NELSON Bay Gropers legend Zion Takarua was an on-field warrior during a decorated playing career on the rugby field.
The fearless forward is regarded as one of the toughest players to ever lace on a boot for the club with his blockbusting runs, no-nonsense defence and leadership qualities all part of folklore in the Hunter Suburban Men’s Rugby competition.
Since taking over the first grade coaching reins from premiership-winning mentor Michael Wiringi at the end of last season, the Kiwi powerhouse has worked tirelessly behind the scenes in re-establishing the Gropers as a premiership force.
It has been a rocky start for Zion’s Gropers in their 2025 Suburban Rugby campaign with two narrow losses from their opening three fixtures.
But the 37-year-old Takarua is a proven winner – having achieved coaching success with the Medowie Marauders and figuring prominently in the Gropers’ champion Class of 2023 that won the Hunter Presidents Cup premiership title undefeated.
Nelson Bay’s young forward pack are reaping the benefits of Zion’s scrummaging work – laying the foundations for a wholehearted finals charge in coming weeks.
Since emigrating to Port Stephens from the North Island of New Zealand back in 2012, the experienced Takarua has established himself on the Hunter rugby scene.
Zion hails from the famous Shannon Community Rugby Club – formed in 1899 and part of the Horowhenua Kapati Rugby Provence.
After stints with the Wanderers and Hamilton rugby clubs in Newcastle, the giant prop joined his beloved Nelson Bay back in 2016.
It has been “home” for Zion ever since.
Except during the COVID period when he helped Medowie Rugby Club win the 2020 Divisional Major premiership before taking on the player-coach role two years later and guiding the Marauders to Divisional Minor premiership honours.
Takarua’s ability to connect with players and instill belief should hold him in good stead in the coaching stakes with the Hunter Suburban competition’s “sleeping giants”.
By Chris KARAS
