Table of Contents
Manawatu Rugby, widely known as the Manawatu Turbos, is a professional rugby union team based in Palmerston North. The team competes in the Bunnings National Provincial Championship (NPC) and plays home matches at Central Energy Trust Arena. Their iconic green and white tramline jerseys have become a symbol of the region’s rugby pride. They continue to develop both local talent and experienced players to compete at a high level in New Zealand’s provincial rugby competition.
Introduction to Manawatu Rugby
The Manawatu Rugby team is officially governed by the Manawatu Rugby Football Union (MRU) – one of New Zealand’s oldest rugby unions, founded in 1886. Representing the Manawatū-Whanganui region, the MRU draws players from Palmerston North and neighbouring towns like Ashhurst, Feilding, Rongotea, and Bulls.
The Turbos compete in the NPC Championship division and maintain a strong connection to the Hurricanes Super Rugby franchise. The MRU also supports a thriving community and women’s rugby scene, having hosted New Zealand’s first women’s provincial match in 1980 – a game Manawatu won 11-0 against Hawke’s Bay.
Recent Successes
The Turbos have enjoyed some memorable moments in the past decade. In 2011, they recorded a historic 31–25 win over Wellington in the capital – their first in Wellington in 124 years. That same season, they scored 54 points against Waikato at home and remained unbeaten on their turf.
A standout achievement came in 2014 when Manawatu claimed the ITM Cup Championship Division title, beating Hawke’s Bay 32-24 in front of a home crowd. This win was a highlight for the union and boosted their prospects for future promotion.
Team Structure and Players
Wesley Clarke has been appointed as the new head coach and head of performance rugby, starting mid-June 2025. Clarke’s coaching background includes eight years with the Black Ferns, contributing to two World Cup wins, and a recent stint with the Kobelco Kobe Steelers in Japan. His contract runs until December 2027, signalling a long-term vision for the team.
The 2025 squad features a mix of seasoned professionals, MRU academy graduates, and local players. Notable names include Raymond Tuputupu and Feleti Sae-Ta’ufo’ou, both academy products, alongside Taniela Filimone and Mosese Bason. This blend of youth and experience is designed to keep the Turbos competitive in the NPC.
Community Engagement
Manawatu Rugby places strong emphasis on community involvement. The union runs development programmes such as the Intermediate Development Programme for Year 7 and 8 students, introducing young players to rugby and building skills early. Representative squads like the Under-16 Boys team provide pathways for local talent to progress through the ranks.
Support for club rugby, coaching, and refereeing is central to the MRU’s mission, helping sustain a lively rugby culture in the region. The union provides draws, results, and resources for community competitions, ensuring a close link between the professional team and grassroots rugby.
Partnerships with institutions like Massey University allow the union to host events that attract a wide audience. Matches at the university’s Sport and Events Centre, including Cyclones semifinals and Turbos fixtures, draw students and families alike. These initiatives help broaden the fan base and strengthen ties with the community.
Coaching and Training
Wesley Clarke’s arrival brings fresh ideas and proven expertise. His coaching team includes former All Black Ngani Laumape, who returns as assistant coach for 2025 and 2026. Laumape’s experience at the highest level adds valuable insight to the coaching group.
The coaching staff focuses on building simple, effective attack and defence structures, with an emphasis on core skills and fundamentals. This approach aims to maximise player potential and ensure the team remains competitive in the NPC.
Competitions and Tournaments
The Turbos compete in the Bunnings NPC Championship division, New Zealand’s top domestic rugby competition below Super Rugby. The MRU also supports a range of community and age-grade tournaments, including events like Friday Nights Under Lights, which combine rugby union and league to reflect the region’s strong rugby culture.
The Manawatu Cyclones, the women’s representative side, compete in their own provincial championship, with their season kicking off in August. The Turbos’ affiliation with the Hurricanes provides players with opportunities to test themselves at a higher level and bring that experience back to the provincial side.
Turbos Team Performance
Manawatu has found it tough to break into the top ranks of the NPC in recent seasons, finishing 14th in 2024. The team has faced challenges against stronger provincial sides, as seen in their 10-28 loss to Otago. Despite these setbacks, the Turbos continue to develop talent and compete with determination, focusing on steady improvement and aiming to return to higher divisions.
Challenges and Opportunities
The Turbos have struggled to consistently match the top teams in the NPC Championship, with player retention and development remaining ongoing priorities. Larger unions and Super Rugby franchises often attract standout talent, making it vital for Manawatu to enlist academy graduates into the senior squad.
Building a strong, united team culture is a constant focus, particularly during periods of rebuilding or coaching changes. Attracting and maintaining fan support, especially among younger audiences, requires fresh ideas and ongoing community outreach.
The team’s partnership with Massey University provides unique opportunities to connect with the wider community. The team’s link with the Hurricanes also allows players to gain valuable experience, which can be brought back to benefit the Turbos.
Future Prospects
The future looks bright for Manawatu Rugby thanks to strong partnerships, promising young players, and experienced leadership. The renewed principal partnership with Higgins Concrete for 2025 and 2026 provides financial backing and community support. Higgins’ long-standing relationship with the union underpins both performance and grassroots growth.
Several young prospects are expected to make an impact in the coming seasons. Raymond Tuputupu, a hooker who debuted for the Hurricanes, and Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, a first five-eighth with international experience for Fiji, are among the talents set to strengthen the squad.
With Wesley Clarke as head coach and Ngani Laumape as assistant, the Turbos benefit from experienced rugby minds focused on culture, player development, and performance. This leadership is crucial as the team looks to improve its NPC standing.
Conclusion
The Manawatu Turbos are a proud provincial side with deep roots in their community and a strong focus on developing local talent. With a blend of experienced professionals and promising youngsters, the team is working hard to build a competitive squad for the NPC Championship division.
Manawatu Rugby’s commitment to community programmes, partnerships with local organisations, and support for grassroots rugby ensures a strong connection with fans. Backed by solid commercial partners and a productive academy system, the Turbos are well placed to improve their performance and presence in New Zealand rugby.