Heavy weights set to collide as 2021 NZ Barbarians U85 Club Cup kicks off

Exciting cross-boundary match ups are set to take place this weekend, as the 2021 NZ Barbarians U85 Club Cup officially gets underway in the Northern Region.

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has today confirmed six of the ten Northern Region round one fixtures, along with a much-anticipated round two derby between Patumahoe and Hamilton Marist.

First to take the field in this year’s instalment of the exciting weight-restricted knock-out competition are the Onewhero 85s, who will be making the short trip down State Highway 1 to play Melville 85s.

Waikato Champions, Morrinsville Sports Majestic Pukekos, will be boarding their faithful bus with a number of supporters in tow for their road trip to Takapuna, where they’ll take on local under 85s squad, the Takapuna Bombers. Morrinsville will be keen to avoid an early exit this year after being tipped out last year by a high-flying Poneke team in the competition’s first ever game in October 2021.

Further South in Hamilton, local bragging rights will be on the line as Leamington Longhorns take on Fraser Tech in what looks like the most even contest of the weekend.

While NZR is still working with Provincial Unions to confirm the dates for the remaining round one matches, there’s no doubt this year’s competition will get off to a flying start, with plenty of action, early upsets and tight competition guaranteed in this week’s fixtures.

Details of the confirmed fixtures, including game times, can be found below. The full confirmed draw and official match results can be found here. 

Northern Region, round one:

Saturday, 8 May 2021:
1pm: Melville 85s v Onewhero 85s
1pm: Leamington Longhorns v Fraser Tech
2.45pm: Takapuna Bombers v Morrinsville Sports Majestic Pukekos
1pm: Patumahoe v Hamilton Marist Bulldogs: KO 1pm, Field (NB: This is a Round 2 game as both teams received a Bye in Round 1)

Saturday, 22 May 2021:
ECB Mayfield Sportshouse 85 v Kahukura

Wednesday, 26 May 2021:
7.30pm: Auckland University Debt Collectors v Kumeu 85s

Friday, 11 June 2021:
7pm: Grammar TEC Nga Taniwhas v Auckland University Legends (NB: fixture reversed to accommodate PU competition draw)

To be confirmed:
Suburb Stallions v NZ Forestry Tukapa
North Shore Hairy Goats v College Rifles Raiders
Auckland University Squids v Karaka Razzlers