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

After finishing second in 2004 and with the winner, Poverty Bay, being promoted Wairarapa Bush were leading contenders to take out the 2005 title. Preparations began well with a win over second division Wanganui, a game played on a neutral ground, at the former Institute of Rugby at Massey University. However, confidence was dented by a first-up loss to Buller but quickly restored when major threats Horowhenua Kapiti and King Country were disposed of. The remainder of the round robin opposition provided few problems and the Buller defeat was avenged in the semi-final, a hard game in which the home team had to dig deep before winning 20-14.

The grand final was played in summery conditions before a good crowd in festive mood. Wairarapa Bush quickly rattled up the points as Horowhenua Kapiti committed several costly blunders and by halftime appeared to have the title safely within its grasp. However, a late fightback by the visitors brought the scores to 25-23 and it was a relief when near full time a penalty was awarded which Rimene converted. It was the first championship title Wairarapa Bush had won since the finals system was introduced in 1992. The union’s previous title was in 1981 when the second division was won and the union was promoted to division one where it survived for six seasons.

Only 26 players were used throughout the season, a line blend of experienced campaigners and some promising newcomers. Bart Viguurs produced some excellent displays at fullback. Jiogi Tamani, Esava Tiko and Marika Kau were on the wings and Simanu Simanu, who scored 14 tries, was outstanding at centre. A very sharp runner, his play throughout the season produced many tries, not only for himself but also his wings. Nathan Riwai-Couch, the most senior back, was a solid customer and sound defender. Patrick Rimene scored 100 points and was supplied good ball from the halfbacks, James Bruce and substitute Hamish McKenzie. Thomas Harmon was a regular midfield substitute.

With Sylvanus Iro at number eight and Daimon Neal and Sam Henderson on the flanks, Wairarapa Bush possessed an excellent loose forward trio, Neil and Henderson being very quick and effective. Steven Olds was recalled late in the season. Mike Robinson was an inspiring captain yet again and the championship title was a fitting reward for the contribution he had given to the union over many years. His locking partner was the former Wanganui representative Tomasi Kedrabuka who was the team’s most outstanding player. The front row had a hard working hooker in Rob Foreman and his substitute Richard MacDonald. Four props were used — Dylan Higgison, Logan Ili, Joe Harwood and Ashley Wells.

2005 Pre-Season Match Record: Played 1 ; Won 1
Points :For 25 ; Against 08

2005 NPC Third Division Match Record: Played 9 ; Won 8; Lost 1
Points :For 305 ; Against 131

Cap# & Wairarapa Bush REPRESENTATIVES 2005 {Total Games}

#CAP		NAME	POSITION	CLUB	PL
287		Nathan Leslie Arekateia Riwai-Couch	First Five, Fullback	Marist	10
307		Michael Raymond Robinson	Loose Forward, Lock	Upper Hutt, Wellington RU	9
336		James Clayton Bruce	Scrumhalf	Gladstone	10
343		Patrick Harding-Rimene	First Five, Fullback	Marist	10
347		Logan Fiaui Ili	Prop	Carterton	8
363		Joseph Rua ‘Joe’ Harwood	Hooker, Prop	Carterton	10
369		Richard Allan McDonald	Flanker, Hooker	Carterton	8
397		Hamish Mavor McKenzie	Scrumhalf	Eketahuna	7
403		Simanu Filisoa Simanu	Centre	Eketahuna	10
408		Dylan Morgan Higgison	Prop	Greytown-Tuhirangi	10
412		Steven Gerald Olds	Centre	Eketahuna	3
421		Robert William Foreman	Hooker	Eketahuna	10
423		Samuel West Henderson	Flanker	Gladstone	10
426		Sylvanus Raeburn ‘Silvo’ Iro	Loose Forward, Lock	Greytown-Tuhirangi	10
427		Esava Tiko	Winger	Oriental-Rongotai , Wellington RU	10
428		Jiogi Bavono ‘George’ Tamani	Winger	Eketahuna	6
429		Tomasi Talacanavatu Kedrabuka	Lock	Carterton	10
430		Corey Geoffrey Reid	Lock	Marist	8
431		Daimon M. Neal	Flanker	Gladstone	10
432		Bart Viguurs	Fullback	Greytown-Tuhirangi	9
433		Ashley D. Wells	Prop	Carterton	10
434		Timothy Shane Iro	Flanker	Eketahuna	1
435		Charles John Bargh	Scrumhalf	Marist	2
436		Thomas Harmon	Centre, Winger	Carterton	8
437		R. Marika V. Kau	Winger	Oriental-Rongotai , Wellington RU	8
438		Glenn Rigby Bunny	Fullback	Carterton	2

#CAP		NAME	SEASON
—		Penalty Try	2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2005, 2003, 2002, 1999, 1997, 1996, 1995 , 1990, 1987	1