It will be Anzac Day footy in WRFU club rugby this weekend as the picture may start becoming clearer for which teams are likely to be in the prime positions come the three-way split into three divisions at the end of May.

One of 2026’s Division 1 newcomers will get to break their duck as Counties have their first home game at Macnab Domain against Ruapehu.

These clubs last met in the 2025 Senior competition on June 7th at Rochfort Park, with Ruapehu just getting home 22-21 to lift the Challenge Shield, although both teams have since seen several changes in team personnel as they ascended to Division 1 this season.

Border will defend their Challenge Shield at home against Kaierau, while Marist return from their bye to take on Taihape at Spriggens Park.

Draw, April 24-25th 

Division 1

2.45pm kickoffs

Counties vs Ruapehu, Macnab Domain; Challenge Shield – Border vs Kaierau, Dallison Park; Marist vs Taihape, Spriggens Park. Bye: Rātana.

Division 2

1pm kickoffs unless noted (times subject to change):

Challenge Shield – Pirates vs Celtic, Spriggens Park; Counties vs Utiku Old Boys, Macnab Domain; Marton vs Taihape, Marton Park; Border vs Kaierau, Dallison Park. Bye: Hunterville.

Te Awa Wahine

April 24th: Kia Toa vs Rangitikei, 6pm, Central Energy Trust Arena; Taihape vs Freyberg, 7pm, Memorial Park; Rātana vs Bush, 7.30pm, Cooks Gardens; April 25th: Marist Clovers vs OBM, 1pm, Cullinane College.

By Jared Smith