CNI Rugby

09/06/2026

CNI Families - Time to bust out the old photos and boy did Kerri and Richard deliver!! A new section where we can celebrate the families that exist across the CNI sides. Brothers, Cousins, Dads and Sons - there are plenty of examples across the CNI.

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First up - Riley and Xaviar Eagles from St John's College Hamilton are brothers. Year 11 and 12.

Riley, a halfback, is in his second year in the 1st XV and was proudly capped this season. Joining him in the 2026 squad is his younger brother Xaviar, who plays flanker ( #6).

The boys have a long history of playing together, dating back to their primary and intermediate school years, with Xaviar often competing two years above his age group.

At just 15 years old and in Year 11, Xaviar has been named co-vice captain, a reflection of the leadership, dedication, and maturity he brings to the team.

He is also an accomplished league player and recently represented the Waikato Māori Under-15s at the King’s Birthday tournament.

Their parents, Kerri and Richard, along with their bonus parents, Jay and Jolien, are incredibly proud of both boys and the commitment, determination, and work ethic they continue to show in striving to be their best both on and off the field.

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Proud parents dig out the photos and flick them through and get a recent photo of your big lads together and tell us the back story.

09/06/2026

Congratulations to the following men for their selection to the New Zealand Under 20s Squad to compete at the 2026 World Rugby Junior Championships.

Alani Fakava (FAHS)
Dane Johnston (FAHS)
Jonny Falloon (Rathkeale) *
Patrick Mauga (SJC Hastings)
Micah Fale (SJC Hamilton)

And to these men named in the non-travelling reserves

Emori Balenaisa (FAHS)
Nate Bodle (SPC)
Noah Rogers (Lindisfarne)

All these men played their 1st XV rugby for CNI sides between 2021 and 2025. Excellent to see their progress and growth being recognised.

* Rathkeale College CNI 2012-2024
Jonny Falloon played 2022-24 for Rathkeale College 1st XV

08/06/2026

08/06/2026

OK a couple of weeks ago we posted up the leading points scorers - time for a refresh off the list.

After round 5 Jack Calcinai from STP has a sixteen-point lead over Jackson Hay from SPC. Both of these two lads have been kicking some fantastic conversions and plenty of them to get themselves up into the top two places. Not just kickers either - they both know the line.

Rounding out the top 5 is TK Taylor from Lindisfarne, Emosi Vucago from FAHS and Oscar Taylor from Wesley.

Vucago has yet to kick any goals - so pretty easy to figure out what his points multiplier is.

See you again in two weeks.

08/06/2026

Well, we think that there are oodles of family connections in our CNI sides. Time for a little bit of family celebration. We had these three 1st Cousins play together for Feilding on Saturday.

We had a post-match presentation of a COMAG Matamata College 1st XV 1st XV Cap to Adam Mowatt by his dad Shanan who was wearing his 1996 Matamata College 1st XV cap.

We have had the Barrett brothers at FDMC, the O'Leary's at Whanganui Collegiate, the Penetito's from St John's Hastings, the four Whitelock brothers at FAHS including their Dad and Grandfather.

Time to share the family links - brothers, cousins, dads and uncles.

We have already got something lined up tomorrow.

CNI Families is coming.

COUSINS TOGETHER
Yesterday was a very special day for the FAKAVA, NGATA and FAKAVA-GALLOWAY families in our match against Matamata College.

In this match - first cousins (LtoR) - Tevita, Kingston and Wairangi all played together for the first time, and each had their own milestones.

Tevita played his 50th match, Kingston his 30th (Cap Game) and Wairangi was making his debut.

Many NZ 1st XV sides are blessed with deep family connections and multi generations turning out for their Schools. It is a great feature of NZ Schools rugby.

There have been many sets of brothers and cousins play for the FAHS 1st XV. Something quite special about playing with family members that you have grown up alongside.

Well done boys.

🟥🟦⬜
Kia Toa Kia Ngākaunui
Have Courage, Desire Greatly

07/06/2026

Tali Ioasa went straight from Whanganui Collegiate School to Kobelco Kobe Steelers at the end of 2023.

Played in the final alongside some big names. Picked himself up a winner’s medal.

Great story here.

Congratulations to xv player #1553 Tali Ioasa
Playing for the Kobelco Kobe Steelers and winning the Japan league one final.
Having an exceptional season and winning a few man of the match awards along the way is no mean feat with the caliber players around him.
Congratulations!!!
https://youtu.be/dMCY7rAqXyU?si=hHQBFkxFT--vgHDp

07/06/2026

ROUND 6 FIXTURES

Round 6 kicks off this Wednesday with two matches starting at noon. Game 25 sees FAHS hosting FDMC at Dallison Park in Waverley. First time a CNI match has been played here - but FAHS have regularly played New Plymouth BHS at this venue. Home of the Border Rugby Club this was originally a Round 1 fixture but was moved due to FAHS's overseas commitments.

WCS are up to Wesley to play there. This match is also at this time to free up Colllegiate's preparation into their Quad obligations. Which is set down to start on the 17th June.

For matches on Saturday we have in Manawatu - FAHS hosting Lindisfarne College - both sides place a lot of importance on this match as it is the pathway to knock out matches later in the year.

In the Waikato we have St Peter's Cambridge hosting Matamata College and then in Taranaki Francis Douglas Memorial College will be hosting top of the table St Paul's Collegiate.

Five excellent matches ahead for Round Six. The teams love to play in front of supporters so please get along to the matches if you can. However of course if you can't - you can watch live or on demand via MAORI+.

https://www.youtube.com//streams

06/06/2026

06/06/2026

06/06/2026

The completion of Round 5 yesterday of the 2026 CNI 1st XV Rugby Competition saw some positional changes on the ladder as Wesley dropped to 5th and Lindisfarne and Feilding both moved up a place with their wins. With St Paul's win over St Peter's Thursday week ago they have moved to the top.

Couple of mid-week games this Wednesday so - keep an eye out for those. One match being played at Waverley and one at Wesley.

If you can't make it to the sideline - you will be able to watch the match live on MAORI+ from 12 noon.

MAORI+ Livestream
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9LO8SJlRKM

Full Points Table.
https://www.cnirugby.co.nz/standings/2026/1stXV