Ruakura Rugby Football Club

30/10/2026

🥊🔥 THE TURF WAR CONTINUES! THE BATTLE OF THE STADIUMS! 🔥🥊

79 YEARS IN THE TURF INDUSTRY. TWO GROUNDSMEN. ONE BOXING RING. AND ABSOLUTELY NOWHERE TO HIDE!🥊

Earlier this week, we travelled to Auckland to catch up with Mark Perham at Go Media Stadium.

Now it's Waikato's turn to have their say! 🔴🟡⚫

We caught up with Karl "KJ" Johnson at FMG Stadium Waikato, the home of the Gallagher Chiefs and Waikato Rugby, to hear his side of the story ahead of what promises to be one of the most entertaining showdowns at RUMBLE ON THE RIVER!

And if there's one man who knows every blade of grass at FMG Stadium Waikato, it's KJ!

For decades, he's been one of the unsung heroes behind some of the biggest sporting occasions in our region. From Super Rugby clashes to international rugby fixtures, KJ has dedicated his working life to preparing a world-class sporting stage.

But on Saturday 28 November, the man who normally prepares the battlefield is about to become a warrior himself!

🏟️ KARL "KJ" JOHNSON – FMG Stadium Waikato

🆚

🏟️ MARK PERHAM – Go Media Stadium

WAIKATO vs AUCKLAND!
GROUNDSMAN vs GROUNDSMAN!
THE ULTIMATE TURF WAR! 🌱🥊

Between these two gentlemen, there's an incredible 79 years of experience in the turf industry. That's a fair few kilometres behind a mower, a mountain of grass clippings and thousands of hours preparing sporting surfaces for some of New Zealand's greatest athletes!

But there's one thing neither man has spent much time preparing for...

GETTING PUNCHED IN THE FACE! 😂🥊

At 55 years young, KJ has openly admitted that stepping into a boxing ring is well outside his comfort zone. But that's exactly what makes this contest so special.

Two highly respected gentlemen, two sporting stadiums, two proud regions and one very worthy cause.

💙 MOVEMBER – MEN'S HEALTH & MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS.

Too many good men struggle in silence, and KJ's willingness to put himself on the line is a tremendous example of stepping outside your comfort zone, challenging yourself and doing something meaningful for others.

And while there will undoubtedly be plenty of friendly rivalry, banter and perhaps a little sledging between Waikato and Auckland, there's enormous respect between these two men.

But once that bell rings, all friendships are temporarily on hold! 🔔🥊

🎥 WATCH OUR EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH KARL "KJ" JOHNSON FROM THE MIDDLE OF FMG STADIUM WAIKATO!

We hear how the training is going, his thoughts on his Auckland opponent and why he's decided to trade his trusty lawnmower for a pair of boxing gloves!

This is shaping up to be an absolute cracker and quite possibly WORTH THE PRICE OF ADMISSION ALONE!

📅 Saturday 28 November 2026
📍 Claudelands Events Centre, Hamilton
🥊 RUMBLE ON THE RIVER – BLACK TIE FIGHT NIGHT

Proudly presented by Team George Promotions in partnership with Ruakura Rugby Football Club.

79 YEARS ON THE TURF. ONE NIGHT ON THE CANVAS.

THE WAIKATO IS BEHIND YOU, KJ! LET'S GET READY TO RUMBLE!🔥🥊

29/10/2026

28/10/2026

🥊🔥 THE TURF WAR IS ON! THE BATTLE OF THE STADIUMS! 🔥🥊

79 YEARS IN THE TURF INDUSTRY. TWO GROUNDSMEN. ONE BOXING RING. AND ABSOLUTELY NOWHERE TO HIDE! 🥊

We caught up with Mark Perham, Head Groundsman at Go Media Stadium, right in the middle of the iconic home of the One New Zealand Warriors and Auckland FC, to discuss what promises to be one of the most entertaining fights at RUMBLE ON THE RIVER!

And make no mistake, this is one contest that has captured our imagination!

