May 04, 2018

University of Waikato Chiefs Cup and Trophy Competitions Kick Off

The University of Waikato Chiefs Cup and Trophy competitions for 2018 kick off this weekend, starting with a traditional matchup between Rotorua Boys High School (three times University of Waikato Chiefs Cup winners) and Tauranga Boys College. The game will be played as a curtain raiser to the Investec Super Rugby match between the Gallagher Chiefs and the Jaguares, at Rotorua International Stadium tonight.

The University of Waikato Chiefs Cup competition for 2018 will be contested by four teams to play a round robin. The two leading teams will play a final on Saturday 26 May as a curtain raiser to the Investec Super Rugby match between the Gallagher Chiefs and the Waratahs, at FMG Stadium Waikato.

The Schools to contest the University of Waikato Chiefs Cup are Wesley College, Rotorua Boys High School, Tauranga Boys College and Francis Douglas Memorial College.

These schools have produced many Gallagher Chiefs players, and some All Blacks, namely Liam Messam (Rotorua); Sam Cane (Tauranga); Nathan Harris (Tauranga) and Nepo Laulala (Wesley).

The University of Waikato Chiefs Trophy competition for 2018 has six Schools involved to play in two pools with a cross pool final and play off matches on Saturday 26 May.

The Schools involved in the University of Waikato Chiefs Trophy are:

Pool A
Manurewa High School
Pukekohe High School
John Paul College

Pool B
Rosehill College
Hauraki Plains
Taupo Nui a Tia College

Chiefs Player Identification and Development Manager Kent Currie said that the University of Waikato Chiefs Cup and Trophy competitions play an important role in the ongoing young player development in the Chiefs region.

“Together with our Provincial Unions, the Chiefs Rugby Club have a focus on the development of players and believe that 1st XV rugby is an important part of that. The Chiefs Cup and Trophy competitions give young players in Schools an opportunity to play against different Schools in a competition format, which adds to their rugby experiences and development, and assists in identifying potential Gallagher Chiefs players for the future.”

“We really appreciate the support and connection of the University of Waikato with our Chiefs schools competitions as part of our Chiefs development programmes. Also, we recognise the positive support and work with our Provincial Unions, the Schools and the coaches, management and supporters involved to help continue the successful competitions for the players to enjoy and benefit from” said Currie.

The University of Waikato Chiefs Cup and Trophy competitions are in their seventh year and provide the Schools players with the opportunity to stake their claim for selection for the Chiefs Region U18 Schools development camp, which takes place in early July and forms part of the selection process for the New Zealand Schools team.

Previous winners:
University of Waikato Chiefs Cup
2017: Rotorua Boys High School
2016: Hamilton Boys High School
2015: Rotorua Boys High School
2014: Rotorua Boys High School
2013: Hamilton Boys High School
2012: Hamilton Boys High School

University of Waikato Chiefs Trophy
2017: St Peters School
2016: Hamilton Boys High School (2nd XV)
2015: Hamilton Boys High School (2nd XV)
2014: Hamilton Boys High School (2nd XV)
2013: St Peters School
2012: Thames Valley High School

The 2018 University of Waikato Chiefs Cup and Trophy Draws are attached. The matches venue and kick-off times are to be confirmed in the week prior to matches between the schools.