Barry Cup is back...with changes

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

It's as rough and tough as the biggest bucking bull in the round-up. Such is rugby's Barry Cup.

The sub-union trophy held by Waikohu will this year, for the first time in its 98-year history, come under the auspices of New Zealand Rugby. Gone are the days of rolling substitutions, 20-plus unnamed and unregistered reserves. The change was made for good reasons, one being player safety.

But the eye-watering physicality of country rugby will make its return to Te Karaka Domain at 2.30pm tomorrow after a year off due to Covid-19.

On August 15, Ruatoria will challenge, followed by Uawa on August 22, Matakaoa on September 5, Tihirau Victory Club on September 12 and Wairoa on September 26. Whoever holds or wins the trophy hosts these confirmed challengers, but only the team that holds the trophy at season's end has the right to have their sub-union's name engraved upon it.

Tomorrow's referee is Isaac Hughes, with Royce Maynard as assistant referee No.1.

WAIKOHU: Tulsa Kaui, Geoff Pari (captain), Toru Noanoa, James Rutene, TK Tane, Hayden Rutene, Shyann Wylie, Tristan Morten, Mario Counsel, Kelvin Smith, KC Wilson, Tane McGuire, Jesse Fleming, Larry Fleming, Ra Broughton/Te Mana Barbarich. Reserves: Lance Dickson, Jarryd Broughton, Sandy Hohipa-Campbell, Sonny Hohipa-Campbell, Kimihia Matiaha, Tamanui Hill, Stefan Destounis.

NGATAPA: Sam Hudson, Ihaia Kerr, Tony Walker-Leawere, Sam McDell, Fletcher Scammell, Jack Twigley, Jacob Samuels, Daniel Law, Karl Mackie, Mike Livingston, Alex Bristow, Anthony Karauria (captain), Peter Livingstone, Scott McKinley, Jack Lewis. Reserves: Campbell Chrisp, Shayde Skudder, James Law, Jack Fuller, Thor Crombie, Cam Rowden, Nash Mouten, Teperihi Puke-Riki.