🏟️ KARL “KJ” JOHNSON – FMG Stadium Waikato

🆚

🏟️ MARK PERHAM – Go Media Stadium

WAIKATO vs AUCKLAND!
GROUNDSMAN vs GROUNDSMAN!
THE ULTIMATE TURF WAR! 🌱🥊

Between these two gentlemen, there’s an incredible 79 years of experience preparing some of New Zealand’s finest sporting surfaces. But on Saturday 28 November, they’ll be swapping their lawnmowers, line markers and turf equipment for boxing gloves!

At 55 years young, KJ is stepping well outside his comfort zone, and Mark isn’t exactly taking the easy option either!

It’s a tremendous show of courage from two highly respected characters in the New Zealand sporting community, putting themselves on the line for a cause much bigger than boxing.

💙 MOVEMBER – MEN’S HEALTH & MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS.

Too many good men struggle in silence. Events like this are about bringing communities together, encouraging conversations and reminding our mates that it’s okay to reach out.

And while these two might be fierce rivals for three rounds, they’re united in their commitment to making a difference.

🎥 WATCH OUR EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH MARK PERHAM FROM THE CENTRE OF GO MEDIA STADIUM!

We get his thoughts on KJ, the looming showdown and what possessed him to climb into a boxing ring in the first place!

This is going to be an absolute cracker and quite possibly WORTH THE PRICE OF ADMISSION ALONE!

📅 Saturday 28 November 2026
📍 Claudelands Events Centre, Hamilton
🥊 RUMBLE ON THE RIVER – BLACK TIE FIGHT NIGHT

Proudly presented by Team George Promotions in partnership with Ruakura Rugby Football Club.

79 YEARS ON THE TURF. ONE NIGHT ON THE CANVAS. LET THE TURF WAR BEGIN! 🔥🥊

Thank you to the camerawoman, Katy Roach, for capturing this interview superbly.

26/10/2026

🥊🔥 RUMBLE ON THE RIVER – HAMILTON, ARE YOU READY?!

75% SOLD OUT – TICKETS NOW ON GENERAL PUBLIC SALE!

📅 Saturday 28 November 2026
📍 Claudelands Events Centre, Hamilton

The countdown is on to what promises to be one of Hamilton's biggest nights of the year!

Ruakura Rugby Football Club, in conjunction with Team George Promotions, proudly presents RUMBLE ON THE RIVER – a premier Black Tie Boxing Event, bringing together some of the biggest personalities from rugby, sport and business for an unforgettable night of boxing, entertainment and camaraderie!

And what a fight card we have lined up! 👊

🥊 THE MAIN EVENT – LIAM MESSAM vs MATT MATICH

Two absolute warriors of New Zealand rugby go head-to-head in what promises to be an explosive headline bout!

Former All Black and Chiefs legend Liam Messam steps into the ring against the formidable Matt Matich. Two proud competitors, neither accustomed to taking a backward step. This one is going to be special!

🔥 AND THE UNDERCARD? WORTH THE PRICE OF ADMISSION ALONE!

🏟️ FMG Stadium Waikato vs Go Media Stadium!

Karl Johnson vs Mark Perham

Forget Chiefs versus Blues! We've got a stadium rivalry being settled in the boxing ring! Two iconic sporting venues, two proud competitors and plenty of bragging rights on the line. This could be the fight of the night!

🏡 Bayleys Real Estate vs Lodge Real Estate!

Jack Devane vs Matt Scoble - Bayleys Waikato

Two of Hamilton's biggest real estate companies are taking their rivalry out of the property market and into the boxing ring! Forget negotiating house prices – these two will be negotiating with their gloves on! 🥊

🏉 King Country Rugby vs THAMES VALLEY RUGBY

Josh Standen vs Joe Murray

A good old-fashioned provincial rugby grudge match! Two proud rugby regions, plenty of history and absolutely no love lost when the bell rings!

🎱 FROM THE POOL TABLE TO THE BOXING RING!

We have Matt Edwards, New Zealand's most successful pool player, swapping his cue for boxing gloves! A man who knows all about performing under pressure, but this will be an entirely different challenge!

🏉 RUGBY COACH vs RUGBY REFEREE!

Craig Stewart vs Euan Rutherford

Professional rugby coach Craig Stewart takes on rugby referee Euan Rutherford! How often has a rugby coach wanted to square up against the man with the whistle? Well, here's his opportunity! No TMO, no yellow cards and nowhere to hide! 😂

🥊 KEEPING IT IN THE CHIEFS FAMILY!

