Warriors seal landmark deal with St Thomas of Canterbury College

Via Warriors Media

Powerful rugby league nursery St Thomas of Canterbury College and the One New Zealand Warriors have signed a breakthrough partnership providing a major boost for the club’s pathways system.

The Warriors initially forged links with the Christchurch school as it emerged as a new rugby league force following the Covid era.

In 2023 St Thomas became the first school outside Auckland to win the NZRL Secondary Schools tournament by beating St Paul’s College in the final and then repeated the feat by toppling De La Salle College the following year.

The One New Zealand Warriors have already provided a pathway for a number of St Thomas of Canterbury College products most notably second rower Bishop Neal and prop Jason Salililo who have come through the grades to play in the club’s New South Wales Cup side. Another St Thomas pupil Kenny Lafituanai was recently named the club’s 2026 Harold Matthews Cup under-17 player of the year.

“It’s the first time we’ve had an official partnership with a high school, a tremendous development with mutual benefits for both of us,” said One New Zealand Warriors general manager recruitment, pathways and development Andrew McFadden.

“Under Andrew Auimatagi, St Thomas has quickly established itself as one of the strongest rugby league schools in the country and we’re excited to provide more opportunities for players to chase their dreams with the Warriors.

“What stands out about St Thomas is its willingness to allow its students to play either rugby league or rugby union, which isn’t the case at so many schools where they actively block kids from playing league. It’s not fair, even more so now with rugby league gaining in popularity on the back of the Warriors’ success.”

St Thomas of Canterbury College principal Steve Hart said the school was proud of its
rugby league success and was excited to build on its association with the Warriors.