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About Us

Welcome to Taupo Marist Rugby

TDS Taupō Marist Rugby Club is a proud, family-centred rugby organization based in Taupō, New Zealand. Founded on the values of Hard Work, Respect, Dedication, and Inclusiveness, the club has deep roots in the local community dating back to 1986.

As a member of the King Country Rugby Union, TDS Taupō Marist supports senior, junior, women’s, and presidents’ grade teams, and is the last remaining senior rugby club in the Taupō region. With a strong focus on grassroots development, community involvement, and sporting excellence, the club welcomes players and supporters of all ages and skill levels.

From competitive Premier rugby to junior development and social grades, Taupō Marist is more than a club – it’s a hub for community connection, personal growth, and lifelong friendships, played out on the fields of Owen Delany Park and beyond.

Our Story

Taupō Marist Incorporated is a ‘not-for-profit’ entity with Chartable Status. The club
aspires to foster and encourage the development of an affirmative club culture that
reflects the ‘Marist’ values and traditions and to enhance community participation in
healthy sports activities. The club is available for public recreation and
entertainment, with no significant barriers to participation or spectatorship.

The Junior club aspires to provide a supervised, safe and caring environment both
on and off the field, for boys and girls to enhance their educational, cultural,
recreational, and social wellbeing.

The Senior Club’s purpose is to improve the physical and psychological well-being of
both men and women through a variety of team interactions and trainings. The Club
aims to provide support for team and personal development along with social events
to encourage team inclusiveness.

Mission Statement

"At Taupō Marist Club, our identity is shaped by a clear purpose and a strong set of guiding principles. We are dedicated to creating an environment where every member can flourish, both as an athlete and as an individual within our tight-knit community."

Our Core Values

  • Inclusiveness (Te Whakauru): Taupō Marist is a club for everyone. Our members actively promote and foster the spirit of unity, ensuring racial, cultural, and gender inclusiveness across the club and within the wider community. We believe diversity strengthens us
  • Respect (Whakaute): We expect all players to adhere strictly to the rules of the game and, crucially, to show utmost respect for the decisions of our dedicated Coaches, Referees, and Officials. This respect extends to opponents and fellow club members
  • Positivity (Pai): The Taupō Marist Club cultivates an environment of unwavering positivity. Each member is actively encouraged to perform to the very best of their abilities and to make a constructive contribution to the club in every possible way

Club Board

Meet the dedicated individuals who lead our organization

John Knowles

Chairman

Gerard Troy

Secretary / Taupō Sub Union Delegate

Mich’eal Downard

Club Captain

Nathan Bezzant

Taupō Marist Junior Rugby Chairman

Rebecca Banham

Treasurer

Yolandie O’Rielly

Taupō Marist Junior Rugby Secretary & Treasurer

Roschelle Ormsby

NZ Marist Representative & TMJR President

Jenny Jackson

Director & Junior Delegate

Duncan White

Junior Delegate / Taupō Sub Union Delegate / U11 Storm Coach

Chey Jacobs

Senior Player and Board Observer

Pat Te Kahu

Senior Club Delegate and Coach Advisor

Kelsey Church

Media / Coordinator

Grant Jackson

Coach of Taupō Marist U9 Tornadoes

Johnny Kanawa

Coach for Taupō Marist U8 Hurricanes

Mike Jacobs

Coach for Taupō Marist Premier Team

James White

Coach for Taupō Marist Premier Team

Vanessa Jacobs

Manager for Taupō Marist Premier Team

Community Involvement

Taupō Marist really cares about it’s members. An inclusive culture. A friendly, caring and safe environment for children. At senior level – an atmosphere where players and coaches care for each other, play as a team, players have a lot of fun together socially. Players from other cultures are cared for and encouraged. Players like playing for the club and being together. They play to win yet respect other teams. They understand the need to have a competitive KCRU competition for the betterment of developing top players for representative selection.

Club Facilities

Owen Delany Park is our home base with some of the best grounds in New Zealand.

Marist Shilloutte