Quarter finals await U85kg Cup hopefuls
19 August 2026The cream is rising to the top in the Under-85kg National Club Cup, as just eight teams remain in contention for the trophy.
The competition now enters the national section, whereas up until now teams have played others within their region – southern, central and northern.
We will now see sides travel to play the best of the best in the hopes of making September’s Final at North Harbour Stadium. The competition started with the largest field ever assembled, 52 teams.
The final is slated to be played as part of a double header alongside the North Harbour vs Northland Hilux NPC fixture at North Harbour Stadium on 6 September.
Notable round three highlights included:
- Previous winners, High School Old Boys Light Bears put the Oxford Bobby Calves to the sword, scoring nine tries – including a hattrick from number 8 Josh Evans in a 57-15 scoreline.
- Tukapa Bantams bested the Tawa Ducks as vice-captain Rory Gilmour scored a try, banged over four conversions, as well as a penalty goal to secure a 36-19 victory in New Plymouth.
- The Karaka Razzlers also qualified for the quarter finals, notching five tries in doing so. Razzlers’ number 8 Lorenz Ewe-Gardner picked up a try, adding to his four conversions and two penalty goals for a 39-15 scoreline south of Auckland.
Quarter final fixtures:
- Pakuranga Panthers v Waiuku Bulldogs
- Darfield Ducks v Pōneke Wanderers
- HSOB Light Bears v Silverdale Procut Truffle Pigs
- Tukapa Bantams v Karaka Razzlers
The draw with all game details and venues have been uploaded into Rugby Xplorer. The 2026 Road to the Final webpage will be updated as results are known, here: Under 85kg Club Cup Draw | NZ Rugby.
