About Northern United Rugby Football Club
Northern United (nicknamed “Norths”) is a community rugby club based in Porirua East, Wellington. Formed in 1990 by merging the Porirua and Titahi Bay Rugby Clubs (www.norths.co.nz), it has become one of the region’s notable clubs. Norths’ home ground is Porirua Park (officially Jerry Collins Stadium after the late All Black), which holds about 1,900 spectators (www.rugbydatabase.co.nz). The club wears distinctive blue-and-white colours (its official strip introduced at founding) and has a proud grassroots tradition: the junior program engages hundreds of local children each week, emphasizing fun, fitness and family involvement (www.norths.co.nz). Over the years Norths has produced top-level talent – former All Blacks Christian Cullen and TJ Perenara both came up through Norths, underscoring the club’s status as a talent powerhouse (www.1news.co.nz). Praised as one of Wellington’s premier club facilities (www.norths.co.nz), the stadium and clubrooms at Porirua Park serve as a vibrant hub for rugby in the city.
Aside from rugby, Northern United’s home at Jerry Collins Stadium is a true multi-sport venue (www.austadiums.com). It even doubles as a hub for other sports: the Wellington Rugby League representative side and Team Wellington (NZ Football Championship) both use the stadium for matches (www.austadiums.com). This makes the clubgrounds unique – it hosts local club rugby one weekend, a Phoenix Women’s soccer match the next, and school or development rugby the week after. The mix of sports has also spurred facility upgrades (for example, new player dressings rooms were added ahead of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup training sessions (poriruacity.govt.nz)). In short, the Northern United Club & Porirua Park complex is both a classic community rugby clubhouse and a notable sporting venue. It’s renowned for its friendly, family-focused atmosphere and strong community ties, and for connecting Porirua to national-level events – a fitting tribute to the club motto “Tātou Tātou” (meaning “All of Us”), which graces the club’s signage.
Events and Programming
The Northern United ground is busiest in the winter, when both senior and junior rugby teams play home games on the weekends. The club fields premier and reserve sides in Wellington’s union competitions, as well as junior teams (the Norths Bulldogs) in smaller age grades. These regular matches have a local flavour – they draw family members and neighbours throughout the season. In addition to club fixtures, Jerry Collins Stadium has hosted high-profile representative games. Notable examples include the Wellington Lions (provincial NPC) – the 2020 Mitre 10 Cup final was played here (Wellington v Tasman) as the first top-level provincial match at the venue (www.1news.co.nz), and the Lions returned in 2022–2023 to play NPC games against Harbour and Bay of Plenty (www.wellingtonlions.co.nz). On the soccer side, the Wellington Phoenix women’s A-League side made Porirua Park their second home in 2023–24, bringing several of their New Zealand league matches here (wellingtonphoenix.com) (www.friendsoffootballnz.com). In fact, Phoenix Women’s games at Porirua are now a season staple: all home fixtures in the 2024–25 NZ A-League are scheduled at Jerry Collins Stadium (with typical afternoon kickoffs) (www.friendsoffootballnz.com).
Over 2020–2025 the venue has also hosted other community sports and events. Aside from rugby and football, Porirua Park includes a softball diamond (used in summer) (wanderlog.com). The stadium was a training base during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup (for example, the South African team trained here) (poriruacity.govt.nz). It can also be rented out: the Northern United clubrooms and adjacent gazebo are available for private functions (weddings, parties) by arrangement (www.norths.co.nz). One cherished recurring moment is the annual grounds-renaming ceremony year on year – most notably the plaque unveiling in March 2016 when Porirua Park was officially dedicated as Jerry Collins Stadium in memory of Porirua’s hometown rugby legend (www.clubrugby.co.nz). Together, the mix of grassroots club matches, representative games, and community events (launches, fundraisers and the like) makes Northern United’s calendar lively year-round. Ticket prices vary: local club games are generally free or very low cost, while representative games (Lions, Phoenix) charge modest admission (often around NZ$20–30 for adults, cheaper for youth). Exact pricing and on-sale dates are announced per event – for example, Phoenix matches typically go on sale a few months ahead (as reported in club news) (wellingtonphoenix.com).
