The schoolboy rugby calendar has swung into high gear with a flurry of international tours and high-stakes preseason clashes, providing a first glimpse at the hierarchies for the 2026 season. From the high altitudes of Johannesburg to the disciplined pitches of Japan, New Zealand’s First XV programs are utilizing the pre-season window to test their depth and tactical maturity against diverse opposition.
The latest First XV wrap shows a stark contrast in fortunes, with St Kentigern College extending a historic era of dominance in the Presbyterian Schools Rugby Quadrangular Tournament, while touring sides from Westlake, Tauranga, and Whanganui are returning home with vital experience. These early results, combined with a series of statement wins in the 1A preseason, suggest a competitive landscape where traditional powerhouses are being challenged by high-performing regional programs.
For the players, these tours are less about the final scoreline and more about the psychological toll of travel, altitude, and unfamiliar styles of play. Whether it is navigating the “Strathmore southwesterly” wind in Wellington or battling 30C heat in Australia, the ability to adapt is becoming as important as the ability to execute a set piece.
Global Testing: From South Africa to Japan
Westlake Boys High School faced a grueling baptism of fire at the St John’s Rugby Festival in Johannesburg. After an initial 56-35 loss to Monument School, the side showed significant resilience, securing a 34-26 win over Welkom Gimnasium and a dominant 42-8 victory against Hoerskool Randburg. Though they eventually fell 31-21 to the top-ranked Paul Roos Gimnasium, the tour served as a critical benchmark for the squad’s physical conditioning and ability to compete against larger South African packs at altitude.
In contrast, Tauranga Boys’ College enjoyed a flawless run in Japan. The side capped off an unbeaten tour with a 62-7 demolition of Shizuoka Seiko Academy High. Their campaign included a high-scoring 66-33 win over Tokai Uni Gyosei High in Osaka—a side preparing for the World Rugby youth circuit—and a gritty 24-10 opening win against Tokai Uni Sagami High. Beyond the pitch, the squad gained insight into professional standards at the Shizuoka Blue Revs rugby club, a facility once led by former All Black Grant Batty.
Other programs also sought international growth. Whanganui Collegiate School secured two victories in Australia, edging St Edmunds College 22-19 in Ipswich before beating St Laurence’s College 33-12 in Brisbane. Meanwhile, St Paul’s Collegiate from Hamilton spent two weeks in Japan, utilizing the facilities at Kindai University and training with the Black Rams Tokyo team.
St Kentigern’s Ninth Consecutive Title
The Presbyterian Schools Rugby Quadrangular Tournament saw the continuation of a dynasty, as St Kentigern College secured their ninth successive title. This marks their 23rd victory in the tournament since its inception in 1989. The final, held at Scots College in Wellington, was a tense affair that highlighted the side’s mental fortitude.
At halftime, St Andrew’s College held a 17-5 lead, appearing poised to break St Kentigern’s streak. While, the tide turned as the wind shifted. Halfback Keanu Graham proved pivotal, scoring two tries and creating a third to steer his team to a 29-22 victory. The presence of lock Razelang Aukuso Slade, a former Chiefs U16 selection, provided the necessary physicality to stifle the Cantabrian attack.
St Andrew’s, despite the loss, showed immense promise under the guidance of World Cup-winning prop Owen Franks, Willi Heinz, and Tony Fenner. Despite missing two hookers to concussion, they dominated lineout possession and featured an electric performance from winger Jock Sidey, who scored four tries across the tournament.
In the battle for third place, Lindisfarne College defeated Scots College 41-21. While Lindisfarne surged to an early 24-0 lead, a lapse in discipline led to two sin-binnings, allowing Scots to close the gap to 29-21 by the second half. The match served as a redemption of sorts for Scots, who have significantly improved their depth and cohort size since last season.
1A Power Shifts and Preseason Form
Domestic preseason matches have provided early indicators of who might challenge for the 1A crown. Auckland Grammar sent a clear message to the competition with a 41-7 victory over defending Super 8 champions Palmerston North Boys’ High. Grammar’s ability to move the ball quickly resulted in a 27-0 halftime lead, leaving the visitors struggling to respond.
Kelston Boys’ High School also enjoyed a comprehensive day, defeating Hastings Boys’ High School 40-5 to secure the Rob Sturch Memorial Cup. In a new twist for the 2026 exchange, the cup was determined by a combination of First XV, Second XV, and premier basketball results—a sweep that Kelston achieved across all three disciplines.
Other notable preseason results include:
- King’s College: The reigning 1A champions edged Wesley College 33-28.
- Dilworth School: A dominant 53-5 win over St Patrick’s Wellington in New Plymouth.
- De La Salle College: A narrow 29-24 away victory against Francis Douglas Memorial College.
- Hamilton Boys’ High School: A strong 31-12 road win against Mt Albert Grammar.
The visiting teams also left a mark. Sydney’s Barker College, coached by Earl Va’a, impressed in Wellington by defeating St Patrick’s College, Silverstream (40-36) and Wellington College (43-31). Their dynamic style was epitomized by winger Lorima Ravouvou Seuseu, who scored a hat-trick in the match against Silverstream.
The Moascar Cup and Road to May
The schedule for the Moascar Cup—the prestigious challenge shield first contested in 1920—has been finalized for 2026. Current holders Rotorua Boys’ High School face a gauntlet of challengers throughout the year.
| Date | Challenger | Status |
|---|---|---|
| April 18 | Tangaroa College | First Challenge |
| June 13 | Gisborne Boys’ High School | Scheduled |
| June 20 | Hamilton Boys’ High School | High-Profile Clash |
| June 27 | Hastings Boys’ High School | Scheduled |
| July 18 | Lindisfarne College | Scheduled |
| August 1 | Tauranga Boys’ College | Final Challenge |
The April 18 clash with Tangaroa College is particularly notable, as it marks Tangaroa’s first challenge for the cup since 2014. At that time, they were defeated by an Auckland Grammar side featuring future All Blacks Rieko Ioane and Shaun Stevenson.
Off the pitch, the social calendar is filling up. The 100th Quad Tournament in Whanganui will feature a Black Tie gala dinner on June 19 with guest speaker Marc Ellis. St Peter’s College (Auckland) will host their rugby dinner on May 1 with Eroni and Caleb Clarke, and Sacred Heart College will hold the Fitzpatrick-Kirkpatrick Cup luncheon on May 16.
The focus now shifts to the official start of the CNI competition. Matamata College, who recently completed a grueling team-building trek through the Southern Alps and a raft trip down the Waiau Uwha River, will make their debut against St John’s College Hastings at midday on May 2.
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