Jackson Baird Gillet is stepping into the ring!

Jackson is the son of former Chiefs Head Trainer Johnny Gillett, a familiar face to generations of Chiefs players and supporters. It's fantastic to see the next generation of the Chiefs family getting involved, although we're not sure Johnny's years of rugby training experience will be much help when the punches start flying! 👊

👊 THE LADIES ARE STEPPING INTO THE RING TOO!

Representing one of the Chiefs' longest-standing and loyal supporters, Tompkins Wake Law Firm* we have Lisa Jamieson lacing up the gloves for a female boxing bout!

Tompkins Wake has been a wonderful supporter of Chiefs Rugby over many years, and it's fantastic to see Lisa stepping outside her comfort zone and taking on the challenge of getting into the ring. This is what the event is all about – courage, commitment and having a crack!

💥 AND THERE'S MORE!

We have some serious rugby pedigree stepping into the ring, including:

🥊 Hika Elliot – Former All Black and Chiefs centurion!

🥊 James McGougan – Former Chiefs rugby player!

🥊 Faifili Levave – 79 Super Rugby appearances for the Chiefs and Hurricanes!

Throw in local rowers, business personalities and other brave individuals prepared to step outside their comfort zones, and we have an absolutely outstanding night of boxing ahead!

🎥 LIVE STREAMED ON COMBAT SPORTS NETWORK

Can't make it to Claudelands? The action will also be live streamed through Combat Sports Network, showcasing this fantastic event to a wider audience.

🖤 MORE THAN JUST BOXING – SUPPORTING Movember New Zealand

While the action in the ring will be fierce, there's a much bigger purpose behind the evening.

Rumble on the River is proudly raising funds and awareness for Movember New Zealand, supporting the important conversation around men's health.

Movember focuses on three critical areas:

💙 Men's mental health and su***de prevention

💙 Prostate cancer

💙 Testicular cancer

As a rugby community, we know the importance of looking after our mates, checking in on one another and making sure nobody feels they have to face life's challenges alone.

This event is about bringing people together, having a fantastic evening and helping shine a light on issues that affect men, their families and our communities.

Find out more about Movember and its important work at www.movember.com

🎟️ 75% OF THE VENUE IS ALREADY SOLD!

Our exclusive presale period has now concluded, and the response has been phenomenal!

With three-quarters of the venue already sold, remaining tickets have now been released to the general public.

If you're planning on attending, NOW IS THE TIME TO SECURE YOUR SEATS!

Whether you're bringing clients, colleagues, friends or family, this promises to be one of those nights you'll be talking about for years to come!

🥂 Black tie atmosphere

🥊 Outstanding boxing matchups

🍽️ Premium hospitality

🏉 Chiefs and rugby legends

🎉 A night of entertainment and camaraderie

💙 Supporting men's health through Movember

🎟️ BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW THROUGH TICKETEK:

https://premier.ticketek.co.nz/shows/show.aspx?sh=RUMBLEOR26

SATURDAY 28 NOVEMBER | CLAUDELANDS EVENTS CENTRE | HAMILTON

Don't miss your chance to be part of something special!

RUMBLE ON THE RIVER – LET'S GET READY TO RUMBLE! 🥊🔥

01/10/2026

It was fantastic to welcome the management teams from all of the sides involved in this week’s Schoolboys & U18 Rugby Week into the Ruakura RFC Clubrooms.

Hosted by New Zealand Rugby at St Paul’s Collegiate, it’s been a brilliant week of rugby, with some of the very best young talent in the country on display.

It was also great to have a few familiar faces from across the Super Rugby landscape through the clubrooms, including Conrad Smith, Tamati Ellison and Greg Feek, along with former Chief #146 Tasesa Lavea.

The final round of games is on Sunday, so if you’re in the area, get along to St Paul’s and have a look. You’ll be watching plenty of names we’re sure to hear a lot more about in the years ahead!

🏉 A great week for the game and the next generation of New Zealand rugby.

