Mako Rugby Roundup

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Mako Rugby Roundup - 1st Episode for 2025

Mako Rugby Roundup – Episode 1 - 2025 Season Kickoff. It’s the first episode of 2025 and we’re back at it with the Mako Rugby Roundup! Hosts Chris Butler and Les Edwards kick off the new season from our home base at The Turf Hotel. We catch up on the off-season, talk club rugby including the College vs Club debate and the new TRU Constitution, run through women’s and men’s results and fixtures, and take a look at Super Rugby and international sevens. Rugby’s back – and so are we!

Ways to Listen: Facebook & Instagram Spotify: NBS Talk Nelson.

Shout out to our venue sponsor: www.turfhotel.co.nz.

Mako Rugby Roundup - Peter Barr - Interview

During the Summer we’re revisiting our favorite interviews from the 2024 season. Our chat with Peter Barr, former CEO of the Tasman Rugby Union. Peter shares how the Tasman Mako forged their identity, overcame obstacles, and rose to provincial rugby prominence. Tune in for a captivating look at the Mako’s early days and what it takes to build a winning culture.

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Mako Rugby Roundup - LaToya Mason - Interview

This episode of The Mako Rugby Roundup revisits a standout interview from the 2024 rugby season, featuring special guest LaToya Mason. Interviewed by Chris Butler and Les Edwards, Mason shares insights from her remarkable career: coaching the Tasman Mako Farah Palmer Cup team, earning 70 caps for England, and playing a key role in their World Cup victory. LaToya reflects on her experiences as an international player, her transition into coaching, and the importance of mentoring the next generation of athletes. This episode offers listeners an inspiring behind-the-scenes look at the life and leadership journey of one of rugby’s most respected figures.

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Mako Rugby Roundup - Gray Cornelius

In this episode of the Mako Rugby Roundup, hosts Chris Butler and Les Edwards welcome Gray Cornelius, Head Coach of the Tasman Mako, to reflect on a very successful season. Gray dives into the highs and lows, from the heartbreaking quarter-final battle against Canterbury to the pride of securing the Ranfurly Shield. He discusses the challenges of Storm Week, how key players stepped up when it mattered most, and the unique challenges of assembling the squad at the start of the season. Gray also shines a light on his coaching crew’s support and shares his plans for the future.

A big thank you to our venue sponsor, Turf Hotel, and our naming rights sponsor, NBS.

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The Mako Rugby Roundup - Quinten Strange

Hosted by Chris Butler and Les Edwards, this episode dives into another thrilling season of Tasman Mako rugby. Today’s special guest is Quinten Strange, Captain of the Tasman Mako, and we’ve got plenty to unpack! From the gut-wrenching quarter-final showdown to winning the Ranfurly Shield and defending it with pride, we’re talking all about the players who stepped up this season, the young guns making their mark, and Quinten’s recovery journey from injury. Plus, we get into what the 2025 season with the Crusaders might look like and... will he be back with the Mako in 2025?

A big thank you to our venue sponsor, Turf Hotel, and our naming rights sponsor, NBS.

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Mako Rugby Roundup - Louie Chapman

In this episode, hosts Chris Butler and Les Edwards dive into the latest rugby action from the top of the South Island, focusing on the Tasman Mako’s season. They review the Ranfurly Shield challenge against Taranaki and preview the upcoming Quarter-Final match versus Canterbury this Sunday in Blenheim. The special guest for this episode is Mako #196, halfback Louie Chapman. Louie shares his rugby journey, from growing up in Christchurch to playing for Christchurch Boys' High. He reflects on his career with the Tasman Mako so far, his experience with the Crusaders, and what it meant to bring the Ranfurly Shield home and share the victory with the local community. The episode also covers the All Blacks team naming for the Northern Tour, as well as an update on the Black Ferns.

Special thanks to our venue sponsor, Turf Hotel, and our naming rights sponsor, NBS.

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Mako Rugby Roundup - Huw Beynon

In this episode, hosts Chris Butler and Les Edwards dive into the latest rugby action from the Top of the South Island, New Zealand, with a focus on the Tasman Mako season. They review the sheild defence vs Auckland and preview (Ranfurly Shield Defence) vs Taranaki. Our special guest is Tasman Mako Manager Huw Beynon. Huw tells us about his 2nd year of Managing the Tasman Mako and how the season is going so far and behind the scenes as they head toward finals and defending the Ranfurly Sheild. Also we learn more about his role at the Nelson Giants Basketball Team. The episode also covers the international rugby scene, including a review Argentina vs South Africa and the clash between New Zealand and Australia. And an update on the Black Ferns.

