Marked for life: ‘Great Dane’ goalkeeper wears pride in Kiwi club on his body

“That tattoo means a lot,” Tonning said.

Danish goalkeeper William Tonning has returned to Napier City Rovers for a second stint in 2026, this time returning with a tattoo tribute to the club he previously played for in 2024. Photo / Neil Reid

“I wanted to show gratitude in some kind of way to what the club has given me and continues to give me. The tattoo was the start.

“The club is a special place I have played for, it’s part of me, part of my life.”

Since getting the tattoo on his right quad, Tonning has started getting permanent ink tributes to other clubs the Danish shot-stopper has played for.

Prior to his first season with Napier City Rovers in 2024, Tonning had played in Denmark, Canada, Sweden and the Faroe Islands.

William Tonning’s football travels took him to Sweden and Iceland after his first stint in New Zealand. Photo / Neil Reid

On his return to Europe, he played professionally in Iceland and Sweden.

Tonning proved to be hugely popular with both his teammates and fans of Napier City Rovers during his first stint at the Hawke’s Bay club.

That followed numerous match-winning and match-saving performances between the posts.

Continuing to play professionally in Europe – instead of returning to New Zealand this year – would have been a more lucrative option.

A feeling of belonging helped secure William Tonning’s services for a second stint in Napier. Photo / Neil Reid

His return rather highlighted that his sporting priority was now driven by where he felt he could get the best out of himself and where he felt most comfortable.

“I’ve learnt a lot about myself over the last year and a half… what means a lot to me,” he said.

“I’ve figured out that feeling at home and feeling a part of something bigger means a lot to me and it means a lot to my performance on the pitch.

“Here, it’s different than anything else I’ve ever experienced before in terms of how the club has a family feel. It is a big thing for me feeling at home and that is a big thing for me being able to perform.”

William Tonning controlled his penalty box with authority in last weekend’s 3-0 win over Wellington Olympic. Photo / Neil Reid

Tonning said he reevaluated what was important to him football-wise during a period where he was low in confidence while back in Europe.

“I really started to figure out what means something to me and what’s important to me,” he said.

“It’s not important to me to play in the Champions League, or [another top European competition], if I don’t feel at home. It’s important to me to play somewhere where I feel that I’m appreciated, where I feel like I can be a part of something, where I can really contribute.”

Tonning said that was no slight on clubs he had previously played with in Europe.

“I’ve had some really good experiences including over the past year and a half playing at some lovely clubs,” he said.

“But the feeling of being here is just different than being in a fulltime environment.”

That includes the bond within the playing roster, and the heart and soul of Napier City Rovers which is built around a family-oriented environment and driven by countless volunteers.

William Tonning has lived in Denmark, Sweden, Canada, the Faroe Islands and Iceland, but he says Napier is his favourite place. Photo / Neil Reid

“[Napier City Rovers] was the best experience I’ve had in terms of football, in terms of lifestyle,” Tonning said.

“I’ve lived in a lot of places, but this is the favourite place I’ve ever been.”

Last Saturday, Tonning again controlled his penalty box during Napier City Rovers’ outstanding 3-0 win over Wellington Olympic.

It was a brilliant all round team performance that saw Wellington Olympic – winners of last year’s Central League, Chatham Cup and also losing finalists in the National League – being outplayed and outcoached.

Victory also brought with it the O’Brien Shield; a coveted challenge shield where the holder puts it up for grabs when hosting other Central League sides.

William Tonning, centre wearing green shorts, celebrates with teammates after Napier City Rovers qualified for the 2024 National League. Screen grab / Neil Reid video

Last Saturday’s win saw Napier City Rovers secure it for the first time since 2018.

Their first defence of their latest tenure will be when they host Island Bay United at Bluewater Stadium on Sunday.

If Tonning has his way, the O’Brien Shield will be the first of several trophies Napier City Rovers secures in his second stint with the club that means so much to him.

William Tonning’s return to Napier City Rovers sees him link up again with the club’s goalkeeping coach Kyle Baxter (right). Photo / Neil Reid

“I think we have the quality to do it, and I think we have the team,” he said.

“The team’s goal is to win something this year. It’s been the declared goal since I committed to being here.

“I want to focus on getting success for the club and qualify the club for the National League this year and next year… secure the club’s future in the highest level of football in New Zealand.”

Danish goalkeeper William Tonning says Napier City Rovers means much than just a football club to him. Photo / Neil Reid

And it’s just not the Central League, Chatham Cup and National League aspirations of Napier City Rovers’ first team that Tonning will try to help in 2026.

He has also signed to coach youth players at both secondary school and academy level this season in Hawke’s Bay.

“It’s good to give back to the community,” he said. “That means a lot to me.”

As well as trying to spur Napier City Rovers to titles in 2026, he is also coaching up and coming players. New Zealand Herald photograph by Neil Reid

Tonning this month is also in the process of getting his OFC C goalkeeping licence.

“Goalkeeper coaching is something that I might want to explore after my own career,” he said.

“I like developing goalkeepers and helping them out, helping them become better goalkeepers.”

Neil Reid is a Napier-based senior reporter who covers general news, features and sport. He joined the Herald in 2014, has 34 years of newsroom experience and been covering the Napier City Rovers since 2022.

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