Wellington U16s rugby teams secure wins over Manawatu

The Wellington U16s Boys secured a 20-17 victory over the Manawatu U16s Boys in their opening fixture of the 2026 HYRC U16 Division 1 Don Broughton Shield competition at Lyndhurst Park.

Wellington established a 10-0 halftime lead. Manawatu narrowed the gap following a penalty kick by Ryder Caine and a try by Stephen Bason. The match concluded with a critical defensive play by replacement prop Olu Siohane-Hune, whose strip prevented a Manawatu score in the final stages.

In the U16 Girls competition, the Wellington U16s Girls also defeated the Manawatu U16s Girls by approximately 20 points, pulling away late in the match.