A special thanks to our venue sponsor, Turf Hotel, and our naming rights sponsor, NBS.

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Mako Rugby Roundup - Tim Sail

In this episode, hosts Chris Butler and Les Edwards dive into the latest rugby action from the Top of the South Island, New Zealand, with a focus on the Tasman Mako season. They review the close match vs Waikato and review storm week with games against Otago, Auckland (Ranfurly Shield Defence) and Taranaki. Our special guest is Tasman Mako #217, flanker, Tim Sail. Born in Napier, Tim grew up in Auckland and played for Auckland Grammer. We hear about finding himself in Motueka at The Flying School and his introduction into Kahurangi Rugby, which launched his rugby career, playing for North Harbour and now at the Mako. The episode also covers the international rugby scene, including the upcoming Argentina vs South Africa test match decider and the highly anticipated Bledisloe Cup clash between New Zealand and Australia.

A special thanks to our venue sponsor, Turf Hotel, and our naming rights sponsor, NBS.

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Mako Rugby Roundup - Macca Springer

In this episode, hosts Chris Butler and Les Edwards dive into the latest rugby action from the Top of the South Island, New Zealand, with a focus on the Tasman Mako season. They review the hard-fought Ranfurly Shield challenge against Wellington and provide a preview of the upcoming game against Waikato in the NPC. Our special guest is Mako #205, Macca Spring. Macca, who grew up in Richmond, NZ, played for Waimea Old Boys, Waimea Combined Schools, and the New Zealand U20s. He also shares his experience playing for the Crusaders, alongside his Tasman Mako career, and gives us his thoughts on the season so far. The episode also covers the international rugby scene, including the upcoming Argentina vs South Africa test match and the highly anticipated Bledisloe Cup clash between New Zealand and Australia.

A special thanks to our venue sponsor, Turf Hotel, and our naming rights sponsor, NBS.

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Mako Rugby Roundup - Ryan Coxon

In this episode, hosts Chris Butler and Les Edwards cover the latest in Rugby from the Top of the South Island, New Zealand, including 1st XV NZ Top 4 review, international matches, and the Tasman Mako season including the Ranfurly Sheild. Our special guest is Mako #164, prop Ryan Coxon . Ryan talks to us about growing up in Tokoroa, going to school and playing rugby in Cambridge, playing for Waikato U19s, NZ U20s and his Tasman Mako career. This episode also features a review of the FPC Mako Women vs. Taranaki and NPC Mako Men vs. Hawkes Bay Ranfurly Shield Challenge and the upcoming challenge from Wellington in Blenheim on Sunday!!

A special thanks to our venue sponsor www.turfhotel.co.nz and naming rights sponsor www.nbs.co.nz.

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Mako Rugby Roundup - Finlay Christie

In this episode, hosts Chris Butler and Les Edwards cover the latest in Rugby from the Top of the South Island, New Zealand, including 1st XV NZ Top 4 preview, international matches, and the Tasman Mako season. Our special guest is Mako #138, halfback Finlay (“Red”) Christie. Finlay talks to us about his birth place Peebles in Scotland, growing up in Pukekohe, his gymnastics background and breaking into Rugby and becoming All Black 1196. This episode also features previews of the upcoming FPC Mako Women vs. Taranaki Who – Trafalgar Park, Sat 1.05pm and NPC Mako Men vs. Hawkes Bay – Napier, Sat 7.05pm - Ranfurly Shield Challenge!!

A special thanks to our venue sponsor www.turfhotel.co.nz and naming rights sponsor www.nbs.co.nz.

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Mako Rugby Roundup - Willie Havili

In this episode, hosts Chris Butler and Les Edwards cover the latest in Rugby from the Top of the South Island, New Zealand, including 1st XV finals review and preview for the Top 4 National Chamionship, international matches, and the Tasman Mako season.
Our special guest is Mako #180, first-five Willie Havili. Willie talks to us about growing up in Motueka, also playing days at Nelson Collage, Nelson, Kahurangi, Moana Pacific, Tonga and his Mako career so far. Also we learn about his family, The Havili's, his father Bill who played for Nelson Bays, his mother Shirley who played for Huia & brother David who played for The Mako, Crusaders and All Blacks.
This episode also features previews of the upcoming FPC Mako Women vs. Manawatu and NPC Mako Men vs. Bay of Plenty.

