Meet the Mustangs: The WRFU’s newest Senior club team makes debut
(Above: Jake Hollis, left, Ben Hollis and Aaron Maney in 2018)
By Jared Smith
In a time when club rugby player numbers nationwide have been on the worrying trend of decline, the WRFU welcomed a brand-new Tasman Tanning Senior side which materialised out of nearly thin air last weekend.
But this is not the first time the Castlecliff Club Mustangs have entered a space which sorely needs them, especially as their arrival offset the departure of McCarthy’s Transport Ruapehu up to the Premier grade, meaning no byes were required for Senior’s 12-team competition.
In 2018, the Mustangs Sports Club under the impetus of the Hollis family was able to raise a senior men’s softball team to compete in the Manawatu Softball Association competitions.
The Mustangs were the second Whanganui club team to join Manawatu in the space of two seasons after the Whanganui Braves – resurrecting competitive adult club softball in this town after years of being dormant.
Ironically, those Mustangs are the descendants of the Wanganui City Mustangs Rugby League Club, which was formed in 1978 by Clive Middleton, Jack O’Donnell, Joe Signal and Te Rangaituatea (Rangi) Goff.
Fast-forward to 2023 and the Hollis boys – team manager Jake, Ben and Josh – linked up with their brothers-in-laws Sam Kauika and the Madams siblings – Tipene and Tapiri – and a handful of other mates to discuss putting together a club team.
The original ten then arranged for other young men and veterans to join them, creating a current playing group of 20-22.
Initially, the Mustangs considered registering as their own WRFU club, but realised the operating costs would be difficult to manage, as they were without their own training facilities.
So Jake Hollis got in touch with workmate and Wanganui Pirates RFC club captain Dave Pedley to raise the prospect of the team coming under the Pirates banner – making Spriggens Park their home.
“He took it to the committee and they approved it. Helps both ‘clubs’ out to start with,” Hollis said.
“Sort of got enough numbers to get a team together.
“Still got the bare squad, so still on the hunt for some more numbers.
“It’s quite a family orientated club. We managed to get most of them, that haven’t played for a few years.
“A couple came from other teams, but we didn’t go chasing.”
The Mustangs played one preseason match, mixing in the Black Bull Liquor Pirates squad, and for the moment are wearing WRFU alternative playing jerseys before their own strip arrives, which will be similar to the traditional Mustangs club garb.
It was a tough baptism of fire for the newcomers to their season opener last Saturday – a derby game against the defending champions Ali Arc Logistics Marist Celtic, who won 69-12.
“Good to get that first hit out, out of the way,” said Hollis.
“We got a pretty good draw with the game with Hunterville away, but Utiku at home.
“We’ve got Border, Marton and Ratana [away], so nice and close [drive].”
The Castlecliff Club Mustangs train at 6pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Spriggens Park and a welcoming to more players. Please contact Jake Hollis on 027 336 1892 if you are interested.
The Senior draw is
April 22nd, 1pm kickoffs unless noted (times subject to change):
Utiku Old Boys vs Celtic, Memorial Park No2; Pirates vs Marton, Spriggens Park; Marist Knights vs Ratana, Racecourse; Counties vs Border, MacNab Domain (2pm); Hunterville vs Mustangs, Hunterville Park; Taihape vs Kaierau, Memorial Park No1.
