We hope you enjoy this look back as we look forward to many more years of recording the history of Wairarapa Bush Rugby Union. We acknowledge all the information from the NZ “Rugby Almanack” Series from the season’s 1934 through to 2020 and appreciate their hard and dedicated work in providing this detailed history. – Web Admin

The 1990 season was a disastrous one for Wairarapa Bush, with only one win from 12 games. Only bonus points in the Wanganui and Poverty Bay games and a last-ditch win over Marlborough kept Wairarapa Bush in the second division for 1991.

Craig Pepperell played some good games at fullback but was not as consistent as usual. Mike Foster extended his try-scoring record ‘but received few opportunities. David Rutene was one of the more reliable backs and Peter Bresaz did some good work at centre. Mark Benton’s experience was an asset and his try against Marlborough saved his team from relegation. Bernie Lett battled hard at halfback and played consistently well in spite of receiving some untidy possession.

Bryan Styles was the best forward but hooker Nick O’Neale, in his first season, showed considerable promise. Bruce Bowie and Greg Hawkins were fast around the field and played well in general.

B.Lett captained the team.

Foster played for the New Zealand Divisional Team and took part in the All Black trials.

Higher honours went to:
New Zealand Divisional XV: M.T.Foster

1990 Match Record: Played 12 ; Won 1 ; Lost 11
Points : For 139 ; Against 3622

Cap# & Wairarapa Bush REPRESENTATIVES 1990 {Total Games}

#CAP		NAME	POSITION	CLUB	PL
132		Mervyn James Dudley	Loose Forward	Masterton	1
147		Bernard James Lett	Scrumhalf	Carterton	12
148		Gary Ian Rolston	Lock	Eketahuna	12
155		Mark Frederick Clive Benton	First Five, Fullback	Featherston	10
158		Bryan Edward Styles	Prop	Carterton	12
159		Gregory Ross Gray	Centre, First Five	Marist	3
162		Michael Thomas Foster	Winger	Carterton	12
163		David Rutene	Centre	Marist	8
169		Vincent Joseph Burgess	Hooker	Carterton	2
172		Peter Robert Smith	Lock	Martinborough	10
174		Christopher Francis William Berry	Prop	Greytown	11
187		Christopher John Lett	Hooker	Carterton	2
189		Gregory Richard Hawkins	No. 8	Martinborough	12
190		Craig Noel Pepperell	Centre, Fullback, Scrumhalf	Red Star	9
192		Joseph North Huirama	Centre, Fullback, Winger	Greytown	6
196		Lance D. Christiansen	Loose Forward, No. 8	Red Star	4
197		Peter R. Bresaz	Centre	Red Star	8
201		Bruce Donald Bowie	Flanker	Puketoi	12
202		Geoff Kawana	Winger	Pioneer	1
202		Vaughan James Marfell	Centre	East Coast	5
203		Neville Graham	Hooker	Pioneer	1
204		Matthew Edward Hoggard	Flanker, Hooker, Lock	Red Star	2
205		Robert Ihaka Rutene	Centre, Fullback	Carterton	6
206		Todd Christopher Woolett	Fullback, Winger	Greytown	2
207		Anton Mathew Kainuku	Prop	Pioneer	1
208		Darryl Joseph Waitere	Centre	Pioneer	2
209		Nicholas Andrew O’Neale	Hooker	Masterton	9
210		Bruce Keith Cornelius	Lock	Red Star	9
211		Ben K. Fox	First Five, Fullback	Pioneer	7
212		Nuki Gordon	Scrumhalf	Pioneer	1

		Scored
	Penalty Try	1