29/09/2026

🏉🏆 PUKEKOHE — RUGBY’S 2ND GREATEST RIVALRY IS COMING YOUR WAY! 🏆🏉

With the quiz falling between the Bledisloe Cup Test matches, this edition of Rugby’s 2nd Greatest Rivalry will have a very strong Bledisloe Cup flavour.

And because we’re in Counties, we’ll also be throwing plenty of Ranfurly Shield history into the mix!

Expect questions covering All Blacks v Australia, great Bledisloe Cup moments, Counties rugby, Ranfurly Shield history, Chiefs rugby and general rugby knowledge.

Our previous quiz nights have created brilliant atmospheres — plenty of banter, plenty of laughs, some serious rugby knowledge and the odd reputation put firmly on the line!
And there’s plenty to play for.

🏆 First Prize includes:
• Full corporate hospitality at a Chiefs home game in 2027
• Limited-edition leather-bound copies of He Piko, He Taniwha for the team
• The opportunity for the winning captain to spend a night with the original Tri Nations Trophy (T&Cs apply!)

There will also be prizes for 2nd and 3rd, plus plenty of spot prizes throughout the night.

📍 Fire Station Eatery & Bar, Pukekohe
📅 Thursday 15 October 2026
🚪 Doors open 5.30pm
🏉 Quiz starts 7.05pm
👥 Tight Five maximum
💰 $200 per team

So round up your five, brush up on your Bledisloe Cups, Ranfurly Shields and Counties rugby history, and come and test just how good your rugby knowledge really is!

👉 REGISTER YOUR TEAM HERE:
https://www.ruakurarfc.co.nz/quiz-series
Or contact Kent Currie
📧 [email protected]
📱 021 944 710

Bledisloe Cup. Ranfurly Shield. Counties Rugby. Bragging rights.

🔥 PUKEKOHE — YOU’RE UP!

09/09/2026

WHAT A NIGHT IN TARANAKI!

A fantastic night at the Nag ‘N’ Noggin in New Plymouth as Rugby’s 2nd Greatest Rivalry travelled west.

Taranaki certainly proved what many have said for years, this is a province full of pure rugby enthusiasts who know the game better than most.

Neil Barnes might just have been right all along! 😂

There was a brilliant atmosphere in the room, plenty of banter, plenty of laughs, and some very serious rugby knowledge on display.

A huge thank you to John Gray and the team at Nag N Noggin for being such fantastic hosts, and to every team that entered and helped make the night what it was.

The feedback afterwards was pretty clear, you want us back! And we’ve heard you. We’ll definitely be looking to return and do another one.

Congratulations to our Taranaki podium:

🥇 Wise Counsel – 1st
🥈 Tip It In – 2nd
🥉 Pull Out B4 U Quiz – 3rd

A brilliant effort from all three teams in what was a genuine test of rugby knowledge.

Most importantly, thank you to everyone who supported the night and helped create such a great spirit in the room.

Taranaki, you were outstanding.

We’ll be back. 🏉🍻

02/09/2026

FATHER’S DAY SORTED!

Looking for something a little different for Dad this Father’s Day, Sunday 6 September?

He Piko, He Taniwha tells the story of 30 years of Chiefs Rugby through the voices of the Chiefs themselves, the players, coaches and people who have helped shape the club over the past three decades.

Written by Tony Johnson and Lynn McConnell, it’s a great addition to the bookshelf for any Chiefs supporter or rugby fan and an ideal Father’s Day gift.

You can grab a copy in a few different ways:

🏉 Penny’s Bookstore – Chartwell Square, Hamilton
Pop in and pick one up directly from the team at Penny’s:
https://pennysbookstore.co.nz

📚 Buy directly from the publisher – Upstart Press
https://upstartpress.co.nz/product/he-piko-he-taniwha/

📍 Or if you’re floating around Hamilton, contact Kent directly and we can arrange a copy:
📱 021 944 710
📧 [email protected]

A great piece of Chiefs history, a celebration of the people who have worn the jersey, and something Dad can keep for years to come.

Father’s Day sorted! 🎁🏉

02/09/2026

🥊 RUMBLE ON THE RIVER – THE MOMENTUM IS BUILDING! 🥊

Things are really starting to gather momentum for Rumble on the River, our Black Tie Fight Night at the Claudelands Events Centre on Saturday 28 November 2026.

