News

Six clubs from Counties Manukau have entered the U85 National Club Competition in 2023 with Ardmore Marist, Karaka, Onewhero, Patumahoe, Pukekohe and Waiuku all confirmed.

The draw for the 51-team knockout style competition has been confirmed with newcomers Ardmore Marist and Onewhero given direct entry into the second round.

The other local clubs will need to win through with Patumahoe set for a showdown with Auckland University Legends, Karaka facing Pakuranga, Waiuku taking on Leamington from Waikato and Pukekohe battling the Auckland University Squids in the first round.

There are three rounds, a quarter-final, semi-final and final scheduled before the national champions are crowned. The opening rounds are contested in regions to help with travel costs and time.

Karaka were the best of the local sides in 2022, making it to the semi-finals before they went down to eventual champions Southern Bush Pigs.

A total of 51 teams will represent 13 unions and contest for the title from May 6 with dates of further rounds to be confirmed at a later stage.

This year represents the fourth year of competition. 

The draw for the competition is available here.