Ross Shield fever will hit the town this week, with the local community and Council right behind the prestigious tournament.

The Ross Shield primary school rugby tournament is recognised as a pinnacle event, with Wairoa thrilled to be this year’s host.

Supporters are going all out with flags flying from the bridge and businesses dressing up their shopfronts or creating window displays in support of the tournament.

Local businesses have also extended their opening hours to cater for visitors.

Wairoa’s home of rugby, Lambton Square, has also had a major spruce-up in preparation for the games.

The tournament will begin tomorrow, Tuesday, September 23, with a Parade and Pohiri from Wairoa Taiwhenua (leaving at 10am) over the bridge and along the main street to the Manukanui Pa (Library Green), where Wairoa Mayor Craig Little will speak.

Teams will then move to Lambton Square and the tournament will kick off with Wairoa playing Dannevirke at 12.30pm, followed by Hastings East versus Napier at 1.30pm, and Central Hawke’s Bay versus Hastings West at 2.30pm.

Wednesday will see Dannevirke play Hastings East at 12.30pm; Hastings West v Wairoa at 1.30pm, and Central Hawke’s Bay v Napier at 2.30pm.

Thursday’s draw is Napier v Dannevirke at 12.30pm, Wairoa v Central Hawkes Bay at 1.30pm, and Hastings East v Hastings West at 2.30pm.

Friday will see Dannevirke play Hastings West at 12.30pm, Napier v Wairoa at 1.30pm and Central Hawke’s Bay v Hastings East at 2.30pm.

The final day is Saturday, when Central Hawke’s Bay will play Dannevirke at 11am, Hastings East v Wairoa at midday and Hastings West v Napier at 1pm.

To watch the games, head to Lambton Square. The costs are adults $5 per day or a week pass $20, kaumātua and students $2 per day or $10 for the week, and children are free - cash only.

22 September 2025

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