Up da Wahs!!
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“Up The Wahs” is a phrase used in support of rugby league team the New Zealand Warriors, who play in the National Rugby League. The phrase became highly popular during the 2023 NRL season, where the New Zealand Warriors achieved their first top 4 finish on the ladder in 15 years.
Often referred to as a ‘movement’ within the New Zealand and wider rugby league community, it took the NRL by storm after star player Shaun Johnson said the phrase after a 20-point 2nd half comeback win against the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks in Round 5.
History[edit]
Established in 1995 as the sole New Zealand rugby league team in an Australian competition, the Warriors have achieved limited success. The Warriors won a minor premiership but lost the grand final in 2002, preliminary final losses in 2003 and 2008, and lost a second grand final in 2011. The Warriors would only manage one finals appearance in the next 11 years.
In 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Warriors club and players were required to permanently move to Australia, where all games were being held, leaving behind family members and their homes. On 3 July 2022, for the first time in 1,038 days, the Warriors would return home to Mt Smart Stadium. Despite this, the Warriors finished in 15th place in 2022.
A full season at home, a sponsorship name change from Vodafone to One NZ. Many considering the 2023 season a ‘fresh start’, the Warriors’ started the season strong. Shaun Johnson said “I’m just happy to be home”.
achieved their best season in 15 years, finishing top 4 on the ladder.
Outside of rugby league[edit]
Golden State Warriors and Team USA basketball coach Steve Kerr said ‘Up The Wahs’ during an interview preceding the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
At a show in Perth, Australia, The Wiggles performed “If You’re Happy and You Know It, Up The Wahs!” replacing the words “Clap Your Hands”.
UFC Champion Israel Adesanya showed his support for the Warriors at the UFC 274 pre-match weigh-in.
Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson responded to an Instagram DM asking him to say ‘Up The Wahs’. He would post a minute-long video hyping up the club before the Grand Final.
The story of the 2023 New Zealand Warriors made its way to the prestigious newspaper, The New York Times. [1]
References[edit]
- ↑ McKenzie, Pete (2023-09-20). "As a National Favorite Fumbles, New Zealand Falls for Another Rugby Team". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2023-09-22.
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