Hastings Boys' High First XV 2026: a proud programme digs in through a tough Super 8

Every winter the Super 8 asks a hard question of eight proud rugby schools, and in 2026 it has asked plenty of Hastings Boys' High School. The competition, which links boys' schools from Hamilton down to Palmerston North, is widely rated the toughest schoolboy round in the country, and a young Hastings side has spent the season learning at pace against some of the best First XVs in New Zealand.

A demanding start

Hastings opened their campaign against a strong New Plymouth Boys' High School, going down 40-24 at home on 26 May, as reported by Hawke's Bay Today. There were real bright spots in that one: wing Gabe Dehar crossed for a hat-trick and Mika Ioasa added a try and two conversions as Hastings scored four tries of their own against quality opposition. It was the first time New Plymouth had beaten Hastings in six years, a reminder of just how consistently strong this programme has been.

The Napier derby

A fortnight later came the fixture every Hawke's Bay rugby follower circles on the calendar, the local derby with Napier Boys' High School. Napier took this year's meeting 34-7 in Hastings on 13 June, with Hamiora Fatialofa dotting down for the home side. Hawke's Bay Today noted Hastings lifted after the break, winning more possession and territory as they fought to get back into the contest. Napier co-captain Carter Pirie summed up why the fixture matters to both schools: "It's a good rivalry between us and Hastings."

Moascar Cup and the standings

Hastings also put their bodies on the line in a Moascar Cup challenge against reigning powerhouse Rotorua Boys' High, going down 25-5 with Jimione Ratuere grabbing a second-half try for the Bay side against a Rotorua team riding an 18-match unbeaten run. As the NZ Herald wrap laid out, the Super 8 has been tightly bunched near the top, with Hamilton, Napier and Rotorua setting the pace.

What's ahead

So this is a building year for Hastings, and there is no shame in that when the standard around you is this high. Young players are getting hardened week to week, the derby fire still burns, and there are fixtures left in July and August to finish the season strongly and send the leavers off proud. For a school with this much rugby history, the foundations being laid in 2026 are the kind that tend to pay off.

Follow the team on Instagram @hbhsrugby and keep up with the school at hastingsboys.school.nz.