Tickets and Booking
For local club matches (Norths senior or junior games), fans generally do not need tickets – entry is usually free or by voluntary gold-coin donation at the gate. For larger events (contest-level rugby or professional soccer), tickets must be bought in advance. The Wellington regional rugby union and sports bodies usually sell those through official online outlets or in-person box offices. For example, the Wellington Phoenix Women’s team publicized that NTix for their Porirua Park home games went on sale about one month before the 2023–24 season opener (wellingtonphoenix.com), with season memberships also available. Similarly, Wellington Lions NPC match tickets (when held here) are sold via the Lions’ ticket portal. These games can sell out (capacity is only ~1900), so it’s best to book early – especially if you want to sit under the covered stand.
When tickets are released, information is shared on club/venue announcements, local sports media and the teams’ social pages. In practice, fans should watch for news alerts or membership mailings. There is often no separate box office on non-match days, but on game day a ticket booth or gate staff will be present if any passes remain. Popular matches can sell out, so for marquee games (e.g. finals or big league fixtures) planning ahead is crucial. Occasionally last-minute general admission tickets may be sold at the gate if the match isn’t full, but one should not rely on that for big events. Remember that for all events at Jerry Collins Stadium, standard sports policies apply: typically no outside alcohol is allowed, and items like large bags may be subject to security checks. (Sports fans also note that the stadium is open-air, so wipeout elements; plan accordingly.)
Seating and Layout
Porirua Park’s main field is surrounded by a single large grandstand on one side and open viewing areas on the others. The covered stand (known as the Jerry Collins Stand) runs along the length of the pitch and seats nearly all of the venue’s 1,900 capacity (www.rugbydatabase.co.nz). These seats face the halfway line and provide excellent sight lines across the field; they are the preferred choice for most spectators, especially families and out-of-town visitors. The stand is uncovered at the back, so the top rows are exposed to sun or rain, while lower rows under the upper ledge get partial shelter. On days with sunny midday kickoff, seats closer to the roof overhang will be in the shade.
The opposite side of the field (and the ends around the goalposts) are basically open grass Banks or small bleacher sections. During big matches, fans often congregate on the grass areas for a more casual view. From those spots you can still see all the action, but note you won’t have a formal seat cushion or roof. For the closest view of play, try to sit in the front few rows of the stand or down on a grassy terrace near the field – those areas put you nearest the players. The trade-off is weather exposure: there is no roof or cover beyond the small overhang on the main stand (www.austadiums.com). In terms of acoustics, the venue is typical open-air stadium – cheers carry well across the enclosure but there is no echo chamber effect. Avoid sitting right by the scoreboard or sound box (if one is present on bigger match days) to prevent any obstruction. Overall, the “sweet spot” is middle rows of the stand along the halfway line: you’ll have a clear wide-angle view, some shade from roof overhang, and a good sound of the crowd.
Getting There and Parking
Northern United clubrooms and Porirua Park are located at 100 Mungavin Avenue, Porirua East (Porirua 5024) (www.austadiums.com). By car, access generally comes via State Highway 1: exit at Porirua/Ranui, follow local streets (Aotea/Main Street) to Mungavin Ave. There is ample parking on-site around the stadium and clubrooms. Importantly, on weekends and evenings parking in Porirua is free (paid parking applies only weekdays 8am–5pm across the city) (poriruacity.govt.nz). So for most matchdays you can park at no cost. On busy occasions, overflow parking by nearby fields and streets is used, and council-run event parking (e.g. at Te Rauparaha Arena) can supplement. Wheelchair-accessible spots are available close to the front gate. Rideshare or taxi drop-offs should use Mungavin Avenue in front of the main entrance for easy access.
Public transport options are good. The Porirua train station (on the Kapiti Line) is about a 5–10 minute walk or shuttle ride from the stadium. Before major home games, a free “Rambler” shuttle bus typically runs every 20 minutes between the east-side of Porirua Station and Porirua Park (www.wellingtonlions.co.nz). This avoids any parking hassle. Many local bus routes also serve the area: for example, Metlink route 220 runs via Titahi Bay Road and Whitford Brown Avenue near Mungavin Ave, and several other lines connect to Porirua city centre. Cyclists can reach Porirua Park via Mungavin Ave (flat cycle path off Truman Lane) and cycle racks are available near the entrance. With these transit links, getting to Norths games is convenient even if you skip the car.
