In July 2024, Ruawai JMB welcomed the Beecroft Barbarians for the first time since Covid paused a 40-year exchange between the two clubs. As the Barbarians departed, they left with a simple message that sparked something bigger: “We’d love to see you next year if you need help fundraising, just give us a call.”
That encouragement set the wheels in motion. By November 2024, our committee committed to raising approximately $80,000 to take our 2025 U11 team to Sydney, Australia, a legacy continuation of a relationship that began in 1980.
From the outset, we wanted the trip to teach more than rugby. A key principle was that the kids would contribute to the mahi required to make the tour possible. Whether it was throwing tyres onto a silage stack, loading firewood, prepping hāngī packs or stacking hay, every task was an opportunity to learn the value of effort, teamwork, and contribution.
Fundraising had its challenges, as families juggle many pressures but a strong, committed group of parents kept the momentum going. By late August, we had raised enough to cover all major costs, and the focus shifted from fundraising to preparing for an unforgettable week across the ditch.
Before departure, Ruawai Rugby legends and Northland representatives Holli O’Sullivan and Matt Moulds attended our Jersey Presentation. Matt’s stories about his own youth experiences travelling to Sydney, and later hosting Beecroft in return set the tone for the adventure ahead.
Arriving on 29 September, the team settled into the Baden-Powell Activity Centre, just minutes from the Barbarians’ home ground. The following day, Beecroft hosted a Family Day where players from both clubs connected through team challenges, sports, and a shared BBQ.
A highlight came when, after a scorching 29-degree afternoon, the groundskeeper turned on the sprinklers and cheekily told the Ruawai boys,
“If you want them to stay on, you’ll need to do the haka.” The team responded with a powerful rendition of Ko te Puru, a proud Kaipara moment witnessed by both communities.
Wednesday’s gameday began with a captain’s lunch and warm-ups before the main event. Rugby united the two clubs, and the bonds formed off the field were just as important as the contest itself.
Beecroft won convincingly, but the smiles on our team’s faces after the final whistle showed what truly mattered, the friendship, experience, and pride of representing Ruawai.
That evening, both clubs gathered for dinner and prize giving. Ruawai gifted a playing jersey for Beecroft to display in their club, and in return, Beecroft gifted each player a memento, including an Aboriginal-inspired shark tooth necklace.
The tour continued with a day at Jamberoo Waterpark, New South Wales’ version of Wet’n’Wild,where laughter, confidence, and camaraderie soared.
Friday’s schedule centred on the Beecroft 7s, involving clubs from Beecroft–Ruawai combined, Dural, Wakehurst, Sylvania, and Bowral. The tournament not only provided valuable game time but helped Beecroft establish a new annual fundraising event for their club, a legacy born from the shared spirit of the exchange.
For the final two days, the team relocated to central Sydney. Saturday began with a traditional haka on the steps of the Sydney Opera House, followed by a ferry trip to Taronga Zoo, a high-ropes adventure, a jet-boat ride on Sydney Harbour, and dinner at SkyFeast atop the Sydney Tower.
What began in 1980 with 18 boys travelling from Beecroft to Ruawai has now seen a new generation of 19 young players experience the same magic, whanaungatanga, discovery, pride, and connection.
When asked about their trip highlights, the answers varied, but “rugby” topped nearly every list, closely followed by Jamberoo’s waterpark.
More than the activities, it was the growth in maturity, confidence, and the relationships formed with their Beecroft whānau that made the greatest impact.
To everyone who bought a raffle ticket, supported a hāngī, donated funds, joined our recycling efforts, or sponsored a child, your support made this possible. Our Ruawai JMB 2025 Aussie Tour group is deeply grateful for every person who chose to tautoko this kaupapa.