More than 3000 tamariki and rangatahi from around the Taranaki maunga are ready to lace up their boots as the 2026 Denis Wheeler Earthmoving Ferdie Rugby and Grays Painters Secondary School Rugby seasons get underway this week.
Denis Wheeler Earthmoving Ferdie Rugby
There’s no better place to start a rugby season than Stadium Taranaki, the spiritual home of rugby in the province. This Friday and Saturday, Ferdie grades 1-6 descend on the ground for the Denis Wheeler Earthmoving Ferdie Rugby opening tournament, with all eight grades – 138 teams from 16 junior clubs – getting underway by Saturday morning.
Denis Wheeler Earthmoving have backed Ferdie Rugby since 2023. The locally owned and operated business is based on Corbett Road and delivers earthmoving, excavation, civil construction, and landscaping services across Taranaki. They’ve played a key role in some of the region’s major projects, including the Stadium Taranaki redevelopment and Te Whare Pūngao o Ngā-motu – Taranaki Rugby’s on-site training facility at Stadium Taranaki.
Denis Wheeler Earthmoving’s Brett Wheeler is proud to continue to support Ferdie Rugby in 2026. "Seeing hundreds of kids out on the field every Saturday morning, having a go and enjoying the game – that’s what it’s all about. Denis Wheeler Earthmoving is a Taranaki business through and through, and supporting the next generation of players in our community is something we’re genuinely passionate about.”
Two initiatives return again this season – Player of the Day vouchers for local aquatic centres, and the chance for two lucky team's to train on Stadium Taranaki’s number one field alongside the Yarrows Taranaki Bulls. Follow the Taranaki Community Rugby Facebook page for more information on how to enter.
Click HERE for a list of draws for Denis Wheeler Earthmoving Ferdie Rugby
Grays Painters Secondary School Rugby
Grays Painters Secondary School Rugby also gets underway this week. The girls competition kicks off tonight, with matches played on Wednesday evenings throughout the season and finals day set for Wednesday 12 August at the NPBHS Gully. The boys get started this Saturday, with their finals day on 15 August – also at the NPBHS Gully. This year 41 teams are competing across five competitions, up four on 2025, reflecting continued growth in the secondary school game – particularly in the girls’ space. Outside of the Grays Painters competition, NPBHS and FDMC 1st XVs will also be in action, competing in the Super 8 and CNI competitions respectively.
Adding to the excitement this season, thanks to Grays Painters one secondary school side will be selected to train with players from the Yarrows Taranaki Bulls. This a fantastic opportunity for rangatahi to learn from some of the best players in the province.
Grays Painters have been part of the Taranaki community since 1956, when Jack Gray founded the business. Now managed by his grandson Nathan Gray, the company operates from offices in New Plymouth and Hāwera. Over the decades, Grays Painters have built a strong reputation across the region, with their work spanning major commercial projects, local schools and community facilities, and residential homes throughout Taranaki. They have also been heavily involved in several large Taranaki projects, including valued contributions to both Stadium Taranaki and Te Whare Pūngao o Ngā-motu.
Grays Painters Director Nathan Gray reflected on what the partnership means to the business: “On behalf of our team, we’re proud to support this year’s secondary schools rugby competition. To every player taking the field – give it your all, play with pride, and look after one another. You represent not just your schools, but the future of the game we all love. We wish you the very best for the season ahead, and we look forward to getting out and watching some exciting rugby.”
Click HERE for a list of draws for Grays Painters Secondary School Rugby
"We are really excited for the Denis Wheeler Earthmoving Ferdie Rugby and Grays Painters Secondary School Rugby seasons to begin" said Taranaki Rugby Community Manager Ben Hitchcock. "These competitions are the building blocks of the game in Taranaki as they engage thousands of tamariki and rangatahi throughout our province in rugby. We must acknowledge the work that goes in behind the scenes from volunteers at our clubs and schools, we are grateful for their mahi and support in providing memorable experiences to all. From this week onwards grounds and will be buzzing with activity and we can’t wait to get out and witness the rugby that will be on display. A big thanks must also go to Denis Wheeler Earthmoving and Grays Painters for supporting the next generation of players in our province".
Best of luck to all players, teams and clubs across both competitions this season.
