Wesley College

At Wesley College, Lawrence Lawrence enters 2026 leading one of the most experienced First XV coaching groups assembled in recent years. He has directed the First XV programme since 2023, returning to the school with unfinished business and a clear mandate: restore standards, rebuild foundations, and re-establish a high-performance identity.

Lawrence previously led Wesley to its only CNI title in 2017 and backed it up again in 2018 making semi-finals— benchmarks that remain reference points within the programme’s history. His return has not been built on nostalgia, but on structure.

Since 2023, his focus has centred on:

• Rebuilding fundamentals — technical precision, skill execution, and physical standards
• Cultural reset — accountability, discipline, and pride in the jersey
• Leadership alignment — empowering senior players to own standards on and off the field
• Programme clarity — defined game model, clear roles, and consistent weekly preparation

His leadership philosophy is uncompromising on detail and standards yet deeply invested in long-term player growth. Under his direction, the First XV environment is structured, disciplined, and purposeful — where behaviours drive performance.

Lawrence’s impact is measured not only in results, but in the identity of the team: physical, connected, and intelligent. The expectation under his leadership is clear — earn the right to compete through preparation, discipline, and culture.

Matiaha Martin continues his involvement with the Wesley College First XV in 2026, bringing both rugby depth and cultural strength to the programme.

As current Head of Māori, Matiaha adds an important dimension that extends beyond tactics and technique. His leadership reinforces identity, belonging, and connection — ensuring the team’s performance environment is grounded in strong values and authentic culture.

With playing experience across multiple levels of the game, Matiaha understands the demands of progression and performance. That lived experience enables him to transfer practical knowledge to the next generation — not only in skill execution, but in mindset, preparation, and resilience.

In 2026, he will continue to lead:

• Set-Piece Model – Technical precision in scrum and lineout systems
• Forward Detail & Ownership – Clarity of roles and accountability within the tight five and loose forwards
• Cultural Alignment – Embedding tikanga, respect, and collective responsibility into daily standards

Matiaha brings strong maoritanga into the programme — reinforcing unity, humility, and pride in representing the school and community. His presence strengthens the kaupapa of the team, ensuring performance is anchored in identity.

Within the wider coaching group, he provides balance: technically detailed, culturally grounded, and deeply supportive of player growth. His contribution in 2026 ensures the First XV continues to build not only capable rugby players but connected young men who understand who they represent and why it matters.

The return of Brian Evans to the Wesley College First XV coaching group in 2026 adds significant leadership weight and performance credibility to the programme.

As current Principal, Brian’s involvement signals strong institutional alignment behind the team. More importantly, he brings elite-level rugby experience, having been part of a Rugby World Cup–winning campaign with the New Zealand Women's National Rugby Union Team (Black Ferns). That exposure to world-class preparation, pressure environments, and championship standards elevates the expectations within the First XV environment.

In 2026, Brian will lead:

• Defensive Model Design & Implementation – System clarity, line integrity, and pressure behaviours

• Backline Structure & Detail – Communication, spacing, and decision-making under fatigue

• Standards & Accountability – Reinforcing habits that translate from training to match day

His coaching style is composed, measured, and deeply informed by experience at the highest level. He brings perspective, calmness under pressure, and the ability to connect performance expectations with personal growth.

Brian’s presence strengthens the programme not only tactically, but culturally. His support of the coaching group reinforces a unified message — that Wesley College rugby operates with professional standards, shared leadership, and collective responsibility.

His involvement in 2026 reflects belief in the direction of the programme and confidence in the group’s potential to compete with clarity, resilience, and purpose.

Saimealafo Tapaleao continues in her role as Team Manager for the Wesley College First XV in 2026, providing the operational backbone and cultural grounding that underpin the programme.

As current Head of Life and Faith, Saimealafo brings values-based leadership into the team environment. Her influence extends well beyond logistics — she reinforces character, accountability, humility, and service. Her presence ensures that performance is aligned with purpose.

Rooted strongly in Pasifika culture, she brings:

• Collective Responsibility - Emphasising family, unity, and shared ownership

• Respect & Discipline - Upholding standards that reflect pride in jersey and community

• Spiritual & Personal Support - Providing guidance and care for players as young men first, athletes second

Operationally, she ensures the programme runs with structure and professionalism:

• Match-day organisation

• Travel and communication management

• Compliance and coordination

• Player welfare oversight

Saimealafo’s leadership style is calm, steady, and deeply supportive. She creates an environment where players feel connected and valued, while still being held to high standards.

Her contribution in 2026 strengthens the holistic nature of the Wesley First XV — a programme built not only on performance, but on culture, faith, family, responsibility and excellence.