The Road to the Final narrows for U85kg National Club Cup contenders

The picture is becoming clearer as the best U85kg National Club Cup teams do battle for supremacy and for the spotlight at North Harbour Stadium.

Starting with the largest field ever assembled, 52 teams, the top 29 remain as we edge ever closer to the grand Final. This round of fixtures will be the last played locally, with all quarter-finals, semi-finals and final to be played in a nationwide pool with remaining teams.

The final will be played as part of a double header alongside the North Harbour versus Northland Hilux NPC fixture at North Harbour Stadium on 6 September, giving teams the opportunity to be part of a showcase event on the rugby calendar.

Some highlights from the past weekend’s action included:
Northern: Karaka Razzlers U85s National travelled to Shadbolt Park to take on Suburbs Redbacks U85kg, tipping over the home side 22-26 in a hard-fought affair. Two tries from Caleb Wallbank for the home team wasn’t enough to stop the Razzlers as they move on to round two.

Central: Johnsonville U85s pushed previous winners Pōneke Wanderers all the way as they scored four tries in their chase, but fell three points shy of a huge upset as Pōneke won the match 29-26 at Helston Park, to advance to the second round.

Southern: The Darfield Ducks put on a show at West Melton Domain against the Moas when they scored eight tries to three in a 46-15 result. Right wing Tobi Moore dotted down twice while left wing Hamish Inch nailed three conversions to blow out the scoreline.

Here’s how the next round of action is shaping up:
Round Two:
•    Eden Lizards v Pakuranga Panthers
•    Darfield Ducks v Waihora
•    New Brighton U85 Speedys v Linwood El Toros
•    Eastbourne v Plimmerton Penetrators
•    New Plymouth Half Pints v Pōneke Wanderers
•    Lincoln LU Horns v Oxford Bobby Calves
•    Timaru Celtic Fighting Leprechauns v High School Old Boys
•    Ponsonby Hustlers v Drury Vikings
•    Morrinsville Sports Majestic Pukekos v Silverdale Procut Truffle Pigs
•    Tukapa Bantams v Hutt Old Boys Marist
•    Karaka Razzlers v Varsity Slug Collectors
•    College Rifles Raiders v Marist St Michael’s

Quarter Finals:
•    Pukekohe Pirates v TBC
•    New Brighton U85 Speedys v TBC
•    Tawa Ducks v TBC

Please note, the team noted on the left-hand side of the draw will be the home side for the coming round.

The draw with all game details and venues will be 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.