Scots College First XV in 2026: a proud Wellington programme digs in for a semifinal push

Few Wellington First XV programmes carry the pedigree of Scots College, and in 2026 the Presbyterians are again in the thick of the Tranzit Coachlines Premiership, banking valuable experience with plenty still to play for.

A season in the mix

Scots opened their campaign in late May and have spent the year in the competitive middle of a strong Wellington field. In College Sport Wellington standings reported by ClubRugby.nz in late June, Scots sat fifth on 15 competition points, level with Hutt International Boys' School and chasing a top group of Wellington College, St Patrick's College Silverstream, Rathkeale College and St Pat's Town. In a competition this deep, staying in touch of the play-off places is an achievement in itself.

Spirit on show against Rongotai

The side's character came through in round seven, when Scots took a gripping contest against Rongotai College right to the wire before going down 33-38. ClubRugby.nz reported that Andreas Focas, James Favel, Matthew Gerondis, RJ So'oialo and Meli Tuni all crossed for tries, with So'oialo slotting four conversions in a five-try effort. Two bonus points from the match nudged Scots to 17 Premiership points and, as ClubRugby put it, kept them a "faint chance" of reaching the semis for the first time since 2024.

Standing on the shoulders of history

That semifinal target sits against a proud backdrop. In its round-up of Wellington First XV talent across the past three decades, ClubRugby.nz noted the remarkable line of Scots players who have gone on to the professional game, including Hurricanes and All Blacks midfielders Peter and Thomas Umaga-Jensen, first five-eighth Jackson Garden-Bachop, prop Alex Fidow and long-serving loose forward Victor Vito. Scots has claimed multiple Premiership titles over the past decade, and the class of 2026 is adding the next chapter.

What's ahead

With the Premiership run-in approaching, every point matters. Scots will attack the remaining rounds knowing a strong finish could still sneak them into the play-offs, and either way a young squad is learning fast in one of the country's toughest school competitions. Full draws and results are on College Sport Wellington.

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