**Photos:** **Andy Thompson Adventure Lens Photography**

Thousands of junior rugby players kick-started their school holidays in style by taking part in the country’s largest junior rugby festival in Taupō over the weekend.

The New Zealand Junior Rugby Festival, hosted by Global Games, saw 120 teams, 62 clubs, and more than 10,000 supporters from New Zealand and across the Tasman descend on the central North Island town for three days of competition at Owen Delany Park.

Keen footy players, ages 8-13 had the opportunity to play on the number one pitch, the home ground of the mighty King Country Rams, under floodlights, as well as the five outer fields at the park for the annual festival which has now been running for 16-years.

Global Games founder Tyrone Campbell says, “We want to say a huge thank you to each and every club for making the journey to Taupō for another year and helping to make this festival something special.

“Witnessing the pure joy and pride on the kids’ faces over the weekend as they pull on their club colours and take the field alongside their mates makes all the hard work worthwhile. We feel really privileged to be a part of what will become lasting memories for these players and their families and we can’t wait to do it all again next year.”

Each participating club is paired with a ‘buddy club’ to encourage teams to get to know those from other regions and to encourage positive sportsmanship throughout the tournament.

The initiative has taken on a life of its own, says Campbell, with teams supporting each other from the sidelines, enjoying fun activities together, sharing kai and even forming tunnels for each other to run out on the pitch.

“Sportsmanship is a key pillar for us and seeing the buddy teams interact is a true highlight. It makes us incredibly proud as event hosts of our participating teams and the way they conduct themselves on and off the field.”

Another initiative is the commitment to waste minimisation which has improved year-on-year since the days of overflowing wheelie bins 14-years ago, Campbell says.

The festival is now officially waste-free, diverting more than 90% of waste from landfill, thanks to a partnership with Queenstown-based organisation Without Waste.

Punters dined out on hot meals and barista-made coffee from a variety of local food trucks, all using reusable and compostable packaging to reduce the impact on the local environment.

All Black number 1056 Campbell Johnstone, Global Games Rugby Manager, was on hand to lend his support to the youngsters throughout the tournament and at the prizegiving ceremony on Sunday (21st September) to reward teams for success across a number of categories including performance, sportsmanship, fair-play, flair and teamwork.

Feilding Under 13 won the Major Award for Global Games Champions of the Festival, the highest honour awarded to the team showing outstanding performance, sportsmanship and overall excellence on and off the field.

Best & Fairest Team
Recognising teams that uphold fairness and respect, and show outstanding sportsmanship on and off the field. Determined by opposition teams and referees.

Under 10 Restricted Winner: Wests

Under 10 Regional Winner: Taumarunui

Under 11 Restricted Winner: Northcote

Under 11 Regional Winner: Tongariro

Under 12 Restricted Winner: Kumeu

Under 12 Regional Winner: Paremata-Plimmerton

Under 13 Restricted Winner: Hamilton Marist

Under 13 Regional Winner: Taumarunui Eels

NZJRF Team of the Festival
Awarded to the team with the highest overall points, combining performance and sportsmanship including match results and ratings from opposition and referees.

Under 10 Restricted Winner: Pakuranga United

Under 10 Regional Winner: Karaka

Under 11 Restricted Winner: New Plymouth Old Boys

Under 11 Regional Winner: Ponsonby

Under 12 Restricted Winner: Mahurangi

Under 12 Regional Winner: Hamilton Old Boys

Under 13 Restricted Winner: East Coast Bays

Under 13 Regional Winner: Uawa

Spirit of Rugby Award
Honouring a team that truly embodies respect, teamwork, and fair play — setting an example for others to follow.

Winner: Silverdale Under 12

Referees’ Choice Award
Chosen by referees for a team that consistently displayed respect for the game and officials.

Winner: Havelock North Under 11

Best Team Culture Award
Celebrating a team that shows exceptional unity, inclusivity, and positive team spirit. Determined by feedback from staff, referees, and opposition teams.

Winner: Thames Under 12

Game-Changer Team Award
Awarded to a team that played with innovation and flair, creating unforgettable moments on the field.

Winner: Raptors Under 12

Tournament Referee Awards
Awarded to a referee for outstanding performance throughout the weekend
as voted by teams and management

Winner: Grant Cotterell

Major Award – Global Games Champions of the Festival
The highest honour, awarded to one team that shows outstanding performance, sportsmanship, and overall excellence on and off the field.