Fans of rugby in East Auckland will have plenty to cheer about this weekend with three massive games of rugby taking place across the city.

The Under 85kg Black Panthers host the Morrinsville Pukekos in the Round of 16 for the Under 85kg National Club Cup while in 1st XV rugby its an all-east affair.

St Kents and Sacred Heart will do battle for the 1A title while Botany will host Howick in the 1B grade final.

Pakuranga United Director of Rugby Grant Henson said its exciting times for local rugby fans.

“To have these schools in the Finals is bloody outstanding. Saturday will be a hive of activity at the club, we have about 12 junior teams at home and then the Under 85s – its exciting for the local rugby public – people will be torn where to go!”

Across the four 1st XV teams at least 30 players across the four squads played their junior rugby at Pakuranga.

“We’ve got three under 13 teams this year and most of those players will be heading to college. It shows if they stick at their rugby they can push for 1st XV, play in Finals themselves and that there is that pathway locally.”

With the senior club having a strong year in 2023, Boof said he hopes a number of the players will return to Pakuranga in the coming seasons.

“There is no given but hopefully players have seen our Premiers and Premier Development are building, our 21s have gone undefeated and the 85s have come on in leaps and bounds so there is plenty of opportunity here.

“And not just for young men, our Belles have a great thing going and with the Howick girls making their final – hopefully Pakuranga will be a club of choice for some of them.”

Saturday also sees Macleans College host Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate for the 1B plate, while the Howick Girls 10s are in their competition final on Monday.

Saturday’s matches

Under 85kg National Club Cup Pakuranga Black Panthers v Morrinsville Majestic Pukekos 1pm Bell Park

Auckland 1A Final St Kents v Sacred Heart 2.45pm Waitemata

Auckland 1B Final Botany v Howick 12pm Botany

Auckland 1B Plate Macleans v Sir Edmund Hillary 12pm Macleans

Article added: Wednesday 16 August 2023