Mt Albert Grammar First XV in 2026: a season of grit and a signature win

Auckland 1A is widely regarded as one of the toughest schoolboy competitions in the country, and in 2026 the Mt Albert Grammar School (MAGS) First XV have shown plenty of character in the thick of it.

The campaign began the hard way. In their opening 1A outing the young MAGS side ran into a red-hot Auckland Grammar, going down 31-5 (Auckland Rugby match centre). Rather than let an early result define them, the team responded the very next round with a nervy 15-14 win away to St Paul's College, a game decided by the boot, with first five-eighth Blake Climo landing the points that mattered, according to the NZ Herald. It was their first points of the season, and a sign of the composure that would become a theme.

The standout moment so far came against Sacred Heart College. MAGS raced to a commanding 22-0 lead through early tries and held on through a spirited second-half comeback to win 36-29, a result the NZ Herald described as one of Sacred Heart's toughest days of the year (NZ Herald). Lucian Mikaio, Riley Hogan and Dylan Yare all crossed in that fast start, wing Semisi Folaumoetao added another, and fullback Jarno Andrewes produced a clever late touch that helped seal it. Beating a top-four side takes belief as much as skill, and the MAGS boys found both.

Like every side in the grade, they have also had their tougher afternoons, Kelston Boys' High, one of the competition's form teams, proved a handful. But that is the nature of 1A, where any team can beat any other on the day.

As the competition heads into its back half around mid-July, MAGS sit fifth of the twelve 1A schools on 30 competition points, inside touch of the chasing pack behind an unbeaten Auckland Grammar (NZ Herald). Full draws and results are tracked at Auckland Rugby and NextGen.

With bonus points still up for grabs and every fixture carrying weight, there is plenty left to play for. On the evidence of that Sacred Heart result, the MAGS First XV have the ceiling to trouble anyone when they start well.

Follow the school and its teams on Instagram @mountalbertgrammar or at mags.school.nz. Kia kaha, MAGS.