04/09/2026
New Zealand Junior Rugby Festival 2026
Global Games run NZ Junior Rugby Festival unfortunately got off to a rocky start with the first days games scheduled for Friday 28th August being cancelled before we could even get on the road to Queenstown. The weather had thrown up a few curveballs and the Council was forced to close all fields in the Region. The team still needed to head through to Queenstown that day as we were not yet sure of the next days game times so we loaded the vans and headed for Queenstown at lunchtime.
The Team arrived at their accommodation and settled in before heading off to the QT Events Centre for swimming and hydro-sliding for the arvo.
We patiently waited to hear from the tournament organisers to see what Plan B was for the next day, but with the rain still falling it was a tense wait to see if the Council would be able to open the fields. Finally, we got the call that games would go ahead and the draw would be re-done.
With some fields still being underwater the organisers had to shift many games to outside the QT Events Centre. Our Team was to play our games in Cromwell for the day so we packed up the vans and headed over. First up on Saturday we played Cromwell. It took the Team a bit to get into the game and it came down to who used the conditions the best. We didn’t capitalise on a couple of opportunities and Cromwell took the win 12 - 10. Next up we played Taieri. They were slick and used the conditions well, kicking deep into our half and then chasing a skidding ball down and applying plenty of pressure. Taieri taking the win 29 - 12.
Saturday night saw the rain set in again and play on Sunday was looking a bit shaky. It was a long wait to get an update as organisers did their utmost to move games to other fields so we could play. Finally, we got word that games would go ahead but would have reduced game times but all being played at the QT Events Centre.
The Team faced our Buddy Team – Glenmark Cheviot. It was an absolute mud bath but our Team tackled hard and chased loose ball to come out on top with a hard fought 17 – 5 win.
Then, an awesome surprise.....SPC won the trophy for Best & Fairest U13 Team. Well done to the whole Team. This is now the 2nd time SPC has won this award in the past 4 years.
A massive thank you to our awesome Coaches Luke Bartlett and Hayden Byars and Manager Shannon Wells. It’s a huge commitment to lead the Team away on tournament and we very much appreciate all your time and efforts.
Thanks also to Amy Bartlett and Michelle Christie. Your efforts to keep everything running smoothly were greatly appreciated.
Finally, a HUGE thank you to Team Sponsors; Herberts Transport, Dig On Ltd, C K Shearing Ltd, Ngahere Sawmill and Sign Ad Gore. We truly appreciate your support which has enabled our players to bank some pretty awesome lifelong memories.
Thanks Rebecca & Janelle
