Kelston Boys High School Wins World Schools Rugby Title in Abu Dhabi

Kelston Boys High School won the World Schools Rugby Festival title for the third consecutive year, defeating Paul Roos Gymnasium 20-12 in Abu Dhabi. The New Zealand team was led by a talented loose forward contingent and strong lineout platform, with first-five and captain Jarrel Tuaimalo-Vaega providing good leadership. Kelston previously won the Auckland First XV 1A championship and the Blues region title in 2024.

Kelston Boys High School's rugby team has once again made history by winning the World Schools Rugby Festival title for the third consecutive year. In a thrilling match held in Abu Dhabi, the New Zealand team defeated Paul Roos Gymnasium 20-12 (Number 1).

Led by a talented loose forward contingent and a strong lineout platform, Kelston showcased their superior skills throughout the tournament. The team's first-five and captain, Jarrel Tuaimalo-Vaega, provided excellent leadership, guiding his team to victory.

Before the final, Kelston had already won the Auckland First XV 1A championship and the Blues region title in 2024 (Number 2). Their impressive form continued in Abu Dhabi, with the team securing bonus points in several matches and scoring tries at will.

In the final against Paul Roos Gymnasium, Kelston took a commanding 26-3 lead at halftime, thanks to tries from Solo Baleinaikasaka, Aio Keith, Paula Lu’au (2), Tianau Letoa, Nathan Auld, Sam Toko, and Joseph Paiali’i. Tyson Parsons made three conversions for the team.

Paul Roos Gymnasium, the top Southern Hemisphere rugby school for 2024 according to nextgenerationxv.com (Number 2), put up a valiant effort but ultimately came up short. The team had topped their pool thanks to wins over Llandovery College, Harrow, and Westlake Boys' High, but they were no match for Kelston's dominance.

Kelston's victory in the World Schools Rugby Festival is a testament to their exceptional talent, teamwork, and determination. The team will now look forward to continuing their winning streak in the future.

References:

1. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/rugby/school-rugby/schools-rugby-kelston-boys-high-westlake-boys-high-remain-unbeaten-at-world-schools-rugby-festival/5IVPMKXYQZCCLGSNKNULRREG3U/
2. https://www.sarugbymag.co.za/watch-kiwi-schoolboys-beat-paul-roos-in-world-schools-festival-final/