Oriental – Rongotai Football Club is situated on the Miramar Peninsula only 7 kms east of the city centre and 1 km from Wellington International Airport. Its home playing field is the Polo Ground on Park Rd, comprising of two floodlit fields, an indoor ‘polyturf’ gymnasium, and social clubrooms. One of its more illustrious neighbours is film maker Peter Jackson (Lord of the Rings & King Kong) and his film studios which are situated 400m away.
Established in 1888 as the Oriental Football Club and through amalgamations of smaller clubs over time, until in 1969 a final amalgamation with Rongotai Old Boys saw it become Oriental – Rongotai Football Club. (Rongotai – “sound of the sea”)
Ories (as it is affectionately known) has traditionally formed a strong alliance with Rongotai College. In the last 15 years the connection with other local schools have grown: St Patrick’s Town, Scots, Wellington, St Catherine’s and Wellington East Girls Colleges. Family networks have enabled players to join Ories from the Porirua and Hutt Valley regions, further emphasizing the phrase “Small Club – Big FAMILY”.
Notable mentions as fruits of these relationships include:
Director of Rugby Poasa Poasa, has built a strong family culture at Ories that's second to none. The introduction of themes showcasing our people has further enhanced the club's connection to its wider community. Initiatives such as Mothers Day dedication round, Junior Club Day, and our School Of Origin round has been the influence across other Wellington Rugby Clubs. WRFU have now formalized it in their scheduling for 2024.
We have a strong 7s culture and programme, annually competing for both the Mens and Womens championship crowns. The Junior Club provides the opportunity for kids as young as 2 years old to join in their Nursery Grade, right through to U13s preparing them to enter college life. Our Ories Netball Club offers opportunities for our females to play both competitive and social netball. The top team earned Premier spot for the 2024 season and currently have five teams in their roster.
Ories is kept alive by its growing volunteer base made up of parents, long-time affiliates and dedicated family members. We continue to battle above our weight and are proud to remain consistent and be leaders in our own home and community. We have a motivated Management Committee, dedicated coaching crews, managers and players always willing to provide the best we can to those who matter the most - our families and friends.
"ONCE an ORIE - ALWAYS an ORIE" O-TIDE! Where the "O"rdinary player is made extra "O"rdinary.
