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2026 Nationals: our rep teams did Rotorua proud
Third place for our U18 Girls, fourth for our U16 Boys, and All-Star Five selections for Marewa Waerea-Tamai and Ty Van Doorne.
Our rep teams did Rotorua proud at the 2026 Nationals. The U18 Girls finished third and the U16 Boys finished fourth. Marewa Waerea-Tamai was named in the Girls U18 National Tournament All-Star Five, and Ty Van Doorne in the Boys U16 National Tournament All-Star Five.
Every one of our teams represented us well on the national stage. Whānau, you had every reason to be proud.
U18 Girls: third place
Our U18 Girls had an outstanding tournament. They made the semi-final against Wellington and came up short in a great battle.
They bounced back in the playoff for third, beating Canterbury convincingly. A well-deserved finish.
U16 Boys: fourth place
The U16 Boys went deep too. They had a tough semi-final against Auckland and couldn't get the win, then met Canterbury in the playoff for third.
That one didn't go our way either, but finishing fourth in the country is still a great achievement.
All-Star Five selections
Marewa Waerea-Tamai was named in the Girls U18 National Tournament All-Star Five. We are so proud of her. Nō Te Kura o Te Koutu ia.
Ty Van Doorne, from Rotorua Boys' High School, was named in the Boys U16 National Tournament All-Star Five.
Two Rotorua players recognised among the best at their Nationals. That's a real credit to them and to the mahi behind them.
Our other teams
Both our U18 teams came to compete, and our U16 Girls flew the flag for Rotorua alongside them. Wearing the Rotorua singlet at Nationals is something to be proud of.
Thank you
Me mihia ngā kaiako, nā rātou ēnei kaitākaro i poipoi i ngā marama kua hipa.
Thanks as well to the team staff, volunteers and whānau who backed these players all the way. None of this happens without you.
See the photos
Our 2026 Nationals gallery is online, grouped by team so you can find your photos quickly.
