The Moascar Cup is the oldest and most prestigious nationwide trophy in First XV rugby. The Cup dates back to the end of World War One, when British, New Zealand and Australian soldiers camped at Moascar in Ismaila, Egypt.  They organised a cup, which they mounted on a piece of wooden propeller from a shot down German aircraft. The New Zealand Mounted Rifles Unit and Depot played against their Aussie counterparts whilst waiting to be shipped home -  losing just one of their ten matches.

The MOASCAR Cup was repurposed for First XV rugby and is now played in a similar format to the Ranfurly Shield with the holder taking on challengers, and the Cup changing hands should the challenger win.

Hamilton Boys High School currently hold the Cup. The challenges announced this year include:

Thursday 25th May vs New Plymouth Boys’ High School

Saturday 17th June vs Rotorua Boys’ High School

Saturday 8th July vs Lindisfarne College

Saturday 15th July vs St Peter’s College, Cambridge

Saturday 22nd July vs Gisborne Boys’ High School

Saturday 29th July vs Hastings Boys’ High School

Saturday 12th August vs TBC (Waikato Playoff)

Should any challenger win, they will arrange a new set of challenges.

For more information and a list of past holder click here https://www.nzrugby.co.nz/get-involved/schools/competitions-and-events/moascar-cup-history/

Article added: Monday 22 May 2023