Friday 8 August
We’re less than one month out from the 2025 NZRL National Secondary Schools Tournament (NZSST), with 62 teams preparing to take the field in our biggest tournament yet.
The three-day event kicks off on Friday 29 August, running through to Sunday 31 August, across Auckland’s Bruce Pulman Park and Walter Massey Park. With over 1,500 players and staff set to come together, the hype is building for a massive celebration of footy, school pride, and whānau.
We’re excited to welcome 13 new teams making their NZSST debut, spread across the four grades: Junior/U15 Boys Carnival, Senior Boys Championship, Girls Championship, and Senior Boys Premiership.
Sacred Heart College and Wainuiomata High School from Lower Hutt will combine to enter a composite team in the Girls Championship, which has grown to 14 teams including five new entrants.
Sacred Heart’s Director of Sport, Simone Naylor, said the team is thrilled to compete in the Tournament. “This will be the first time our school takes part, and we’re so excited to give our students this opportunity.
“It’s about more than just the games – it’s a celebration of school spirit, unity, and everything our athletes have worked hard for. Our wāhine are ready to compete, connect, and make the most of every moment.”
Fellow newcomers include Rotorua Girls’ High School-Rautāwhiri, Haeata Community Campus, and Kelston Girls’ College, each bringing more depth and excitement to the grade.
In the Senior Boys Championship, Shirley Boys’ High School from Christchurch are preparing to enter their first NZSST. Headmaster Tim Grocott said the school is buzzing about the opportunity, “Shirley Boys’ High School is excited about participating in the National Secondary Schools Tournament in 2025.
“As first-time participants, it is a great opportunity for the boys to showcase their skills and experience the enjoyment of a national tournament.
“Participating in a tournament of this level allows our young men and coaches to demonstrate our school values of ‘Belonging’, through being part of a team and working well with others; showing ‘Character’ by competing at a high level and giving 100%; and being ‘Better Than Before’ by striving to do well and improve each day.”
Gisborne Boys’ High School and Orewa College are also set to enter the Senior Boys Championship for the first time, joining a lineup of 24 passionate teams.
The U15 Boys Carnival is also welcoming new teams and talent, including TIPENE (St Stephen’s), New Plymouth Boys’ High School, and Trident High School, all ready to make their mark.
For TIPENE, their NZSST debut will highlight the school’s deeper connection to the code. Co-Principal Yvette McCausland-Durie shared, “TIPENE is proud to deepen its connection with the wider rugby league whānau.
“Rugby league holds a strong and valued presence within the South Auckland sporting landscape. Our engagement with the code acknowledges and honours the legacy of countless volunteers, mentors, and community leaders whose efforts have paved the way for our tauira long before they arrived at our kura.”
As it stands, NZSST will feature 10 teams in the Senior Boys Premiership, 14 in the Girls Championship, 24 in the Senior Boys Championship, and 14 in the U15 Boys Championship.
While Tournament capacity has been reached, there is a short waitlist in the case of a spot becoming available.
The countdown is on, stay tuned for more NZSST news and updates to come.
