Draws are confirmed for the 2026 season, with several exciting updates across the competitions. This year will include a Round 2 night round in both the McNamara Cup and Bob Chandler Cup.
The U85kg competition will also feature its first dedicated U85kg Day in Round 7, hosted by Pukekohe Rugby Club. We’re excited to welcome new women’s teams and Under-21 sides, while our Under-19 teams will join Auckland in a highly competitive 10+ team competition.
Weymouth’s return to the McNamara Cup will face the ultimate test when they take on the defending champions Karaka in an opening weekend fixture at Laurie Gibbons Park on March 28 after the 2026 schedule was confirmed.
The home side are one of two sides making a return to a confirmed eight-team McNamara Cup this season with Papakura returning to the topflight as well. They will face a trip to Patumahoe in their first game back.
Runners-up from a year ago Pukekohe face Ardmore Marist in a round one showdown at Colin Lawrie Fields, while Bombay hosts Manurewa at Bombay Domain.
We’ll need to wait until round five for a replay of last year’s championship decider when Karaka heads to Pukekohe.
Eight teams have been confirmed in the Bob Chandler Cup Premier 2 competition with Waiuku stepping up to join Ardmore Marist, Bombay, Karaka, Manurewa, Papakura, Patumahoe and Pukekohe.
Waiuku will face reigning champions Karaka in week one.
A total of 11 teams have been confirmed in the Sid Marshall Shield Premier 3 grade.
The season begins with a bang with defending champions Te Kauwhata facing off against neighbours Maramarua in the battle for the Golden Gumboot at Maramarua.
Other opening week fixtures included Waiuku hosting Karaka, Onewhero travels to Manurewa, neighbours Tuakau and Te Kohanga meet at Te Kohanga while Puni heads to Pukekohe.
There will be seven teams contesting the Massey Cup U21 competition in 2026 with three-time defending champions Karaka traveling to Pukekohe in a replay of last year’s final first up.
Elsewhere, Rua North hosts Patumahoe, while Manurewa and Ardmore Marist meet at Mountfort Park.
Waiuku has an opening round bye.
Seven local teams will compete in a 10-team U85kg grade, boosted by three teams from the Waikato.
Beachlands Maraetai hosts Hamilton Marist while the Karaka Razzlers head to Bombay first up.
Drury hosts Patumahoe in an all-Counties Manukau affair while Waiuku starts with a road trip to Fraser Tech and Pukekohe ventures to Morrinsville.
Under19s & Premier Development Women will join the Auckland comp with fixtures still to be posted.
