From Gisborne Boys’ High to the World

Prop Sam Matenga on the charge for Gisborne Boys’ High first 15 in a 2016 game against Wellington College at the Rectory. Picture by Paul Rickard,

Wednesday night’s Wellington versus Tasman Ranfurly Shield match won’t go down as a classic, but Gisborne rugby fans may have noticed a former local talent in prop forward Sam Matenga playing for the South Islanders in their failed challenge.

The former Gisborne Boys’ High School first 15 player has the same name as his father, who played prop for East Coast in their glory days of the early 2000s.

The family lived in Australia for about 10 years before returning home, which allowed Sam to play for the GBHS first 15.

He also played for the Hurricanes under-18s in 2017 before joining the Crusaders Academy in Christchurch.

Matenga played 10 matches for Tasman in 2020 including the NPC Premiership final when Tasman defeated Auckland 13-12 on Eden Park.

The tighthead prop played another 10 matches for Tasman in 2021 and nine in 2022.

Matenga, 25, has a three-year contract with Seattle Seawolves in Major League Rugby (MLR) and has played 29 times for the American side over the last two seasons, including the 2022 MLR Final which Seattle lost.

Wellington’s 7-nil Ranfurly Shield victory over Tasman on Wednesday was the lowest scoring Shield match in 53 years.

Back in 1970, the disappointed challengers were Wellington who failed to take the Shield home after a 3 - all draw with Canterbury.

Red and Black legend Fergie McCormick — a controversial figure after his recent teeth-breaking clash with Springboks winger Syd Nomis — ensured the Ranfurly Shield remained in Christchurch with a last-minute drop goal.