Rotorua Boys’ High celebrate winning the Sanix World Youth Rugby Championship for the third time, after an emphatic 46-19 victory over Feilding High School in the 2026 final in Fukuoka, Japan.
By Bruce Holloway and Adam Julian
Rotorua Boys’ High have captured the Sanix World Youth Rugby Championship for the third time, after an emphatic 46-19 victory over Feilding High School in the 2026 final in Fukuoka, Japan.
Life cannot get any better for Rotorua, who now hold the national First XV title, a world title and the Moascar Cup, the schoolboy equivalent of the Ranfurly Shield.
Fukuoka’s Global Arena showdown between schools who finished first and second nationally in First XV rugby last year was the first time two New Zealand teams had featured in the final of a 26-year-old event run by sports promotion foundation Sanix.
It was also an injection of sorts for New Zealand’s international status in the code after the Baby Blacks (U20s) likely surrendered their Under 20 rugby championship crown after losing 25-17 to Argentina in South Africa this week.
Rotorua’s previous titles came more than 20 years ago, in 2003 and 2004 and in 2016 they were third, beating England’s Truro College in a playoff.The Fukuoka triumph was the 10th time a New Zealand school has won the title.
Rotorua Boys’ High acknowledged victory with a posting on their Facebook page: “From the first training to the final whistle, our First XV have done it and have officially been crowned champions of the Sanix World Rugby Youth Tournament.
“This journey has been built on hard work, sacrifice, and belief, and it’s been shared by more than just the team.
“To our coaches, management, and whānau - this is yours too. A moment that will be remembered for a long time.
“A big mihi to Feilding High School for a hard fought and quality final that showcased the best of both teams.
“Kia whakanuia tēnei angitu nui, he hua nō te kotahitanga me te whakapau kaha.”
Feilding, who only received a late call-up to the tournament because of the absence of a South African school this year, also expressed satisfaction with their efforts.
“We would like to thank the Sanix organisation for their long-term sponsorship of this fantastic tournament and the Japanese Rugby Football Union for running the tournament,” they posted. “It has been an honour for our players and School to attend the 2026 tournament...
“To all the other schools here - both Japanese and international - it has been a real eye opener to see your systems and processes as you prepare your teams ahead of matches.
“We have learnt a lot here at the tournament and we are grateful to have been able to observe and learn from others. We have never had an opportunity like this before.
“To the teams that we have played against, thank you for the opportunity to test ourselves against you. The games have been exciting, and we cherish the memories of those matches and we wish you well for all your future matches in 2026.”
The final scoreline was almost an exact replica of that from the National Top Four final last year, when Rotorua won 43-17.
Rotorua struck first, with a second-minute try to left wing Curtis Frederick, though Feilding briefly edged ahead, 7-5, with hooker Lucas Goodman securing the first of his two tries.
But Rotorua were ahead 22-12 by half time and there were further tries to No 8 Te Ariki Rogers (2), openside flanker Rylin Rasmussen (2), hooker Patelisio Tavake and sub Samuel Phillips while fullback Loky Chapman made three conversions, first-five Heretaunga Mikaere one, and replacement Michael Rogers kicked a late penalty.
For Rotorua, Tavake had a barnstorming match, while the efforts of skipper Rogers in nabbing two tries matches his tally from the National Top Four final.
During the tournament Rogers notched his 50th appearance for Rotorua and team management online hailed his critical influence.
“No shortcuts. No handouts. Just straight grind for the Kura. Week after week, you’ve carried more than just the ball - you’ve carried the mana of this team. Leading from the front, taking the hits, doing the hard stuff most don’t see. That’s what real captains do. This isn’t just a milestone, it’s a legacy being built in real time.”
With a National Top Four, Moascar Cup, and Sanix World Youth title on his schoolboy resume, Rogers has a Rotorua record comparable to Rugby World Cup-winning All Black Liam Messam, who scored 38 tries in 67 games for the First XV in the early 2000s.
Another to impress for Rotorua was fullback Loky Chapman, who untangled the Feilding defence in a similar fashion to predecessor Tokoaitua Owen in last year’s National Top Four Final.