Inside the Venue
Once inside Jerry Collins Stadium, expect a friendly, laid-back atmosphere. For rugby matches, the crowd is a mix of Norths club families and visiting supporters, so the energy is enthusiastic but family-friendly. At larger events like Phoenix or Lions games, crowd excitement ramps up – one recent Phoenix women’s match drew over 1,700 fans, filling the stands with chants and cheers (poriruacity.govt.nz). Entry security is straightforward: you might see a quick bag check at the gate on big event days, but no heavy screening is done for local club games. Restrooms (toilets and hand-washing facilities) are located in the clubhouse building at one end of the stands, plus there may be portable toilets outside for big crowds.
Food and drink are readily available. Inside the clubrooms there is a licensed bar serving standard selections – beer (often including local craft ales), wine/champagne, and soft drinks – along with hot snacks like pies, sausage rolls and chips. The clubrooms bar is open on game days and usually attracts fans after the matches for a social drink. For the larger events (especially Phoenix games and provincial rugby), you’ll also find several food trucks or stands parked outside the gates selling quick meals, burgers, gourmet sausages, ice cream and more (poriruacity.govt.nz). In fact, at the first Phoenix game held here, food trucks did “a roaring trade” among the crowd (poriruacity.govt.nz). Merchandise is modest: club scarves and shirts may be available at Norths matches, and visiting-team gear (Phoenix, Lions, etc.) vendors set up on high-profile match days.
Kids and families are especially welcome. The club is very kid-friendly: children often run around on the sidelines between bouts, and junior players get to meet the pros before/after games. At recent Lions home games, the first 150 children received special trading cards and giveaways (www.wellingtonlions.co.nz); likewise the council has offered free Phoenix season passes to under-16s (poriruacity.govt.nz). In short, there is plenty of entertainment for young fans, from pre-game photo-ops with trophies to halftime races and competitions (www.wellingtonlions.co.nz). Free Wi-Fi is generally not provided inside the stadium (data coverage is solid on 4G across the ground), so plan to use your own mobile data if needed. Mobile phones and cameras are allowed for personal use – you’ll often see spectators filming tries or taking selfies in the stands. Remember to delete any extra flash if you’re near the field (flashes can distract players). Overall, visitors find the experience casual and accessible: no fancy protocols or dress code – just come as you are and enjoy the game.
Nearby Amenities
Before or after a match you’ll find plenty of things nearby to eat, drink or sightsee. Within walking distance (along Mungavin Ave) there are a few fast food and café options – for example local faves like fish ‘n’ chips shops, bakeries and the Kai café near the park entrance. A short drive or bus ride into central Porirua (about 3 km away) opens up many more choices: the Te Rauparaha Arena precinct has a cluster of cafes and ethnic restaurants (Japanese, Indian, Thai, pizza, etc.), plus sports bars and wine bars around the plaza. The city centre also has a popular cinema and shopping mall if you arrive hours before kick-off. After the game, the Norths clubrooms themselves often serve simple pub fare. If you’re looking for a pub, a couple of local taverns are a 5–10 minute drive north (Morgan’s Tavern and the Redwood House in Titahi Bay are known for friendly late-night rugby crowds). As always, eating early is wise – on big match days many nearby eateries get busy before kickoff.
Several hotels and motels are found within easy reach of Porirua Park. The Ascot Park Hotel (just off State Highway 1 in Redwoodtown) and the Palm Grove Motor Lodge (on Kenepuru Drive) are popular choices for overnight visitors. In Porirua East itself there are smaller inns and B&Bs on surrounding streets. You can also stay in central Porirua city (just 5–10 minutes away) or in Wellington (about 25 minutes by car or train) and use public transport on game day. Taxis and rideshare drivers typically pick up on Mungavin Ave right at the stadium entrance. Late-night public transport is limited – the last trains from Porirua to Wellington leave before midnight on weekdays, and local night buses stop earlier – so plan accordingly if traveling late. However, many fans simply stay in Porirua or carpool for the short trip.
What Makes This Venue Special
Jerry Collins Stadium (Porirua Park) stands out for its rich local character and history. First, it is lovingly tied to Jerry Collins, a hometown rugby hero – after his death in 2015 the city renamed the ground in his honor, celebrating his legacy with a plaque at the grandstand (www.clubrugby.co.nz). The Collins family’s connection runs deep: Jerry’s father Frank shared that he spent Saturday mornings here with young Jerry from age six onward (www.rnz.co.nz). Naming the stadium for Collins reflects the massive pride Porirua feels in him; as the mayor said in 2016, the move “is an enduring reminder of the pride and affection we feel” for the All Black son of our city (www.rnz.co.nz) (www.clubrugby.co.nz). This sense of hometown pride permeates the venue. Every weekend, Norths players (lieutenants and sometimes All Blacks themselves) are treated like community heroes. Team members like Du’Plessis Kirifi and rising star Connor Garden-Bachop – graduates of Norths – draw local admiration when they line up for Wellington here. “This community even sees the Norths premier players as their heroes,” said Garden-Bachop in 2020 (www.1news.co.nz), and that spirit makes games here feel very personal.
