Te Teko are shaping up as the team to beat in the EBOP Premier Men’s rugby competition in 2026.

The yellow and blacks are the only unbeaten team, following their 34-15 win over one of the competitions other strong teams, Whakatāne Marist, at Dunderdale Park.

A huge crowd turned up to witness a slightly underpowered Texas team, due to some late withdrawals, go about their business superbly, showing they have created quite a culture in their set up in 2026.

Te Teko outscored their opponents, six tries to one, and thankfully goal kicking didn’t become a factor. They have nailed only three kicks from their last 12 tries in recent games, however, their main goal kicker and assistant coach, Sasu Wihapi, is due back in the next week or two and should solve that issue.

Outside back Jake Attwood was outstanding for Te Teko, using his speed to bag two tries.

Gavin Causer, a very good rugby league player, also donned the boots and played strongly, helping himself to a five pointer.

The loose forwards of Paraina Davies Turanga Tuhoro and Te Mana Anapu-Burke got through a mountain of work for the home side.

Marist’s best were lock Ratu Gabireli, number 8 Meli Salatagane and centre Tevita Cuvaovuna Seriusavou.

It was Whakatāne Marist’s second loss of the season, but they still remain well on track for a playoff spot.

At Poroporo, visitors Rūātoki took the spoils, 33-25, in an entertaining contest.

It always seems to be a ground where it’s tough for Rūātoki to win and that was the case at the weekend as Poroporo refused to give in, fighting through to the 80th minute in what was their best showing of the season.

In the final premier club game, TVC proved too strong for Tāneatua, winning 27-17 at Rob Shaw Park.

A double to Hirini Delamere helped the visitors across the line.

The senior reserve competition saw Edgecumbe win their fifth straight match, a 39-15 triumph over Te Teko B, while Waimana were too strong for Matatā, winning 29-7 thanks to a double from winger Tama Titoko.

Edgecumbe showed they’ll take some beating in the division as they started to push away from the rest of the field at the top of the table.This weekend in the premier division, a historic first is happening as Whakatāne Marist and Rūātoki are playing on Friday night under the new lights at Rugby Park.

A sizeable donation for Trust Horizon has seen these lights installed.

The contest will also be livestreamed for those who can’t make it down to watch.

The other premier games will take place on a Saturday with Paroa facing a difficult away trip to TVC’s home ground and Poroporo hosting Tāneatua, with both teams looking for their first win of the year.

Senior reserves sees Waimana and Paroa B play a Friday night curtain raiser, while Poroporo welcomes Matatā in what should be an enjoyable contest.