Moascar Cup History
The Moascar Cup is the oldest and most prestigious nationwide trophy in First XV rugby.
The Cup dates back to the end of World War One, when British, New Zealand and Australian soldiers camped at Moascar in Ismaila, Egypt and formed the Ismaila Rugby Union as they waited for ships to take them home.
They then organised a cup, which they mounted on a piece of wooden propeller from a shot down German aircraft. The New Zealand Mounted Rifles Unit and Depot won the competition, losing just one of their ten matches.
The Cup was then brought home and given to the New Zealand Rugby Union to be used as a challenge trophy for secondary schools. Over 100 years on from the end of the war, it has become one of the most coveted prizes in First XV rugby.
In 2026 Rotorua Boys' High School will face the following seven teams:
- Saturday 18 April: v Tangaroa College
- Saturday 13 June: v Gisborne Boys' High School
- Saturday 20 June: v Hamilton Boys' High School
- Saturday 27 June: v Hastings Boy's High School
- Saturday 18 July: v Lindisfarne College
- Saturday 25 July: v Palmerston North Boys' High School
- Saturday 1 August: v Tauranga Boys College
All games will be played at the holders' home venue, except the Bay of Plenty Regional Final which will be held in Tauranga on 1 August.