Pioneer Sports Club

Junior Rugby League Manawatu Rugby League (MRL)​​​​​​​

In 2017, the main goal of this initiative was to provide an opportunity for our Wairarapa kids to play Rugby League in the regional Manawatu Rugby League (MRL) competition, as at that stage Wairarapa tamariki had no regional club to play for.

Historically, the Wairarapa region falls within the Wellington Rugby League zone, however based upon the Manawatu Sunday game-day situation versus the Wellington Saturday game-day situation for Junior Rugby League - the Manawatu Sunday competition was deemed logistically more practical for parents and kids. This out-of-district situation was also sanctioned by New Zealand Rugby League Board.

The inaugural 20217 Masterton Coyotes U11 Rugby League team were a stand-alone self-managed and coached team.

In 2021, the Coyotes merged with Pioneer Sports Club (Inc.) where Rugby League has been embraced and has gone from strength to strength. For season 2022, three Wairarapa teams (12/14/16s) competed under the auspices of Pioneer Sports Club (Inc.) in the Junior/Youth MRL competition. We also have a Men’s team in the Manawatu Senior Competition.

For those not familiar with the Manawatu Junior/Youth Comp; it’s played on Sundays starting in early March which runs for approximately 10 weeks. This enables our kids to utilise Rugby League as a preseason to their rugby season. Both codes complement each other in terms of shared skills and fitness. Moreover the MRL competition provides a pathway for prospective league players to progress to that next level.

Pioneer Sports Club (Inc.) through terrific sponsors Mana Plastering, and Carroll's Joinery received funding for new rugby league playing strips for the 2022 season. This was huge news for our region as players have never had club centric rugby league jerseys before.

Pioneer Sports Club (inc.) has been providing an opportunity for Wairarapa youth to play in the MRL competition hosted in Palmerston North now for 3 seasons and in each year have had at least one team make the playoffs.

2024 Rugby League Youth teams grades  U12/14/16s Pioneer within MRL 10 week comp of Mar – May 2024. 

Circa 40 kids involved. Intent for 2024 season 

if you are interested playing, Coaching, Supporting Rugby League please feel free to contact Paul, all details below.

Delegate -Paul Griffiths Rugby League 021967291  [email protected]

Under 12

Coach- Kingston Pene 027 356 8321

Manager- TBC

Under 14

Coach- Cheyenne Pakai 022 382 5646 [email protected]

Manager- Paula Pakai 027 497 5717 [email protected]

Under 16

Coach- Mark Tauroa 022 108 3401 

Manager- Paul Griffiths 021 241 3739 [email protected]