Rugby Wrap Up!

With two teams remaining here is the summary and achievements:

Girls’ 1st XV Rugby – 2025 Season Wrap-Up

This year’s 1st XV Girls team proved that age and experience aren’t the only factors that determine success – heart, commitment, and determination go a long way too.

With one of the youngest squads in the competition, our girls showed grit and skill throughout the season, working tirelessly on and off the field to grow as a team. Their effort paid off with a well-earned place in the playoffs – an outstanding achievement in itself given the level of competition.

In the semi-final, they faced a powerhouse in Manurewa, the eventual champions. The girls fought bravely, challenging their opponents with strong defence and moments of exciting attacking play. While the scoreboard didn’t go our way, the performance was a testament to the team’s growth, resilience, and future potential.

A big thank you goes to our coaching staff, managers, supporters, and families who backed the team every step of the way. The experience gained this season will be invaluable as this young group continues to develop, and we’re confident they will return even stronger next year.

The future of our 1st XV Girls rugby is bright – and this season was just the beginning being rewarded with six players making the U16’s Counties Manukau Squad.

1st XV Development Rugby – 2025 Season Wrap-Up

The 2025 season has been an impressive and inspiring journey for our 1st XV Development Team, a side made up of talented Year 11 and Year 12 players. This team was built with a clear focus on player development, squad depth, and preparing the next generation of top-level rugby talent for our school.

One of the season’s standout moments came early when the boys claimed the prestigious Challenge Shield — a symbol of pride and competitive spirit — and went on to successfully defend it throughout the 2025 season. This achievement alone speaks volumes about the team’s commitment, resilience, and ability to rise to big occasions.

The knockout stages brought even more excitement. In the semi-final, the team delivered a commanding performance at home, defeating Pukekohe High School’s 1st XV in front of a vocal and proud home crowd. Unfortunately, the final proved a step too far this year, with the boys falling just short. While the result was not what they had hoped for, the experience gained was invaluable.

Several players also earned the opportunity to step up and represent the CNI 1st XV team during the season. This exposure to higher-level rugby not only tested their skills but also broadened their understanding of the game — a vital step in preparing them for even greater challenges in 2026.

This year was about more than results; it was about growth. The boys should be incredibly proud of what they have achieved, the standards they set, and the foundations they’ve built for the future. The lessons, experience, and camaraderie developed this year will ensure that next season, they return stronger, smarter, and hungrier than ever. Congratulations also to the 5 players that were also selected into representative teams.

Well done, team — you’ve done your school proud.

2nd XV Rugby –2025 Wrap-Up

The 2025 season proved to be a challenging one for our 2nd XV, with player numbers stretched at times and a younger squad regularly taking the field against well-drilled and well-equipped opposition. Despite these hurdles, the team showed tremendous character and commitment, turning up each week ready to represent our school with pride.

For many of our younger players, this season was their first taste of rugby at this level. While the scoreboard didn’t always reflect the effort put in, the experience gained has been invaluable.

They learned first-hand the intensity, physicality, and preparation needed to compete strongly in this grade.

Representing your school is always a privilege, and every player who pulled on the jersey this year upheld that honour. The lessons learned will no doubt serve them well, with many set to return stronger, more experienced, and ready to take on the challenge again next year.

This year may have tested our depth, but it also proved that resilience, teamwork, and school pride matter just as much as the final result.

U15 White Rugby –2025 Wrap-Up

Our U15 White team took on the challenge of playing in the local Year 10 grade this season, and they did themselves proud. Competing against often more physically developed opposition, the boys showed resilience, determination, and a willingness to learn every time they stepped onto the field.

Their commitment and teamwork saw them remain competitive throughout the season, ultimately securing a well-earned fifth-place finish. This result reflects not just their skill and effort, but also the massive growth they have shown as a team from the start of the year.

A huge thank you must go to the coaching team, whose dedication and countless hours on the training paddock have been instrumental in developing the players’ confidence, game understanding, and unity as a squad. Their guidance has helped the team rise to the challenge of competing in this grade and to see every game as an opportunity to improve.

The U15 White boys can be proud of their achievements this year and will no doubt take the experience gained into future seasons with confidence and determination.

U14 Black Rugby – A Memorable First Year in College Colours

The 2025 season marked the beginning of our U14 squad’s journey in college rugby – and what a first year it was. From the opening whistle of the season, the team showed they were not here to simply find their feet, but to make a mark.

Week after week, they displayed a brand of rugby that combined skill, speed, and physicality beyond their years. Consistently sitting in the top two on the ladder. Many matches turned into commanding performances, where teamwork and relentless defence were matched by sharp attacking play.

