Hamilton Boys' High surge to the top of a tightly bunched Super 8

The 2026 Super 8 First XV race has a new leader, and it is a familiar name. Hamilton Boys' High School moved two points clear at the top of the table after a 40-28 home win over previous leaders Napier Boys' High, the NZ Herald reported in its First XV wrap.

The start was electric. Despite making six changes from the side that had drawn with Rotorua Boys' High, Hamilton blitzed their visitors to lead 21-0 after just 15 minutes, according to the Herald. Jackson Botherway, shifted into first five-eighth, ran incisively and kicked five conversions, while right wing Carson Hunter lit up the second half, including a try that began with a goose-step, chip and chase from halfway, the Herald reported. Napier, to their great credit, kept coming and their 28 points made sure the scoreboard reflected a proper contest between the competition's top two.

Hamilton know their way around this tournament. The Herald notes they are the most successful school in Super 8 history with 14 titles and one shared, and the defending champions have clearly put a comparatively quiet 2025 campaign behind them.

What makes this season special, though, is how tight it is. The top five schools are separated by just five points, per the Herald, a bunching that promises a gripping run home across the eight member schools: Hamilton, Napier, Hastings, Gisborne, New Plymouth, Palmerston North, Rotorua and Tauranga. Every one of those towns takes enormous pride in its boys' high school side, and every round from here has semifinal-level stakes.

For families who cannot make the long away trips that give the Super 8 its road-trip charm, the competition is easier than ever to follow. Full match highlights, including Hamilton's clash with Palmerston North Boys' High, are posted on YouTube, and Hamilton Boys' High directs supporters to its Facebook page for the latest draws and results.

A champion side at the top, chasers within touching distance, and some of the heartland's proudest rugby towns in between, the second half of the Super 8 season is shaping up as unmissable.