A record six HBHS 1st XV players have been named in the New Zealand Secondary Schools Rugby team. Taha Kemara (first five-eighth), Sean Ralph (hooker), Gabe Robinson (prop), Tahlor Cahill (lock), Austin Anderson (second five-eighth), and Payton Spencer (fullback).

The HBHS centre Aki Tuivailala has been named in the New Zealand Barbarians team and three further players; Marley Murphy (halfback), Tai Cribb (lock), and Kaleb Saxon (hooker/loose-forward), have been named in the New Zealand Under 18 Māori team.

The selection follows another stellar year for the HBHS 1st XV, winning the Super 8 final for an incredible 14th time over the past 16 years. All six New Zealand Schools representatives played a major role in a tight Super 8 final against Hastings Boys’ High School. Sean scored a crucial try from a lineout drive in the second half, Gabe led a dominant HBHS scrum, Tahlor won vital lineout ball and defended stoutly, Taha led the team around the field with his pinpoint passing and kicking game, Austin was a standout attacker and defender and Payton’s speed and line breaks caused the Hastings defence many problems.

The HBHS 1st XV has consistently produced New Zealand Schools representatives, with players named in every New Zealand Schools teams since 2002. The highest previous number of selections was in 2008, with five players named, including All Black-in-waiting Tawera Kerr-Barlow.