New ZealandThe Chiefs Schools Rugby Playoffs form the qualification pathway for determining the top secondary school team in the Chiefs Super Rugby region and the representative for the National Schools Championship.
The format brings together the best 1st XV sides from across the Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Counties Manukau, and Taranaki regions. Each sub-union crowns a regional champion, and these winners advance to the playoff stage. The semi-finals and final are played over two weeks, producing a single champion who earns the right to represent the Chiefs region at the national tournament.
This structure ensures that every corner of the Chiefs catchment, from Hamilton and Tauranga to Rotorua and New Plymouth, has a fair and competitive shot at national qualification. Known for its physicality and passionate school rivalries, the Chiefs playoffs are a true reflection of the region’s rugby strength and depth.
