NZR Announces U18 Mareikura Team Fixture Against NZ Barbarian RFC

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) is proud to announce that this year’s U18 Mareikura Team will assemble to play a competitive fixture against the NZ Barbarian RFC U18 Selection on Friday 3 October at Navigation Homes Stadium in Pukekohe, with kick-off at 12pm.

The team has been selected through NZR’s Māori Rugby Development Programme, which ran a series of regional camps earlier this year, followed by a national camp in Wellington in July. These activations have identified a strong pool of emerging wāhine talent from across Aotearoa.

Acting Māori Rugby Development Manager, Kahu Carey, highlighted the growing depth of talent in the women’s game.

“The programme has gone from strength to strength over the past five years since we established an end-to-end pathway,” says Carey. “Young wāhine are engaging positively with the kaupapa and demonstrating a remarkable rise in skill, confidence, and capability.”

As in previous years, NZR has partnered with the NZ Barbarian RFC to provide a competitive opportunity for the U18 Mareikura team. Mike Hester, NZR’s Head of Rugby Participation, acknowledged the ongoing support of the Barbarians.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the NZ Barbarian RFC’s commitment across a range of programmes,” says Hester. “Their support for this fixture not only strengthens the Māori Rugby pathway but also gives teenage girls a platform to showcase their talent.”

To ensure a balanced and competitive match, both NZR and the NZ Barbarian RFC have agreed to select players who are not currently involved in the Farah Palmer Cup.

“This approach allows us to spotlight emerging talent and provide meaningful opportunities for players outside of existing performance programmes,” says Hester. “We’re excited to see the next wave of young wāhine represent their teams with pride.”