Beyond the person of Jerry Collins, the club’s cultural impact is special too. Northern United was formed to unify two Porirua communities (Titahi Bay and Porirua East) and has flourished as a city-wide family club (www.norths.co.nz). Its commitment to juniors – with over 300 children in youth leagues each year (www.norths.co.nz) – sets it apart as a community institution. Architecturally the venue is modest but well-maintained: a single-level grandstand that dates from the 2000s (and unveiled its commemorative plaque in 2016 (www.clubrugby.co.nz)) gives it a down-to-earth charm. The crowd rarely exceeds 2,000, so games have an intimate “close to the action” feel that big stadiums lack. On big nights the stands literally rock with crowd noise – one match report noted the grandstand “was rocking with chants” during a sold-out Phoenix game (poriruacity.govt.nz). In many ways Northern United’s ground feels like the heart of Porirua rugby culture: it’s where children take grassroots rugby steps, club legends are made, and even All Blacks remember their own start. That blend of small-town community warmth and high-level competition is what makes this venue genuinely unique.
Visitor Tips and Information
• Accessibility: The stadium has wheelchair-friendly access. Ramps lead into the stand, which includes a few spaces for wheelchair users (ask an usher). Accessible restrooms are located inside the clubrooms, and there are designated parking spots near the entrance. If you need assistance, calling the club in advance can arrange help at the gate.
• Weather: Remember the venue is primarily uncovered (www.austadiums.com). In summer bring sun protection (hat, sunscreen) and plenty of water. In winter or rain, dress in warm layers and a raincoat. Umbrellas may be hard to use in crowded stands, so a rain poncho is handy.
• Security/Policies: Expect a casual security check on big match days; large bags or outside alcohol may be prohibited. Photography and small video cameras are allowed for personal use (no special permits needed, but avoid flash that might distract players). Drones and fireworks are not permitted. Smoking is only allowed in designated outdoor areas, not in the stands.
• Arrival: Plan to arrive at least 45–60 minutes before kickoff. Gates typically open about an hour early (for example, Lions games often have 1:00pm gates for a 2:05pm kickoff (www.wellingtonlions.co.nz)). Early arrival also helps families snag the best seats and kids take part in freebies: note the first 150 children at Lions games received trading cards as giveaways (www.wellingtonlions.co.nz). Under-16 fans should check if any free or discounted entry deals are running – in the past Porirua City Council offered free Phoenix season tickets to juniors (poriruacity.govt.nz).
• What to bring: Comfortable binoculars or seat cushions can be useful (seating is bench-style). Bring cash or card for food/drinks, but note the club really prefers card payments. Ear plugs might help younger kids on very noisy nights. A folded poncho or small blanket can add comfort on grass areas.
• Getting Around: Within the venue, the clubhouse has bars, a small kiosk and toilets. There is no coat check or phone charging station. Outside the stadium, free shuttle buses operate from Porirua Station on game days (www.wellingtonlions.co.nz), which is the easiest way to avoid parking snarls. If driving, remember: parking around the ground and in the city is free on weekends (poriruacity.govt.nz). Rideshare drop-offs should be at the Mungavin Avenue gate.
• Age and Pets: All ages are welcome at rugby matches (family atmosphere). There are no age restrictions beyond usual adult beer/admissions rules. For big events the crowd can include excited teenagers, so keep children close. Pets (except service animals) are not allowed on the field or in stands.
• Local Lingo: Fans often call it “Jerry’s” or just “Norths”. Wellington rugby supporters might say “Beetle Bay” (Titahi Bay) or “Onepoto” to refer to parts of the club’s catchment. During games you might hear local cheers like “toitū” and Māori war cries, which are a proud tradition here. Embrace the community vibe – feel free to wear team colours and mingle with locals.
Overall, preparation is simple: check the weather, bring seating comfort, and arrive early to soak in the atmosphere. With that, you’ll be ready to enjoy everything that makes Northern United a special rugby destination.
