Rugby youngsters keen to keep hands on shield

The Marlborough under-52kg rugby team travelled west today, hoping to retain their grip on the coveted Seddon Shield.

The young Red Devils are currently involved in the annual primary school tournament, the 90th version being hosted this week by the West Coast union, in Greymouth.

Last year Marlborough shared the trophy with Buller in controversial fashion after ground conditions in Nelson forced the abandonment of their final two fixtures. They had won their first two games handsomely, 105-0 over Nelson and 73-0 against West Coast.

This time around the Devils will be hoping weather plays no part in proceedings.

Just two players return from the 2025 side, captain Hunter Giles and vice-captain Toby Johnson - with Mitchell Nicholas also named as a vice-captain.

The team had a bye on Monday, then faced Buller, West Coast, Golden Bay-Motueka and Nelson over the next four consecutive days.

The team comprises: Charlie Clarke, William Clarke, Jay Crafar, Alex Frater, Noah Harrison, Gus Murphy, Blake Pay, Archer Popoali’i, Charlie Hiller, Toby Johnson, Lockie Burgess, Hunter Giles, Anna Reweti, Sian Strydom, Kenzo Tomasi, Josh Gleeson, Denver Hart, Mitchell Nicholas, Henry Planthaber, Finn Glover, plus non-travelling reserves Mikey Long, Liam Millar, Harry Mills.