SENIOR RUGBY 2026

Join Burnside RFC for the 2026 Season!

Are you ready to take your rugby to the next level? Burnside RFC is now recruiting players for the 2026 season! Whether you’re an experienced athlete or new to the game, we invite you to become part of a proud rugby tradition with a strong community focus.

Why Choose Burnside RFC?

🏉 Expert Coaching & Player DevelopmentAt Burnside RFC, you'll train under passionate and experienced coaches committed to helping every player grow. For those with higher aspirations, we offer a structured Player Development Pathway to guide and support your progression through the rugby ranks—whether your goals are representative honors or personal excellence.

💪 Upgraded FacilitiesWe’re investing in the future. Our club facilities are currently undergoing exciting upgrades to ensure our players have access to modern, high-quality resources that support top-level training, recovery, and team culture.

🤝 Community & CultureMore than just a team, Burnside RFC is a welcoming rugby family. From juniors to seniors, we foster an inclusive environment where commitment, respect, and enjoyment are at the heart of everything we do.

🔥 Competitive OpportunitiesJoin a club with a proud history and an ambitious future. Compete in a challenging rugby environment, face strong opposition, and grow your game in a team that pushes each other to succeed.


Ready to Join Us?Whether you’re chasing high performance or simply want to enjoy your rugby in a great environment, Burnside RFC is the place for you. Registrations for the 2026 season will open in January 2026.

👉 ​​​​​​​Burnside RFC – Built on Pride. Driven by Passion.

Key Dates:

  1. 25th Nov, 2nd Dec, 9th Dec & 16th Dec preseason conditioning & skills training.
  2. 20th Jan preseason restarts Tues & Thu.
  3. 7th / 8th March preseason game 1 vs Hornby RL at Hornby RLC 
  4. 14th / 15th March preseason game 2 vs Temuka RFC venue & game TBC
  5. 21st / 22nd March preseason game 3 vs Waihora RFC at Waihora for Premier, Premier Reserve & Colts.
  6. 28th / 29th March preseason game 4 vs New Brighton RFC at New Brighton RFC, Premier, Premier Reserve & Colts
  7. 3rd – 6th April Easter no rugby.
  8. 11th April Premier, Premier Reserve & Senior grades start competition.
  9. 11th April, 18th April & 25th April Colts pre competition tournament.
  10. 2nd May Colts competition starts.

Start dates for the Women’s & U85kg grades are TBC.

No rugby Kings Birthday 30th & 31st May.

Burnside RFC Open Grade coaching & management contacts for the 2026 season are listed below.

The Premier coaching & management team;

Willie Brown: Head Coach 0211035537

Tom Houghton Asst Coach 0274652533

TBC Assistant Coach - 0275131546

Danny Malu: Assistant Coach 0220390458 

Dave Elvy: Manager 02718004692

Gary Choat: Manager 021632958

Barry Donaldson: - Physio - 0275011061

The Premier Reserve coaching & management team;

Cam McLoud - Head Coach 02040773698

TBA - Assistant Coach

Matt O'Rourke - Manager 021461946


The Colts coaches for 2025

Colts 1.

Brent Frew - Coach 0273232757

Justin Nixon - Coach 0221940517

Tere Ngariki - Manager 0278869951

The Senior coaching & management team;

Richie Hyslop - Coach/Manager 0278568510 

The U85kg coaching & management group

Philip Morgan - Manager 021773029

Ivan Emerson - Head Coach - 021347029

The Women's Team Coaching & Management Group

Terrance Broughton - Head Coach 0223618253

Assistant Coach TBA

​​​​​​​Casey Curtis - Women's Manager 0274426252