The 2025 edition of the Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Junior Festival will be played at Clifton Rugby Club, Tikorangi Domain, from Friday 12 September to Sunday 14 September. Over three days, 14 games will feature more than 250 participants from across Taranaki.

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 Taranaki Community Rugby Facebook page.

Ben Siffleet, Taranaki Rugby Secondary School Lead, highlighted the value of the event. “This festival is an important opportunity for our rugby talent to showcase their skills and the hard work they have put in throughout the season. Players, coaches, managers and volunteers have all invested a huge amount of effort, and this weekend will create a memorable experience as we celebrate the end of junior rugby in Taranaki for 2025.”

Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Managing Director Daimon Stewart said: “We’re proud to be part of this weekend’s Junior Festival and are looking forward to seeing the teams play with both passion and respect; values we really care about. Our support is about helping the wider community succeed 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

• First played in 1976, the Ross Brown Shield 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 won the 2024 edition.

Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Conrad Smith Tournament

• Now in its second year, the Conrad Smith Tournament gives more 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.
• Central won the 2024 edition.

Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Michaela Blyde Tournament

• Now in its third year, the Michaela Blyde Tournament is for Year 7 and 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 won the 2024 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.

Photo Caption: The Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Ross Brown Central team pose for a photo after winning the 2024 edition of the prestigious tournament. 

Article added: Wednesday 10 September 2025