News

Seven teams are set to take part in the Bright Cup Counties Manukau U19 club competition this season.

They are encouraging numbers after the Union’s push to run a four-team competition over a shortened season last year – the first time in nearly a decade an U19 competition has taken place in the region.

A pre-season tournament day consisting of all teams competing in shortened games at one venue will launch the grade for 2024 on April 6^th.

The first round begins April 12 with Patumahoe hosting Manurewa at Patumahoe Domain, Weymouth traveling to Rugby Park to play Waiuku, and Ardmore Marist hosting Pukekohe at Bruce Pulman Park.

A combined Tuakau, Te Kohanga and Onewhero side will complete the seven-team competition – they have the opening round bye.

Those teams are in addition to what looks set to be a six-team Massey Cup U21 competition this season.

Ardmore Marist, Karaka, Manurewa, Papakura, Patumahoe and Pukekohe are set to field U21 sides this year.

In all, Counties Manukau Rugby is looking at up to 13 age group sides competing this season.