ENTER THE nib JUNIOR $10k RELAY

The nib Junior $10K relay, which provides a $10,000 funding boost to a champion school or junior rugby club’s sports resources, is on for the fifth year, with eight teams of 10 runners each, from Auckland, North Harbour and Northland competing in the halftime relay during the Blues vs Hurricanes match. 

The race will be run at Eden Park on Saturday, 16 May 2026. Registrations are now open, and close 5pm on 6 May 2026. Teams compete for the $10,000 prize. Runners, aged between 11 and 13 years of age (as of 16 May 2026), will run on one of New Zealand’s most iconic sporting fields. 

nib NZ Chief Executive Skye Daniels said the relay is a lot of fun for runners and their families, encourages kids to be active, and rewards the winning club or school with a cash prize that can be spent on equipment or resources that further encourages an active lifestyle. Previous years’ winners have put funding toward sports facilities, equipment, first-aid training and travel to sport camps.   

“Racing at Eden Park is an unforgettable experience,” Mrs Daniels said. 

“The $10,000 prize gives the winning club or school the chance to invest in what they want and need, in terms of sports equipment upgrades or new kit.”

nib, in research conducted in December 2025, found that roughly three in five (61%) New Zealanders who participated in the study believe the most important lesson to pass along to young people is how to live a healthy lifestyle. Approximately one in five (21%) believe wealth is a top priority. The findings of this national survey give credence to the saying ‘health is wealth’. 

“It’s reassuring to know that health and wellbeing remain a priority for New Zealanders,” Mrs Daniels said. “Our aim is to encourage healthy habits through participation, connection and fun, which is what the relay will be, for all those teams.”  

Previous winners, Kumeu Rugby Club, invested their $10,000 prize to build a new women’s change room, a project that was completed last year. Angela Pulini, Kumeu Rugby Club’s Junior Coordinator, said the win was hugely beneficial for their club.

“With increased participation across our junior grades and premier women’s team, this upgrade has enabled us to create an environment that supports and encourages female participation,” Ms Pulini said. 

“We’re grateful to nib for the community backing.” 

Blues chief executive Karl Budge said the Blues are proud to host the relay as part of the half-time entertainment at Eden Park. 

“It’s amazing to see the positive impact the nib Junior $10K Relay has on our grassroots communities,” he said. “Supporting junior rugby clubs and schools with wellbeing initiatives while creating a fun event for kids to get excited about is a prime example of the awesome mahi we accomplish with nib due to our long-standing partnership.” 

The Blues this year celebrate 30 years. nib has been a sponsor of the men’s team since 2013, and in 2021 began its sponsorship of the women’s team. 

Blues captain,Patrick Tuipulotu encouraged local schools and junior rugby clubs to apply to enter the relay. 

“For all the kids out there, grab your teammates and make sure you enter,” he said. 

“It’s all about running hard, having fun and representing your school or club. We can’t wait to see teams from right across the Blues’ region on the field.” 

Local junior rugby clubs or schools interested in entering need to tell the Blues and nib in 50 words or less how they’ll use the prize money to support the health and wellbeing of their junior players. The final eight teams will be announced on Thursday, 7 May 2026.  

Each finalist team must have 10 runners. Runners must be aged between 11 and 13 years (as of 16 May 2026) to compete. 

Registrations are now open and close Wednesday, 6 May 2026 at 5:00 pm (NZST).