Draw announced for U85kg National Club Cup

A total of 52 teams have entered this year’s competition, the biggest field yet, with several new teams making their debut. The continued growth of the tournament is being driven by strong participation from the Central and Southern regions, adding further depth and competitiveness to the field.

Mike Hester, Head of Participation, says the competition continues to go from strength to strength.

“Community rugby brings people together and it was great to have Steve come along to help us with the draw,” says Hester. “The draw sparked plenty of interest amongst our team, and not just because of the interesting team names!”

Past winners Eden Lizards and Pakuranga Panthers will battle early in Round One. Two-time winners High School Old Boys’ Light Bears have a Round One BYE as they look to be the first time to cement their place at the top as three-time winners. But a growing number of teams from Central will be looking to get one of their teams to the top, after Pōneke were pipped in last year’s final. 

The final will be played as part of a double header alongside the North Harbour vs Northland NPC fixture at North Harbour Stadium, giving teams the opportunity to be part of a showcase event on the rugby calendar.

Round One

The competition officially kicks off by 1 August, with the first-round matchups featuring:

• Beachland Sharks vs Pakuranga Panther
• Eden Lizards vs North Shore Hairy Goats
• Darfield Ducks vs West Melton Moas
• Waihora vs Methven Mayhem
• New Brighton U85 Speedys vs Geraldine Rams
• Wellington Axemen vs Paremata Plimmerton Penetrators
• Kaierau vs New Plymouth Half Pints
• Pōneke Wanderers vs Johnsonville U85 Terrahawks
• Lincoln Lu Horns vs Sydenham Crazy
• Burnside Badgers vs Oxford Bobby Calves
• University of Canterbury Black Mambas vs Timaru Celtic Fighting Leprechauns
• Ponsonby Hustlers vs Papakura Wasps
• Varsity Squids vs Silverdale Procut Truffle Pigs
• Tauranga Sports Raptors vs Morrinsville Sports Majestic Pukekos
• Petone Villagers vs Tukapa Bantams
• Varsity Slug Collectors vs Glenfield Cavaliers
• Suburbs Rugby Club vs Karaka Razzlers
• Te Puke Sports vs Marist St Michael’s
• Hamilton Marist Bulldogs vs College Rifles Raiders

Three teams have drawn a BYE in the first round and will go straight through to Round Two:

• Linwood El Toros
• Eastbourne
• Drury Vikings

Round Two

Due to the number of teams, some teams will start the competition in Round Two:

• Grammar TEC Grousedozers vs Pukekohe Pirates
• Waiuku Bulldogs vs Northcote Zephyrs
• Grammar TEC Old Boy’s vs East Coast Bays Badgers
• Marist St Pats Redbacks vs Tawa Ducks.

Draw details

The competition will start no later than 1 August however teams can agree to play early rounds before this, depending on when their community season finishes.

Venues are yet to be determined. Home vs away will be determined in June and is not reflected in this draw yet. Once confirmed the draw, with game details, will be uploaded into Rugby Xplorer.

The 2026 Road to the Final will be updated as different results are known, here: Under 85kg Club Cup Draw | NZ Rugby