Mana Rugby to Join the Jonah Lomu Legacy International U18 Sevens
A legacy continues. A new generation rises.
Mana Rugby is proud to announce that we will participate in the inaugural Jonah Lomu Legacy International Under 18 Sevens Tournament in Auckland on 12–13 December 2026, entering two teams: one tāne team and one wāhine team.
Hosted in the home of Jonah Lomu, this landmark tournament will bring together talented young players from across the rugby world for two days of high-level competition, cultural connection and opportunity. For Mana Rugby, it is a chance to stand proudly as a Māori rugby programme and represent our rangatahi, our whānau and our whakapapa on an international stage.
Jonah Lomu changed rugby forever. Through his courage, humility and unmatched presence, he inspired millions and showed what was possible for young people from Aotearoa and beyond. The tournament has been created to carry that inspiration forward, giving the next generation an opportunity to experience elite competition while being surrounded by the culture and mana of Aotearoa.
The kaupapa will begin with a special pōwhiri of legends and include international competition, player exposure, high-performance experiences and opportunities to connect with teams and pathways from around the world. It will conclude with a fitting #11 send-off, honouring the jersey and the enduring legacy of Jonah Lomu.
For our players, this will be more than a rugby tournament. It will be an opportunity to build lifelong relationships, test themselves against international opposition, share who they are and grow in confidence as young Māori athletes. They will carry with them the support of their whānau and the values that sit at the heart of Mana Rugby: whakapapa, manaakitanga, whanaungatanga, kotahitanga and kaitiakitanga.
We invite our whānau, supporters, community partners and potential sponsors to join us on this journey. Your support will help our tāne and wāhine teams access an experience that can shape their rugby, their leadership and their lives well beyond the tournament.
Mana Rugby is honoured to be part of this special beginning.
Ka uru ki te maia, ka puta ko te mana. - Courage In, Mana Out
If you would like to connect with Mana Rugby, support the teams or learn more about future opportunities, we would love to hear from you. Click the link below to register your interest.
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