‘Country culture’ drives Tussock Jumpers

If any of the region’s rugby clubs epitomises “grassroots” sport, it is surely the 120-year-old Awatere Rugby Club.

The Seddon-based club, aptly nicknamed the “Tussock Jumpers”, proudly promote a “country culture”.

Club captain Jimmy Ryan said “the Awatere senior team is looking to hit the ground running this year”.

“Pre-season training started early with emphasis on fitness. Recently, the team had a great hit out against Kaikoura and retained the Fissenden Shield.

“The core of the team is back again, which is fantastic, plus we have a few new faces and returning players, such as Ben Filipo, who is also coaching the backline.”

The Tussocks’ coaching group has been retained from last year with Sam Lunn, Ben Norton, Ben Filipo, and Sam Brown as head trainer, Paul Kemp as manager and Terry Renner “the Gaffer”.

“Awatere prides itself on great country culture which dates back to 1906,” said Jimmy.

The club has been around since 1906 and has enjoyed plenty of success, while becoming an integral component of the Seddon-based community.

Since the dissolution of the East Coast premier side, Awatere have contested the Marlborough sub union division two/senior A competition, winning the title in 2021.

“This year is our 120th Anniversary and we have plenty of festivities planned,” said Jimmy.

Their pro-active committee has once again been hard at work putting a framework in place for rugby success, at both junior and senior levels.

They also put on food for the players, some of whom have had to drive some distance, after Thursday night training.

Jimmy said they boys relish the “country culture”.

“We have players from as far as Clarence, Kekerengu, Ward, Seddon, the Awatere Valley and Blenheim and we endeavour to make the club and clubrooms a welcoming place for all.

“We look forward to seeing our community and the greater Marlborough community on the sidelines and in the clubrooms.”

Jimmy also put a shout out to former Tussock Maddi Robinson, who has been named in the Black Ferns squad for the Pacific Four Series. “All the Tussocks are behind you Maddi”.

The ‘Tussocks’ kick off their Motorworld Marlborough senior A season with a home game against the Moutere Magpies on 18 April.

The Awatere senior A squad 2026: Brad Marfell, Davey Falcon Jones, Hamish Harcus, Sean Kennedy, Seymour Lambert, Caelin Marcroft, Wilson Meadowcroft, Angus Phillips, Ben McWilliams, Charlie Renner, Myles Grinter, Lewis Renner, Dylan Locke, Greg Hammond, James Lindstrom, Johnny Neame, Josh Humphreys, Ben Filipo, Alex Boyce, Brodie Lobb, Lachie Gray, Toby McLay Davis, Sam Vularika, Jake Hovenden, Reg Reid, Hamish Lindstrom, Tomas Hall, Michael Ryan, Brad Hazeldine. Coaches: Terry Renner, Sam Lunn, Rob Waikawa, Sam Brown, Ben Norton. Manager Paul Kemp.

Awatere junior club captain Alice Norton says that this season Awatere is fielding seven JAB teams across the junior grades.

“We have a lot of new players joining the club this season which is exciting and great for the club going forward,” says Alice.

“Our U13 team has a huge 21 players this season and majority of those players have been playing for Awatere since they were four.

“These players have been a huge part of our Awatere family for nearly nine years and are great role models for our wee under-6 players, who are giving rugby a go for the first time.”

“Our U11 and U13 teams are heading to Hanmer on April 26 to play in the Crusaders 7s tournaments so that will be a good chance to blow off the cobwebs ready for 2 May when the season starts with the Festival of Rugby at Lansdowne Park.

“Our Tussocks are ready to crack into the season!”