We hope you enjoy this look back as we look forward to many more years of recording the history of Wanganui Rugby Union. We acknowledge all the information from the NZ “Rugby Almanack” Series from the season’s 1934 through to 2015 and appreciate their hard and dedicated work in providing this detailed history. – Web Admin

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2008 Season

2008 Status: Heartland.Championship Founded 1888 – Affiliated 1892 President: J.S.Heron Chairman: D.R.Hoskin Chief.Executive.Officer: H.A.R.Elgar (until Aug) D.S.Cobb (from Oct) Coach: G.R.J.Lennox Assistant Coach: J.M.Caskey Main ground: Cooks Gardens , Wanganui Capacity: 15,000 Colours: Royal Blue, Black and White

After being bridesmaid for the previous two years Wanganui were in commanding form throughout 2008 and completed the season unbeaten, the first since 1947, and took away the Meads Cup. They were clearly the most efficient side in the Heartland competition and set several new union and Heartland records. The coaches, Guy Lennox and Jason Caskey, adopted a style best suited to the players, one of running rugby and the successes quickly attracted large audiences of fans. Three quality players were recruited from Taranaki with leading club point scorer Mark Davis scoring 118 points and smashing the record for conversions in a season, previously held by coach Lennox, with 44 goals.

The threequarters benefited with the quality ball with Johnny Mow, Faapulou So’olefai and 18-year-old newcomer Cameron Crowley scoring 32 tries among them. Crowley, a third generation of Wanganui reps, scored four tries in his club debut then four in his rep debut. Fullback Asaeli Tikoirotuma joined in on the try-scoring feast. The inside pairing of Denning Tyrell and Leon Mason was an experienced combination. Josh Edwards, Caleb Maraku and Aaron Paranihi were regular substitutes.

There was plenty of experience in the pack with a superb set of loose forwards in the captain David Gower, Peter Rowe and Ron Katonivere. Mike Fitzgerald was outstanding at lock, an excellent lineout jumper, and the top forward try scorer. Hooker Cole Baldwin was involved in a lot of broken play and formed a strong scrum with props Matthew Gilbert, Sheldon O’Hagan and Shaun McDonough. Justin Lock, Jon Smyth, Todd Wise and Scott Sargison also appeared in most games.

The 2008 season will be remembered in Wanganui’s rugby history as one of its finest years, a team which exhibited all the treasured qualities of amateur provincial rugby. Waverley farmer Guy Lennox, a former star player for the union, has emerged as an astute coach with the ability to bring attractive rugby to the Heartland competition. Provincial rugby pride is alive and well in this region. Lennox was assistant coach of the Heartland team and toured USA along with five members of his champion team.

Higher honours went to:
New Zealand Heartland XV: Crowley, Fitzgerald, Gilbert, Mason, Tikoirotuma