St Peter's College (Epsom) First XV 2026: statement wins and a tough test in Auckland 1A

St Peter's College in Epsom, a central Auckland Catholic boys' school, has taken plenty out of a demanding Auckland 1A First XV campaign in 2026, a grade long regarded as one of the toughest in New Zealand schoolboy rugby.

The season opened with a spirited road trip to perennial contenders Saint Kentigern. St Peter's stayed in the contest throughout before going down 33-26 in Round 1, according to the Auckland Rugby match centre. Any early nerves were quickly settled the following week.

Back at home for Round 2, St Peter's produced their standout performance of the campaign so far, a commanding 36-13 win over King's College, as recorded by the match centre. A fortnight later they showed real composure under pressure, edging Liston 31-29 in a genuine thriller away from home (match centre).

The middle of the season brought the sterner tests that 1A always delivers. Against Sacred Heart, hooker Zak Schramm and first five-eighth Bryce Palelei both crossed and bruising prop Bailey Tupu Tuia forced a late try, but Sacred Heart's defence held firm for a 25-14 result, the NZ Herald reported.

In Round 8 the side ran into an unbeaten Auckland Grammar. St Peter's crossed through hooker Vaai Moli and wing Afa Nyel-Vaaga, with Cruz Ngataitafau adding the goals, but Grammar's 26-15 win pushed them two points clear at the top of the table, per the NZ Herald. Kelston then came out on top of a high-scoring Round 9 contest 35-20 on 4 July, the Auckland Rugby match centre shows.

Taken together, the campaign has shown both what this St Peter's side can do and just how deep the 1A field runs. Those statement wins over King's and Liston prove the team can beat quality opposition, while the narrow early loss to Saint Kentigern and the tight tussles with the frontrunners underline how fine the margins are in Auckland's premier grade.

With the run home still to play and no shortage of pride on the line in the local derbies, there is plenty for the St Peter's community to get in behind. You can follow the First XV on the school's official channels: Instagram @spcrugby, Facebook @spcrugby, and the St Peter's College website.