Courage on the Domain: Inside Our First Rugby101 Showdown
On November 22nd, under a blazing Taupō sun, Rugby101 took a massive step forward with our very first Showdown event at Tongariro Domain. This wasn’t one of our usual tournaments. Instead, it followed a boxing-card format where each athlete went head-to-head in a single match to determine their champion. It was a concept we had dreamed of bringing to life, but seeing it unfold in real time was something else entirely.
Thirty-six players took the field, from tiny but determined six-year-olds through to powerful adult competitors. Every single person who stepped into the arena had been selected for this event, adding a sense of purpose and intensity that could be felt from the very first whistle. Unlike team sports where you have a group around you to lean on, Rugby101 in this format is deeply personal. It demands that players face the challenge alone — their courage, their determination, their heart. And throughout the day, we saw individuals pushed to their limits and still choosing to rise again.
The matches were incredible. Some were close, some were emotional, and all of them showcased exactly why Rugby101 is so different. For many of our players, this was the hardest thing they had ever done. Yet each one stepped in with bravery, fought through their fears, and put everything on the line. We were immensely proud of every athlete who showed up not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well.
The atmosphere around the domain was full of life. Families gathered under the sun, children played at the sidelines, and with the lake only a short walk away, plenty of people wandered across for a quick swim to cool off between matches. It felt like a true Taupō summer moment, the kind of day that brings the whole community together.
We were incredibly fortunate to have King Kapisi as our MC. His presence lifted the entire event. He kept the energy high, encouraged our tamariki, made the crowd laugh, and brought professionalism mixed with genuine heart. Having someone of his calibre supporting Rugby101 was an honour.
Adding to the excitement, we welcomed Michael Holland from Seven Sharp, who spent the day interviewing players, families, and supporters while capturing footage of the action. It was surreal watching him engage with the community and take such an interest in what we’re building. We’re hopeful this storyline will make its way onto TV and share Rugby101 with the rest of Aotearoa.
Behind the scenes, the setup was next level. Our volunteers worked tirelessly to transform the domain into a professional, polished event space. From constructing the arena to organising equipment, managing stalls, coordinating matches, cooking the sausage sizzle, and keeping everything running smoothly, their contribution was immense. Events like this don’t happen without people willing to give their time and energy, and we are truly grateful.
We were also incredibly humbled by the support of our sponsors. Taupō District Council, McDonald’s Taupō, Bayleys, Westerman Property Solutions, GJ Gardner Homes, Ara Signon, Edge Exterior, Euro Scaffolds, AJ Hackett Bungy NZ, Surgecom, CZA, Taste Café, Indian Delights, Taupō Business Chamber, Jasco Distributing, and Westone Production all played a role in making this event possible. Their belief in Rugby101 and in the vision we’re working hard to grow means more than they know.
The Rugby101 Showdown wasn’t just a new event format; it was a milestone for our sport. It proved what our players are capable of and what our community can create when we come together with passion and purpose. We left the domain that evening exhausted, grateful, and excited for what lies ahead.
This was a day we will remember for a long time, and it marks only the beginning of where Rugby101 is heading next.