The season’s story reached its climax in a much-anticipated final against long-time rivals, St. Stephen’s (Tipene) – a historic showdown between two proud schools steeped in rugby tradition. It was a match that had the sideline buzzing, and old rivalries reignited. Every tackle, every ruck, and every carry were fiercely contested.

Although the team fell just short of the ultimate prize, the courage and heart they displayed in that final reflected the spirit that had carried them all year. The result may not have gone our way, but the pride in wearing the jersey and representing the college was never in question.

For a group in their first year together at this level, finishing runners-up and etching their names into a chapter of a historic rivalry is an achievement worth celebrating. This season has set the foundation for years to come.

U15 Black Rugby 

This season, our U15 Black squad took a bold step up, competing in the local Year 11+ grade against some of the region’s 1st XV and 2nd XV sides. For a team made up entirely of under-15 players, it was a test of skill, resilience, and heart — and they rose to the challenge superbly.

From the opening whistle of the first match, the team showed they weren’t intimidated by the older, more experienced opposition. Week after week, they held their own, matched the physicality, and pushed some of the top teams to the wire. Their efforts paid off, finishing 3rd after the round robin stage.

A late change in the finals format meant only the top two teams progressed to a straight final, removing the chance for a semi-final battle. While that was a disappointment, the players and coaches can be proud of the way they performed against stronger, older teams — proving that they belong on that stage.

The lessons learned from this campaign will be invaluable as they prepare for their next challenge: hosting the National U15 Invitational Rugby Tournament in late August. With home turf advantage, experience against bigger opposition, and a team full of determination, U15 Black are primed to make a statement at the national level.

Brougham Buses 1st XV Rugby 

The 2025 season has seen our Brougham Buses 1st XV take another significant step forward in the Central North Island 1st XV Competition, improving on last year’s 6th place finish to claim 4th overall. While there may not be silverware in the cabinet just yet, the team’s journey has been rich with achievement, resilience, and progress.

This is a group that measures success in more than just results. Over the course of the campaign, 16 of our players have earned representative honours – a testament to the depth of talent, the work ethic within the squad, and the quality of coaching and support surrounding the team.

The season has been defined by tight contests, committed defence, and moments of attacking brilliance. More importantly, the players have shown a united front, playing for each other and representing our school and community with pride.

Now, the focus shifts to an even bigger stage – the Chiefs Top 4 qualifiers and elimination phase. It’s a challenge that will test their skill, character, and composure under pressure. If this season has proven anything, it’s that our boys have the belief and determination to rise if the focus is on.

Whatever the next week or few weeks bring, 2025 will be remembered as a season where the Brougham Buses 1st XV not only climbed the ladder but also built a platform for future success. The trophies will come – but for now, the pride in this team’s effort and achievements is worth more than gold.

Let’s get behind them as they take the next step.

 
Congratulations to Our 2025 Representative Rugby Players

We are proud to announce and celebrate the selection of our talented athletes who have earned their place in the 2025 Representative Rugby season.

This achievement reflects their hard work, commitment, and passion for the game both on and off the field.

Wearing the jersey at representative level is not just about skill; it’s about dedication, teamwork, and pride in our community. We know you will represent us with determination, humility, and sportsmanship.

To our selected players — enjoy the challenge, embrace the journey the whole school stands behind you. Well done and best of luck for the season ahead!

Counties Manukau U18 Boys
Epeli Pohiva – 1st XV
Jope Vatuwaliwali – 1st XV
Kairyn Tatana – 1st XV
Kava Vainikolo – 1st XV
Levi Byers – 1st XV
Lomise Toaisi – 1st XV
Lucas Makiha – 1st XV
Ratu Toronibau – 1st XV
Ronley Kolomalu – 1st XV
Semi Keli – 1st XV
Sete Loseli – 1st XV
Tini Manuika – 1st XV
Walter Tausala – 1st XV
Eric Tapusoa – 1st XV Development
Tevita Ratulevu - 1st XV Development

Counites Manukau U18 Girls 
Georgina Lautua – 1st XV Girls 
Hera-May Kirkwood Haretuku – 1st XV Girls 
Lineti Tu’uta – 1st XV Girls 
Naomi Paea – 1st XV Girls 

Counties Manukau U16 Boys
Alexander Tomi – 1st XV Development
Jerry Moce – 1st XV
Lyrin Baker – U15 Black
Malakai Havealeta – 1st XV Development
Mark Uhatahi – 1st XV Development
Tevita Tolutau – U14 Black

Counties Manukau U16 Girls
Ana Paea – 1st XV Girls
Brooke Tilton-Mist – 1st XV Girls
Diana Osai – 1st XV Girls
Katea Tohi – 1st XV Girls
Mercedes Jones – 1st XV Girls
Tiana Dunn – 1st XV Girls

Lawrence Lawrence
Sports Co-Ordinator