Silencing the doubters: Marist kicks off new season in style
• May 15, 2026
Aiden Fepuleai nudging a kick over the goal post. Photo: Trent Taai
The Auckland Marist Men's Premier team are aiming to continue their successful start to the season, seeking redemption in this year's Auckland Gallaher Shield competition after a dramatic loss in last year's championship decider.
Formally known as Marist Brothers Old Boys Rugby Club, it is one of the most prestigious and successful rugby clubs in Auckland.
Since its founding in 1908, Auckland Marist has won 11 Auckland Gallaher shields, and produced 31 All Blacks along the way, with the most recent being Hoskins Sotutu.
The Gallaher Shield is awarded to the winner of the Auckland Rugby Union's premier men's club competition.
With a strong shot at redemption this year, the premier team say their goal is to secure a top-four spot.
The 2025 season ended in a dramatic defeat, as Marist fell short in the championship game against an undefeated Ponsonby side.
As anticipated, the two competitive sides battled it out for a bruising 80 minutes. It was a back-and-forth encounter for the entirety of the match.
However, Ponsonby came away with the win in a close battle, taking the match 27-21.
Entering the 2026 season, Marist says they are wanting to rewrite the narrative of being overlooked.
Rugby director and premier head coach Doug Sanft says the perception at the moment is that Marist is not a good side because a lot of players have moved on.
“Every year, everyone writes us off, so we’re used to it, just always fighting through adversity.”
The turning point for many spectators came this past weekend during a gritty 27-22 win over Pakuranga Rugby Club at Bell Park.
In a match that many expected the home team to come away with the win, Marist displayed a defensive front to seal the game, led by captain Ofa Topeni.
Premier team member Aiden Fepuleai says being written off has served as fuel for the team to prove critics wrong.
“We heard what people were saying about us in the preseason, that we’re going to struggle to compete this year.
“Especially after last year's loss, it’s definitely motivation to do one better.”
After the first four rounds, Marist is currently sitting second on the table, surprising many.
The challenge now shifts to this weekend's top-four clash against a tough University side.
The annual Marist vs University clash is for the Dave Grace Memorial Trophy, the 50th year of this historic fixture.
Marist host University at home tomorrow, Saturday, May 16 at 2.45pm.
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