A special thanks to our venue sponsor www.turfhotel.co.nz and naming rights sponsor www.nbs.co.nz.

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Mako Rugby Roundup - Braden Stewart

In this episode, hosts Chris Butler and Les Edwards cover the latest in Rugby from the Top of the South Island, New Zealand, including 1st XV finals review, international matches, and the Tasman Mako season. Our special guest is Mako #150, flanker Braden Stewart. Braden talks to us about growing up in Blenheim, playing for Centrals and his Mako career so far. Braden is also part of a family where his father, sister and brother in-law all represented The Mako. A national 1st in provincial rugby. This episode also features previews of the upcoming FPC Mako Women vs. Otago and NPC Mako Men vs. Counties Manukau matches.

A special thanks to our venue sponsor www.turfhotel.co.nz and naming rights sponsor www.nbs.co.nz.

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Mako Rugby Roundup - Will Butler

In this episode, hosts Chris Butler and Les Edwards cover the latest in Rugby from the Top of the South Island, New Zealand, including 1st XV semi-finals, international matches, and the Tasman Mako season. Special guest Will Butler, the Mako’s newest player, discusses his rugby journey from England to New Zealand, including his time with Worcester Warriors and the England U20s. Will shares insights on his debut for the Mako, the team's dynamics, and the upcoming rivalry match against Canterbury. This episode also features previews of the upcoming FPC Mako Women vs. North Harbour Hibiscus and NPC Mako Men vs. Canterbury matches.

A special thanks to our venue sponsor www.turfhotel.co.nz and naming rights sponsor www.nbs.co.nz.

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Mako Rugby Roundup - Aaron Dundon

In this episode, co-hosts Chris Butler and Les Edwards sit down with Aaron 'Aza' Dundon, the Forwards Coach for the Tasman Mako. Aaron shares his journey from playing 1st XV Rugby at Wellington College, to his time in French and Irish Rugby, including a notable stint with Leinster, and a coaching role with the Ireland U20s, leading up to his current position preparing the Mako for the NPC season. This episode also features previews of the upcoming FPC Mako Women vs. Wellington Lions and NPC Mako Men vs. Manawatu matches. Plus, they’ll cover the latest rounds in 1st XV and International Rugby.

A special thanks to our venue sponsor www.turfhotel.co.nz and naming rights sponsor www.nbs.co.nz.

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Mako Rugby Roundup - Les Edwards

In this episode, co-hosts Chris Butler and Les Edwards explore the latest rugby updates from New Zealand's upper South Island. We update you on the latest from 1st XV Rugby, The Black Ferns Gold Medalists, The All Blacks Championship Squad and a full run down on the up and coming Tasman Mako Season. Thanks to our venue sponsor www.turfhotel.co.nz and www.nbs.co.nz, the naming rights sponsor for NBS Talk Nelson.

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Mako Rugby Roundup - Steve Mitchell

In this episode, co-hosts Chris Butler and Les Edwards explore the latest rugby updates from New Zealand's upper South Island. We review the Senior Men's and Women's Stuff Tasman Trophy Finals. We update you on the latest from 1st XV Rugby, International Rugby U20s and the All Blacks Test vs Fiji. We're also excited to welcome this week's guest, Steve Mitchell, new CEO of the Tasman Rugby Union.

Thanks to our venue sponsor www.turfhotel.co.nz and www.nbs.co.nz, the naming rights sponsor for NBS Talk Nelson.

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Mako Rugby Roundup - Mark Cochrane & Harrison Inch

In this episode, co-hosts Chris Butler and Les Edwards explore the latest rugby updates from New Zealand's upper South Island. We highlight Senior Men's and Women's rugby, 1st XV Rugby and International Rugby U20s and the upcoming All Black Test vs England. We're excited to welcome this week's guests, Mark Cochrane Master In-Charge of Rugby at Nelson College and Harrison Inch, Captain of Nelson College 1st XV.