Hamilton Boys’ High make winning start in first XV tournament in Japan

Hamilton Boys’ High made a solid start to the Sanix World Rugby Youth Tournament in Fukuoka, Japan, with a 47-14 win over Nagasaki Hokuyodai High School (Japan) after being locked at 7-7.

Hamilton, the reigning New Zealand schoolboy champions, started slowly, but ultimately manufactured tries to Maxwell Kara, Nathan Stephens, Toby Wales, Ollie Guerin, Liam Van Der Heyden, Liam De Har-Elliot and Ollie Barnett.

First five-eighths Jackson Botherway nailed four conversions from four attempts and Hakopa Paringatai two of his three attempts.

Hamilton skipper and lock Alex Arnold returned to action after recent injury and coach Cam Moorby said his impact was huge, his “follow me” leadership instrumental in the win.

Maxwell Kara was the pick of Hamilton’s backs, scoring the first of their tries, and was an attacking threat all game.

“The tournament is certainly challenging,” Moorby said. “Five games in nine days is no easy task.

“The adjustment to 25-minute halves was a factor as it places a lot of importance on the accuracy of our start to matches which we didn’t nail today. You don’t want to be playing catch-up footy as time can disappear pretty quickly.

“It is great to be playing against international competition, however, and the different styles that come through that.

“It’s early days in the tournament, but already you can see the level that Japanese rugby is rising to. They have some really impressive schools on show here.

“The boys have settled in well to tournament life. We are really well catered for. The Japanese are magnificent hosts and Sanix Global Arena do a magnificent job in running this tournament.”

Hamilton Boys’ High next face Gose Industrial High School (Japan) late on Tuesday.

Meanwhile in girls sevens competition, Howick College were beaten 14-12 by Fukuoka Rugby Football Club in their opener.

A poster promoting the 2025 Sanix World Youth Rugby Tournament features former Southland Boys’ High flanker Jared Reid. Photo / Supplied

Former Southland Boys’ High flanker Jared Reid is featured prominently on the global poster for the 2025 Sanix World Youth Rugby Tournament. Southland attended the tournament in 2024 as the 2023 New Zealand champions.