Feilding High School First XV 2026: a proud Manawatū side building through a big season

Feilding High School's First XV have carried a proud Manawatū rugby tradition into 2026, and by the middle of July the season has already taken them a long way from home. From an international youth tournament in Japan to a full Central North Island (CNI) programme, it has been a campaign with plenty of highlights and plenty still to look forward to.

A flying start in Japan

Feilding opened the year in eye-catching fashion at the Sanix World Rugby Youth Tournament in Japan. The NZ Herald reported (30 April 2026) that the side made it two wins from two with a meritorious 17-14 victory over Japan's recently crowned champions, Higashi Fukuoka High School, to stay unbeaten through the pool rounds. Winger Vetaia Kuruyabaki scored two tries and Tuharakia Wallace-Mcleod added two conversions and a penalty, with the team saying they drew inspiration from the travelling support of the Manukura girls sevens squad.

A busy CNI campaign

Back in New Zealand, Feilding threw themselves into a demanding Central North Island season against strong sides from Taranaki, Whanganui, Hawke's Bay, Wairarapa and Waikato. According to CNI Rugby, the First XV have posted some emphatic results, including a 67-12 win over St John's College, a 43-17 win over Whanganui Collegiate, 58-5 over Matamata College and 43-21 over Francis Douglas Memorial College.

There have been tight contests, too. CNI Rugby's records show narrow losses to Lindisfarne College (46-48) and St Paul's Collegiate (13-16), the kind of close finishes that can go either way on the day. In one of the season's most memorable matches, Feilding battled to a 14-14 draw with Wesley College in late June, with flanker Austin Tunnicliffe among those to catch the eye in NZ Herald school-rugby coverage after a late try helped his side into a lead they defended hard.

A programme built on culture

Much of Feilding's consistency comes from a well-run programme with real depth. CNI Rugby describes a "strong and respected rugby tradition" recognised across Manawatū and the wider New Zealand schools' scene, built on "toughness, pride" and the value of hard work and team connection. The school fields ten boys' and two girls' teams, with a clear pathway from junior grades through to the First XV under head coach Justin Lock. It is a programme with recent pedigree as well, having won the Hurricanes First XV title back in 2025.

What's ahead

With the CNI programme still unfolding and a record that mixes big wins with a handful of narrow results, there is plenty for Feilding supporters to enjoy in the run home. It shapes as a season where the group's togetherness and depth could count for a lot.

Follow the team on Instagram @fahsrugby, on Facebook @FAHSRugby and on YouTube @FAHSRugby for match updates, highlights and team news.

Have a memory of a Feilding First XV match this season? Share it kindly in the comments and back the team for the rest of the campaign.