Auckland Rugby is riding a wave of momentum after the weekend's fantastic day of rugby, rivalry and Auckland pride. And the next big chapter is set for Eden Park this Saturday.
More than just a rugby match, Saturday’s MediaWorks Throwback Festival at Western Springs Bowl delivered a celebration of everything that makes going to the Rugby special, as Auckland held off Wellington 34-31 in a thrilling contest in front of a loud and passionate crowd.
Fans turned out in force, embraced the throwback fan activations, enjoyed free Coolish ice creams, celebrated Angus Ta’avao’s milestone 300th first-class appearance and, at the final whistle, flooded onto the field to celebrate with the team.
And now the spotlight turns to one of the biggest occasions on the Auckland Rugby calendar: with the 1A and 1B Secondary School Rugby Finals being played at Eden Park before Auckland take on Hawkes Bay is a crucial NPC match.
The stage is set for a massive 1A final between Auckland Grammar School and Kelston Boys High School, after both schools won gripping semi-finals on Saturday.
Auckland Grammar defeated last year's runners-up St Kentigern College 25-21, while Kelston Boys High School edged Sacred Heart College 26-23 in a hard-fought contest.
The two finalists finished first and second on the 2026 1A ladder, with Grammar unbeaten throughout the season. Kelston's only defeat came against Grammar in a tight final round-robin clash.
Now they meet again — this time with the 1A title on the line at Eden Park.
There is plenty of history between these two rugby school powerhouses.
Auckland Grammar is the most successful school in 1A history with 65 titles, while Kelston Boys High School is fourth with 14 titles. The schools have shared the championship twice, in 1992 and 1993.
Kelston is chasing a remarkable fourth title in six years, having won three of the last five championships.
For Grammar, it is their first 1A final since 2015 and a chance to claim their first title since 2014. After an undefeated 2026 campaign, a strong mix of Year 12 and Year 13 players will be looking to complete a season to remember.
The 1B final is set to be just as compelling, with Otahuhu College and Howick College booking their places after convincing semi-final wins.
Otahuhu defeated Macleans College 41-19, while Howick College overcame Southern Cross Campus 45-20.
Just like the 1A competition, the 1B finalists finished first and second on the ladder after the round-robin season, and when they met a few weeks back the game ended in a 17 all draw.
Auckland Rugby Experience & Schools Manager, Jarrod Syman, said: “Eden Park is where these young players get to create memories that will stay with them for life. The rivalry, the history and the quality of rugby make these finals incredibly special, and we’re expecting an amazing atmosphere. We’re calling on the school communities and alumni to get behind their teams and make it a day they’ll never forget.”
And the rugby doesn't stop there. The schoolboy finals will lead into Auckland's NPC clash with Hawke's Bay at 5:05pm, giving fans the chance to make a full day of Auckland Rugby at Eden Park.
Hawke's Bay currently sit top of the NPC table after two rounds, while Auckland are sitting sixth, setting up another important contest as Auckland looks to climb the table.
From schoolboy rugby to the NPC stage, Saturday is a chance to celebrate the depth, passion and future of Auckland rugby.
Tickets can be purchased at Aucklandrugby.flicket.co.nz
