Wgtn Rugby League

Today marks the end of an era for Wellington Rugby League with the departure of our CEO Andre Whittaker.

Andre has worked tirelessly at the helm for the past 6 years, with player numbers more than doubling over his tenure. It means more people are playing, more teams are involved, and there are better opportunities
across junior, women’s and senior grades.

Andre’s dedication and commitment to supporting the game has given WRL a strong platform for future growth, despite the challenging environment that continues to face community sport in Aotearoa New Zealand.

On behalf of everyone at WRL, thank you for all you’ve done for our game Andre. We know none of this has been easy, but leadership is rarely measured by the easy years. You leave us having achieved so much and setting us up well for a new era.

We wish you well for your next chapter - meitaki ma’ata.

One of the values that our community hold up high is to know where we came from and to honour those who went before us. We all came from somewhere. Wgtn Rugby League didn't just appear in the last 10, 20 , 30 , 40 or 50 years .The history of WRL goes back 114 years to 1912. That's a proud and long whakapapa that our game connects to. WRL are grateful to Rick Aird for donating some of his photos so that we could take a deep dive snap shot into our games history. We've captured them for our page. Hope you enjoy. Do you recognise any of the names?

A big weekend for our Wellington Orcas U14s, with both our Girls and Boys teams taking out their grades at the Lower North Island Tournament!

Results - Day 2

Girls
Orcas 28 - 0 Taranaki
Final 🏆 Orcas 14 - 12 Manawatu

Boys
Orcas 40 - 0 Te Tai Tokerau
Final 🏆 WBD

Congratulations to all our players! 👏🏽

A massive thank you to all our coaching and support staff for the mahi put in before and throughout the tournament.

Thank you to Manawatu Rugby League for hosting the tournament and to all the other teams who travelled to make the tournament possible.

A strong opening day for our Orcas 14s at the Lower North Island Tournament in Palmerston North.

Results - Day 1

14s Girls
✅️ Orcas 16 vs 8 BOP
✅️ Orcas 22 vs 14 Manawatu

14s Boys
✅️ Orcas 28 vs 8 Hawkes Bay
✅️ Orcas 46 vs 6 Taranaki

Great start to the tournament - Bring on day 2!

# FinsUp

Recently WRL had the pleasure of hosting The NZRL new CEO Andrea Nelson. Along with Ani Cherrington and Robyn Morete from NZRL, the WRL board, WRL Patron Luamanuvao Dame Winnie Laban and the operations team took time to korero about the local league environment and the NZRL Connected Game Plan.

Kia ora WRL whanau, the Kapua whanau would like to share the following details for Wi..
Kia ora e te whānau,

Wi - is now at home, surrounded by whānau. ❤️

Whānau and friends are welcome to come and spend time with him during the following times:

Saturday & Sunday | 10am–6pm
129 Molesworth Street, Taita

In true Wi Kapua style no formality, it’s very informal—come have a kōrero, share a story, have a laugh, or even remind him about his questionable refereeing decisions 😂🏉

Just walk in when you’re ready. The whare is small so it may get a bit cosy, but everyone is welcome.

His funeral service will be held on Monday 17 August 2026 at 11am at:

Haven Falls Funeral Home
42–50 Burden Avenue
Wainuiomata

To honour his love of rugby league, feel free to wear your local club colours or favourite NRL jersey.

After the service, he will go for cremation, with a small kai for those attending as he makes his final journey.

Ngā mihi nui for all the aroha, messages, and support—it truly means a lot to us.

Ngā mihi,
Alby

⚫️🟡 Orcas 18s Girls & Boys ⚫️🟡

Congratulations to the following players who have been selected for the Wellington Orcas 18s Boys & Girls teams.

Both teams will be competing in the NZRL National Youth Tournament at Bruce Pulman Park, Auckland, 27-29 September.

⚫️🟡 Orcas 16s Girls & Boys ⚫️🟡

Congratulations to the following players who have been selected for the Wellington Orcas 16s Boys & Girls teams.

Both teams will be competing in the NZRL National Youth Tournament at Bruce Pulman Park, Auckland, 27-29 September.

It is with deep sadness that WRL acknowledges the passing of Wi Kapua. A life member of Randwick Rugby League , WRLRA and the Wgtn Rugby League. A tireless dedicated servant to rugby league. Aroha nui te whanau. Haere, haere, haere atu rā e te rangatira.