The 2026 edition of the Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Junior Festival will be played at Hickford Park, from Friday 25 September to Sunday 27 September. Over three days, 14 games will feature more than 250 participants from across Taranaki Maunga. And this year is extra special as it is our 50th year of the Ross Brown Shield!
Ten teams will contest three grades, providing a platform for the next generation of Amber and Black stars to showcase their talent. The festival helps young players develop their game on and off the field, while celebrating the strength of community rugby.
Daily score updates and team lists will be available on the TRFU website or Taranaki Community Rugby Facebook page.
Taranaki Rugby Female and Participation Lead Dani Muggeridge said: “The Junior Festival is a great way to celebrate everything that has made the 2026 season so special. It's an opportunity for our tamariki to enjoy the rewards of their hard work, showcase their growth on the field, and create lasting memories with their teammates. It's also a chance to acknowledge the commitment of our coaches, managers, volunteers, refs, and whānau, whose support has been at the heart of another successful season of junior rugby in Taranaki.”
Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Managing Director Daimon Stewart said: “These kids aren't just giving it heaps on the field; they’re showing leadership, teamwork, respect, passion, and determination - all qualities we admire and love to see in the leaders of tomorrow. Our support is about helping the wider Taranaki community and creating success that lasts well beyond the field.”
Baker Tilly Staples Rodway has been a key supporter of Taranaki junior rugby since 2020. The firm provides accounting, payroll, human resources, IT, marketing, insolvency, audit and taxation services across their Powderham Street, New Plymouth and Miranda Street, Stratford offices.
Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Ross Brown Tournament
- This is the 50th year of the Ross Brown Shield that is contested by Year 7 and 8 pupils representing North, West, Central, and South zones. It honours Ross Brown, who played 144 matches for Taranaki and 25 tests for the All Blacks.
- Central successfully defended their crown in the 2025 edition.
Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Conrad Smith Tournament
- Now in its third year, the Conrad Smith Tournament gives more Year 7 & 8 players a chance to compete in the under 55kg grade, with four zones represented. It is named after Conrad Smith, who made more than 100 appearances for the Hurricanes and 94 for the All Blacks.
- South won the 2025 edition.
Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Michaela Blyde Tournament
- Now in its fourth year, the Michaela Blyde Tournament is for Year 7-8 girls from across the province. It is named after Taranaki-born Black Ferns Sevens star Michaela Blyde, who has won two Olympic gold medals and played over 100 matches for New Zealand.
- South successfully defended their crown in the 2025 edition.
We wish all players, coaches, referees, and supporters the very best for the festival. Taranaki Rugby would like to thank Baker Tilly Staples Rodway for their continued backing of the Junior Festival and their commitment to the growth of community rugby in our province.