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Poneke

In the summer, Michigan Rugby sends one or two select players to New Zealand to train with our partner club, Poneke FC. Founded in 1883, Poneke is based in Wellington and has a long record of producing high-level rugby players. Poneke has produced 20 New Zealand All Blacks, including six All Black captains.

Sending players to New Zealand gives them a chance to learn from great coaches, represent Michigan Rugby oversees, make international friendships, and immerse themselves in New Zealand’s generous culture. New Zealand is a rugby country; both the quality of play and the love for the sport are amazing.

Michigan players typically travel to New Zealand in mid-May and return in August. Oftentimes players find internships or take classes to occupy their time outside of rugby. No trip is complete without a visit to New Zealand’s south island during a bye week.

Thank you to the Michigan Rugby Foundation for making this wonderful experience possible. See how you can support future trips.

Previous Players Selected

2024: Max Nelson, Jack Regan & Zach Small
2023: Shea Loughnane & Luke Zana
2019: Travis Dantzer & Thomas Majure
2018: Davis Grimm & Eoin Sansevero
2016: Jamie Demers & Ron Marine
2015: Andre Cargill
2014: Joel Conzelmann & Cole Van Harn
2005: Matt Trenary & Josh Rubin
2003: Andrew Finn

Eoin Sansevero (left) and Davis Grimm went to New Zealand in 2018.
Jamie Demers and Ron Marine went to New Zealand in 2016. They are somewhere in this picture (on the red team).
Our Current Head Coach, Matt Trenary, travelled to New Zealand with Josh Rubin in 2005. Rubin is in the gray scrum cap in the front row. Trenary’s head is peaking out from behind the blue scrum.
Milford Sound is on New Zealand’s south island.
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