MBC Falcons prepare for unique challenge in 2026

In 2026, the Marlborough Boys’ College Falcons face a challenge unlike anything previous First XVs have tackled.

Not only must they front up to the usual heady mix of top-level Miles Toyota Championship sides, they will also take on the lower South Island’s leading sides in a brand-new competition.

A new 11-team South Island boys’ competition (SIBC) has been launched this year, involving the top boys’ colleges in the Crusaders region, along with Dunedin schools King’s High School and Otago Boys’ High School, plus Southland Boys’ High School.

The nine-team Miles Toyota Championship, which MBC reached the semifinals of last season before losing to Christ’s College, will run alongside the new competition, points gained in matches between the SIBC teams counting for both competitions.

A healthy collection of players will return from last season’s well-performed side.

Up front the Falcons will be led around the park by Mason Nicklin, who has been part of the squad since 2024, George Adams, Kaue Da Silva, twins Brooklyn and Tyler Mulitalo, Kade Timms and Hawaiki Gerrard.

Behind the scrum the likes of Harley Hebberd, Thomas Blackmore, plus exciting outside backs Vilikesa Nawaqavonovono, Justin Prescott, Alopate Tahavalu and Kymani Tikotikoca-Lal, offer strike power and flair.

Along with the seasoned returnees, an exciting bunch of new players will have a chance to add to the Falcons’ legacy. Players such as Elijah Lambert, Josh Harris, Jake Clark, Manu Mataele and Izac McLeod bring local rugby pedigree to the mix.

Unlike last season, and due to their wider commitments this year, MBC have undertaken a less extensive build-up.

They opened their preparation with a match against Auckland’s Liston College First XV in Nelson on Tuesday last week, winning 24-19 with a late try.

Next up is a week-long camp, then a match for both the 1st and 2nd XVs against Brisbane State School opposition at Lansdowne Park on April 13.

Then it is into the competition proper and the daunting prospect of playing their first six matches away from home soil.

Their first Miles Toyota and SIBC competition match is in Christchurch against Shirley BHS on Saturday, May 2. On May 9 they meet Southland BHS in the SIBS competition at the neutral venue of Geraldine, then Christ’s College on May 16, St Thomas of Canterbury on May 23, SIBS rivals Otago BHS on Saturday, May 30, followed by King’s HS on Monday June 1, both in Christchurch.

On June 11 they play their first home game, against old rival Nelson College on Thursday June 11, then are on the road again, playing Christchurch BHS on Saturday, June 20, followed by a second home game against St Andrew’s College on June 27.

They are back in Blenheim on July 4, taking on St Bede’s College then the Falcons finish the round robin stages with a trip to Timaru and a match-up against Timaru BHS on Saturday July 25.

The MBC front field is expected to be out of action for the season, the Falcons’ home ground having undertaken some major drainage and surfacing work over summer, part of the wider college upgrade.

The initial MBC First XV for 2026 is: George Adams, Thomas Blackmore, Jake Clark, Kaue da Silva, Hawaiki Gerrard, Josh Harris, Harley Hebberd, Zandre Keefe, Elijah Lambert, Tyrone Langi, Makalio Ligaliga, Manu Mataele, Izac McLeod, Brooklyn Mulitalo, Tyler Mulitalo, Vilikesa Nawaqavonovono, Mason Nicklin, Justin Prescott, JT Strydom, Alipate Tahavalu, Kymani Tikotikoca-Lal, Kade Timms and Reinhardt van Greunen. More players are to be added. Head coach is Tonga Taumoefolau.

The Local Butcher is the major and naming sponsor, with other major sponsors including Forklift Hire, Team Ben Harcourts and Think Water Marlborough, plus the team is also supported by 22 other sponsors and extensive grant funding.