The ECB Rugby Club sees the U19 grade as a highly important grade in the club and accordingly puts a lot of resources and energy into making sure it is successful. This grade is the stepping stone from First 15 Rugby to U21s to Premier Rugby or U85s and it is therefore very important that the players’ skills are developed and grown whilst they are in this grade.

In 2026, North Harbour this year are reintroducing the U19 grade after not offering it since 2013 (When Bays won the grade).

The club ensures the young men leaving school are coached and managed by the best the club has to offer to ensure ongoing growth of the rugby talent that is returning to the club. All coaches and managers are ECB Old Boys ensuring the history of the club is instilled in the young men that are the future of our Premier Grade Teams.

Furthermore, our club policy is to promote our talented U21 players to the premier team, as form allows. This has proven a successful formula in recent years and may be followed with U19 players contributing to the 21s squad.