Eastern Northern Barbarians and POB face off in high-stakes premier rugby final

Friday, 10 July 2026

Eastern Northern Barbarians skipper Morgan Mitchell and Pirates Old Boys captain Greg Dyer with the Galbraith Shield their teams will play for in Rugby Southland's premier rugby final on Saturday at Les George Oval.

The Galbraith Shield will be heading to either Surrey Park or the Gore Showgrounds following Saturday’s final at Les George Oval.

Pirates Old Boys (POB) are looking to win their first title since 2023, when they defeated the Eastern Northern Barbarians in the decider, while the Barbarians are hoping to make it three straight wins over POB this season and secure their first title since 2016.

It is fitting these two teams are playing in the final, as they finished first and second on the competition ladder.

Stopping Pirates Old Boys midfielder Napo Seru will be crucial for the Babas if they are to win the final.

POB are set to play in their fifth straight final, while the Barbarians are lining up in their third Galbraith Shield decider.

Both captains have played for the Southland Stags so know what it’s like in big game situations.

Pirates Old Boys captain Greg Dyer said they were pleased to reach the big dance.

“It’s good to make the final. It’s what you play for and you get to dictate your own ending in a way. It’s only one game — you can’t keep chasing it,” he said.

Barbarians captain Morgan Mitchell was overseas in Japan the last time his side played in a decider, so he’s excited to be part of it this time.

“After last week, it was definitely a learning experience to make sure we nail every detail. It’s going to be a good final and let the best team win,” Mitchell said.

Dyer said Pirates Old Boys were happy with their season overall.

“It’s definitely a big challenge. Coming up against Woodlands in the semi was a challenge in itself, and to get one over a squad of finals specialists is great for us. We’ve had a couple of bumps against the Barbarians, but outside of that we’ve been playing some very good footy and introduced some good young players.”

Taylor Peterson will be hoping to guide the Barbarians to the Galbraith Shield title.

The Barbarians' only blemish to date was a defeat against Woodlands, a match where Mitchell said they didn’t turn up mentally.

“It’s been a good season to this point. It’s been a funny one. At times we’ve been in a hole and managed to get out of it. I think the lessons the boys have had in the past couple of years have borne fruit now.”

Both coaches are still relatively new to premier rugby, with Barbarians coach AJ Aitken in his second year and POB coach Matt James in his first, so one of them will taste victory early on in their premier coaching journey.

“AJ is very passionate and he will be very stoked to make the final,” Mitchell said.

Dyer said James would be well prepared.

“Cobber (Matt James) knows his stuff. He’s been round the traps a while and it will be an interesting week to see how his nerves are.”

Both captains said they would be trying to help younger players not to get too nervous and just focus on playing rugby.

Saturday’s final could be the curtain-call for some of the players across both squads.

“They deserve it. Quite a few have been around for a long time and it would be nice to send them off on a high, although making a final is a high in itself,” Dyer said.

“We’ve got three or four who might be moving on, but yeah, it would be nice to finish with a win,” Mitchell said.

There are key matchups across the park, with an exciting forward battle expected, while the contest between Dyer and Taylor Peterson at first-five could decide proceedings.

Halfback Charlie Marsh and his ability to play fast could be the difference for the Barbarians.

Kick-off is at 2.30pm and a large crowd of supporters is expected from both clubs.