For Feilding, openside Monty Gibson toiled gamely, but the pick of the crop was skipper and hooker Lucas Goodman, who not only showed quality, but was instrumental in setting expectations for his team, scoring two tries.
Fellow front-rower Tevita Fakava also scored a try, while first-five Tuharakia Wallace-McLeod and replacement Mac Foreman made conversions for Feilding.
Sanix Final:
Rotorua 46 (Te Ariki Rogers 2, Rylin Rasmussen 2, Curtis Fredrick, Patelisio Tavake, Samuel Phillips tries; Loky Chapman 3, Heretaunga Mikaere conversions; Michael Rogers penalty) Feilding 19 (Lucas Goodman 2, Tevita Fakava tries; Tuharakia Wallace-Mcleod, Mac Foreman conversions) HT: 22-12 to Rotorua
Rotorua Boys’ High Sanix squad: Tahu Aumua, Te Irimana Hatu-Edmonds Huriwai, Massey Mills, Te Ariki Rogers, Mason Barry, Samuel Howe, Awanui Owen, John Taufoou, Loky Chapman, Ollie James, Nate Phillips, Patelisio Tavake, Cruze Conroy, Prynce Love, Samuel Phillips, Nicholas Te Wake, Luke Cunningham, Tommy McBeth, Prince Potae, Taowaru Waititi, Curtis Frederick, Heretaunga Mikaere, Rylin Rasmussen, Hiwa Warbrick, Ihaia Goldring, Luke Worsp, Michael Rogers, Te Rauna Webster-Tarei. Coaches: Courtney Mita, Jeremy Te Huia, Tuwharetoa Hapi, Hika Elliot.
Rotorua’s 2026 Sanix results:
Beat Osaka Toin High (Japan), 15-14
Drew with Saga Technical (Japan), 12-12
Beat Tupou College (Tonga) 22-7
Beat Tokai University Osaka Gyosei High (Japan) 21-7
Beat Feilding High (NZ) 46-19
Biggest Win for NZ Teams in a Sanix final
2010: Hamilton BHS beat Truro College (England), 40-8
2013: St Kentigern College beat Hartpury College (England), 40-8
Biggest defeats for NZ teams in Sanix final
2019: Paul Roos Gymnasium (South Africa) beat St Peter’s College, Auckland, 52-5
2018: Ratu Kadavulevu School (Fiji) beat Hastings Boys’ High School, 35-5
Seasonal win-loss records of NZ Sanix World Champions (win, loss, draw)
2003: Rotorua BHS – 21-2-1
2004: Rotorua BHS – 19-2
2005: Christchurch BHS - 24-0
2006: Christchurch BHS – 22-1
2010: Hamilton BHS – 21-2
2011: Hamilton BHS – 16-4
2012: Kelston BHS – 16-6
2013: St Kentigern College – 23-1-1
2014: Hamilton BHS – 21-2-2
2023: Hamilton BHS – 18-2
Sanix Champions
2026 Rotorua Boys’ High (New Zealand)
2025 Osaka Toin High School (Japan)
2024 Osaka Toin High School (Japan)
2023 Hamilton Boys’ High (New Zealand)
2020-2022: 2022 Cancelled
2019 Paul Roos (South Africa)
2018 Ratu Kadavulevu School (Fiji)
2017 Lycee de la Borde Basse (France)
2016 Glenwood (South Africa)
2015 Paul Roos (South Africa)
2014 Hamilton Boys’ High (New Zealand)
2013 St Kentigern (New Zealand)
2012 Kelston Boys’ High (New Zealand)
2011 Hamilton Boys’ High (New Zealand)
2010 Hamilton Boys’ High (New Zealand)
2009 Dax Landes (France)
2008 Glenwood (South Africa)
2007 Westfields Sports (Australia)
2006 Christchurch Boys’ High (New Zealand)
2005 Christchurch Boys’ High (New Zealand)
2004 Rotorua Boys’ High (New Zealand)
2003 Rotorua Boys’ High (New Zealand)
2002 Boland Landbou (South Africa)
2001 Grey College (South Africa)
2000 Kings Parramatta (Australia)