Rugby League

National Secondary Schools Champions 2023 

Rugby League​​​​​​​


Our rugby league programme is nationally reknowned, achieving outstanding results across all levels within rugby league. Our mission is to support the holistic growth and development of our dual rugby code athletes and enhance pathways to perform across all levels in either code. Over a number of years we have also built strong relationships with NRL clubs such as the NZ Warriors and the Canterbury Bulldogs. These partnerships have enabled our students to remain in Christchurch and thriving both on and off the field. 

In 2023, our 1st XIII Senior Rugby League etched their names in the history books by becoming the first South Island based school to win the National Secondary Schools Tournament in 23 years. A second chapter would be written in the STCRL legacy as our 2024 1st XIII team made their own mark by following in the footsteps of their predecessors by winning 'back to back' premiership titles for our college.  

Our kura has a large contingent of students who play club football in the Canterbury Rugby League competitions (Monday & Wednesday nights) and rugby union on a Saturday. At St Thomas our students are developing a foundational understanding of physical, technical, tactical and mental skills through both curriculum based and extra-curricular learning opportunities. 

Opportunities to represent the college in rugby league arise at different times of the year through the 9-side and CRL Schools competitions culminating in the National Secondary School Tournament in winter tournament week for our senior students. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​


Rugby League Information

Important Dates




National Representative Honours 

Kiwis

Jordan Riki (#840)


Junior Kiwis 

Jordan Riki (2019, 2020) 

Andrew Auimatagi (2002)

Stuart Esera (1999)


NZ Residents 

James Baxendale (2016, 2017)

Andrew Auimatagi (2004)


NZ Universities 

Delane Luke (2019)

Andrew Auimatagi (2005-2006)


New Zealand Secondary Schools 18's

Lautasi Etuale (2024)

Xavier Lynch (2024)

Isaiah Savea (2024)

Toby Gibson (2024)

Maretino Kaloudau (2023)

Jackson Stewart (2023, 2024) 

Chelden Hayward (2023) 

Meihana Pauling (2023, 2024) *Most Valuable Player of NZSSC Premiership Final 2024

Ezekiel Paulo (2023)

Zeke Faga-Ieti (2023, 2024) 

Lennox Tuiloma (2023, 2024)

Oliver Lawry (2022) 

Ngaheke Nepata (2022) 

Cooper Te Hau (2022) 

Noah Harmer-Campbell (2022, 2023) 

Jason Salalilo (2022, 2023) *Most Valuable Player of Premiership Final 2023

Montel Lisala (2020) 

Jordan Riki (2017)

Patrick Elia (2017) 

Caius Fa'atili (2017)

James Baxendale (2003)


New Zealand Residents Clubs 18's 

Xavier Lynch (2023)

Eli Bijl-Kakoi (2023)


New Zealand Residents 18's 

Caius Fa'atili (2019)

Patrick Elia (2018)

Seth Tauamiti (2017) 

Jordan Riki (2017)

Andrew Auimatagi (2002) 


New Zealand Māori 18's 

Cooper Te Hau (2022)

Ngaheke Nepata (2022)


New Zealand Residents 16's 

Felix Fa'atili (2020) 

Matthew Logopati (2020) 

Caius Fa'atili (2017)

Andrew Auimatagi (2000) 


New Zealand Secondary Schools 16's 

Bishop Neal (2024) *Most Valuable Player of NZRL NZ Secondary Schools Championship

Christiano Elia (2024)






STC RL Awards (2025) 

Senior Rugby League Sportsman of the Year 

Bishop Neal 


Junior Rugby League Sportsman of the Year 

Pesamino Elia 


1st XIII

Emerging Talent 

Pesamino Elia 


Best Back 

Lautasi Etuale 



Best Forward 

Bishop Neal 


Mangōpare Spirit 

Christiano Elia


Most Valuable Player 

Bishop Neal 


School Awards 



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