While there will be plenty of rivalry, entertainment and theatre inside the ring, there is also an important purpose behind the night.

Taking place during Movember New Zealand we want to use the event to put a spotlight on Men’s Health Awareness and encourage blokes to look after themselves, look after their mates and not put off those important conversations or health checks.

Men’s Health and the Movember message will be a big part of what Rumble on the River is all about.

The night is being put together by Ruakura Rugby Football Club in conjunction with renowned Hamilton boxing identity Cairo George at Team George Promotions. Interest in stepping into the ring has really picked up over the past week.

Ruakura Rugby Football Club is the home of the Chiefs Alumni and has been established to provide a platform for our former players to remain connected and, importantly, to give something back to the community long after their playing days are over.

Former Chiefs and All Black Liam Messam is our official Club Captain, while former Chiefs and All Black captain Sam Cane is our Club Patron and Rumble on the River is another opportunity for our former players to come together around something that can have a positive impact within our community.

And the fight card is starting to look pretty entertaining!

🥊 Liam Messam vs TBC – Main Event
🥊 Hika Elliot vs TBC
🥊 James McGougan vs TBC
🥊 Faifili Levave vs TBC – close to being confirmed
🥊 Karl Johnson vs Mark Perram – FMG Stadium WaikatoGroundsman vs Go Media Stadium Head Groundsman in the Battle of the Stadiums – TURF WAR!
🥊 Jack Devane – Lodge Real Estate vs Matt Scoble - Bayleys Waikato – Bayleys
🥊 Josh Standen – King Country vs Joe Murray – Thames Valley

There are also a number of other notable personalities from around our community who have expressed an interest in supporting the event and potentially stepping into the ring, so this is shaping up to be an absolute ripper of a night!

If you’re a former player, rugby club member, sporting identity, businessperson or local personality who has been quietly thinking about having a crack, we’d love to hear from you.

You don’t need to be a boxer. You just need to be prepared to train, challenge yourself, put on a show and support a night that will help us promote an important message around Movember and Men’s Health Awareness.

📅 Saturday 28 November 2026
📍 Claudelands Events Centre, Hamilton
🥊 Black Tie Boxing
👊 Headlined by Liam Messam
🤝 In conjunction with Cairo George at Team George Promotions
💙 Supporting Movember & Men’s Health Awareness

Interested in stepping into the ring?

📞 Kent – 021 944 710
📧 [email protected]

Get your gloves on for RUMBLE ON THE RIVER.

A great night, a great cause and a chance to make a difference beyond the game.

02/09/2026

🏉 TARANAKI — TWO SPOTS LEFT! 🏆

The final Test of Rugby’s 2nd Greatest Rivalry is heading to the Nag n Noggin in New Plymouth next Tuesday night and we’re almost at capacity!

We currently have 10 teams entered, led by Adam Bayliss, Emily Barrett, Bruce Colgan, Ashton, Andrew Castles, John Gray, Bryce Robbins, Geoff Herbert, Steven Bruce and Jared Nell.

That means we have room for just TWO MORE TEAMS

And there is plenty on the line…

🏆 FIRST PRIZE includes:
• Custody of the original Tri Nations Trophy for the night (T&Cs definitely apply!)
• Full corporate hospitality for the team at a Chiefs home game in 2027
• Limited-edition leather-bound copies of He Piko, He Taniwha, the story of Chiefs rugby history

There will also be prizes for 2nd and 3rd, plus plenty of spot prizes throughout the night.

The quiz will test your knowledge of Taranaki rugby, Chiefs rugby, the All Blacks and the great All Blacks v Springboks rivalry....and if the first quizzes are anything to go by, the questions certainly won’t be for the faint-hearted!

The previous rounds have produced brilliant nights full of rugby people, banter, laughs and some very healthy competition.

📍 Nag n Noggin, New Plymouth
📅 Tuesday 8 September
🚪 Doors open 5.30pm
🏉 Quiz starts 7.05pm
👥 Maximum five per team
💰 $200 per team

🔥 Only two spots remain.

Round up your Tight Five and help us finish Rugby’s 2nd Greatest Rivalry with a bang in Taranaki!

📧 [email protected]
📱 021 944 710