New Zealand Under 85kg team set to be selected for overseas tour

A New Zealand Under 85kg team will be selected to travel to South Asia in April next year following the exciting knockout 2024 Under 85kg National Club Cup competition.

The touring side will be selected from the 2024 Under 85kg National Club Cup competition, alongside any existing Under 85kg teams competing in their respective club competitions across the country. 

New Zealand Rugby’s Head of Rugby Participation Mike Hester said the opportunity was an exciting prospect for the Under 85kg players competing in existing provincial union grades and the Under 85kg National Club Cup. 

“It is a great opportunity for the U85kg provincial union competitions, to have an additional draw card for our already, outstanding Under 85kg National Club Cup. This is an awesome chance to showcase our Under 85kg talent globally as we look to promote participation in this grade. We want to provide every opportunity possible for players to be involved, so we have decided to extend registrations for the Under 85kg National Club Cup a further week.”

Hester said New Zealand Rugby are undertaking final negotiations with the host country.
 
“It has been a thorough process, but we are currently in final negotiations with the host country. We are all excited for this opportunity and we are hoping we will be able to confirm where this group will be touring in the coming weeks.

The Barbarians Club have been a key contributor in helping reinvigorate the grade and have provided advice in establishing the tour. 

“The Barbarians Club has always been a great supporter of international tours and providing our players the opportunity to succeed on an international stage. New Zealand Rugby appreciates the contribution they have made to date to ensure this tour becomes a reality and will be keen to draw on their experience,” said Hester. 

Teams are able to register for the Under 85kg National Club Cup here. Registrations will close on 15 July 2024. The final for the National U85kg National Club Cup will be a curtain raiser to the All Blacks versus Australia Test match at Sky Stadium on 28 September 2024.