Gallaher shield champions 2022 (centenary) - The planning and winning a Gallaher shield final.

One of the most prestigious trophy in NZ rugby , played for the Auckland club premier grade named after one of our greatest All Blacks, the late Dave Gallaher who was killed in action at the battle of Passiondale (WW1). The silver of his medals were donated to forge the crest in which the winners year and name are engraved.

Many great All Blacks in the past have played for this shield, won it and held it aloft. As a kid a growing up in Colombo and later moving to Auckland, NZ, where I have spent almost all my adult life , this is a dream come true. Incredible to put plainly.

A lot of thoughtful and articulate planning went into this campaign, where my coaching staff and I put together-- a itearlly brand new team. To play and beat Ponsonby, the greatest club team in NZ with the most All Blacks coming from their system, we earned the right to be true champions. Winning 20-18 at the death, with a last grasp penalty goal to conquer the biggest prize in NZ club rugby in dramatic fashion.

After endless hours of grind, ups, downs, moments of frustration, pure joy and euphoria, it came down to the last second where our mental strength as a team got us through. The Rovers culture of playing for each other forged in a fabric of care got us through. For that I'm extremely proud and thankful. What's more , in it's centenary year this feels like I waited a life time for it. Words can't explain what this means.

"It aint over till it's Rover".

Boa Athu- Director and coach educator at Manukau Rovers RFC Auckland New Zealand.

Eden park hosted the final and game was live on Sky Sports as the under card for the Auckland v North Harbor "Battle of the Bridge" game.