Our Junior rugby will support the event by setting up the fields, and the club will provide kai for the visitors before they return home. Nau mai, haere mai!
Na Raukura Dunster
