Excitement is building across Taranaki as the 2025 Denis Wheeler Earthmoving Ferdie Rugby season kicks off this Saturday, May 3.

Boys and girls from right around the maunga are gearing up to hit the fields—ready to learn new skills, make lifelong memories with their teammates, and enjoy everything that community rugby has to offer.

This year, 128 teams from 16 junior rugby clubs across the region will be lacing up their boots and representing their communities with pride. Denis Wheeler Earthmoving Ferdie Rugby continues to play a key role in grassroots rugby development, providing a fun and supportive environment for tamariki to grow both on and off the field.

Proudly backing the next generation of Taranaki rugby stars, Denis Wheeler Earthmoving has been a strong supporter of the region for over 20 years. Based on Corbett Road, the locally owned and operated business offers a wide range of services including earthmoving, excavation, civil construction, and landscaping.

Their team has played an instrumental role in some of the region’s biggest infrastructure projects—most notably as a key contractor in both the Stadium Taranaki redevelopment and the Taranaki Base Hospital upgrade. They also recently completed Stage One of Te Whare Pūngao o Ngā-motu – The Energy House of New Plymouth, Taranaki Rugby’s dedicated on-site training facility at Stadium Taranaki.

Denis Wheeler Earthmoving’s Brett Wheeler was excited to continue to support the next generation of Taranaki Rugby players. "Denis Wheeler Earthmoving is proud to support the upcoming Ferdie Rugby season, helping to build strength both on and off the field. We’re excited to see the team’s hard work and dedication pave the way to success in making long lasting friendships and enjoying Saturday mornings on the footy field."

“We’re incredibly grateful to have Denis Wheeler Earthmoving backing the next generation of players,” says Kurt Leuthart, TRFU Commercial Manager. “Their commitment to community and passion for rugby are second to none, and the support they provide allows us to create memorable experiences for young players right across the province.”

In partnership with Taranaki Rugby, Denis Wheeler Earthmoving is again bringing two exciting initiatives to this year’s Ferdie Rugby programme:

Player of the Day Awards

Each Ferdie Rugby “Player of the Day” will receive a free child admission voucher to one of three fantastic local aquatic centres:
– Todd Energy Aquatic Centre (New Plymouth)
– Wai o Rua – Stratford Aquatic Centre
– Hāwera Aquatic Centre

Train Like a Bull

One lucky Ferdie Rugby team will win the chance to train on Stadium Taranaki’s #1 field with members of the Yarrows Taranaki Bulls. Last year, a team from Inglewood got the experience of a lifetime—and it could be your team this season.

To enter the draw, parents and caregivers simply need to snap a photo of their child holding their Denis Wheeler Earthmoving Ferdie Rugby Player of the Day voucher and upload it to the Taranaki Community Rugby Facebook page from this weekend onwards.

A big thank you to Denis Wheeler Earthmoving for continuing to invest in our local tamariki and backing grassroots sport in the place they proudly call home.

To find out more about Denis Wheeler Earthmoving or to discuss your next project, click here

Article added: Friday 02 May 2025