News

The clubs of Counties Manukau Rugby have decided there will be a straight final in each senior grade on September 19 if COVID-19 restrictions allow.

The club Council of Delegates met via Zoom on Monday night where it was confirmed there would be a straight final between the two top sides in each grade next weekend if the restrictions are lowered between now and then.

If those restrictions remain in place up to and including September 19 the season will be cancelled with no winners declared in any grade. 

The Premier 1 final will see top qualifiers Ardmore Marist South Auckland Motors face Karaka for the McNamara Cup. The same two clubs will also contest the Bob Chandler Premier 2 final as well.

Te Kauwhata will meet Ardmore Marist in the Sid Marshall Shield Premier 3 final while Patumahoe Albycon Ltd will play Manurewa in the Massey Cup U21 final.

The Under 85kg grade is the only grade that won’t have a final played on September 19. Due to the fact their round robin hadn’t been completed at the time of the last lockdown, there will be semi-finals on September 19 – Waiuku will play Patumahoe Pak N Save while Pukekohe and Papakura will face off in sudden death.

The winners would then play the championship final on September 26.

The Junior Management Board is meeting on Tuesday night to discuss when, if at all, junior club rugby can resume in the region while the CMRFU is also working with local secondary schools to determine next steps in regards to their competitions.