Kelston Boys’ High will return the World Schools Rugby Festival title to New Zealand for a third successive year after imposing a rare defeat on South African champions Paul Roos Gymnasium in a quality 2024 final in Abu Dhabi early Sunday morning.

Powered by a highly talented loose forward contingent of Aio Keith, Joseph Paiali’i and UlutoaAi’i, a strong lineout platform, and good leadership from first-five and captain Jarrel Tuaimalo-Vaega, Kelston triumphed 20-12 after trailing early in an even back-and-forth contest.

It capped a memorable 2024 for West Auckland’s “Kelliblock”, after also winning their 14th Auckland First XV 1A championship back in August, and then the Blues region title.

Previously Hamilton Boys High claimed the World Schools Rugby title in 2022 and Westlake Boys’ High in 2023. Meanwhile in the playoff for third, 2023 champions Westlake Boys’ High beat England’s Millfield School 26-12.

In the grand final Paul Roos opened the scoring in the seventh minute from an intercept in their own 22, to have Kelston trailing for the first time in the tournament.

But Kelston No 8 Keith, one of the stars of the tournament, showed some great footballing skills to hack the ball forward from a wayward pass, collect and score out wide.

Minutes later an expansive Kelston backline move led to centreKoupaNomotu scoring after a slick offload from UlutoaAi’i for a 10-5 lead, though Tyson Parsons was again unable to convert in a difficult breeze.

Paul Roos engineered a converted pick-and-go try under the posts to seize the initiative, but a Parsons penalty from right in front gave Kelston a 13-12 half time lead.

With 15 minutes remaining in the match openside flanker Paiali’i extended that to a 8-point lead with a darting solo dab following inspired forward play, with Parsons converting.

Multi-talented vice-captain Paula Lu’au had a versatile presence for Kelston, both as a rock in midfield but also popping up in the lineout, while year 10 right wing SataliFretton was a threat all week and Parson’s added a calm presence at fullback.

Papakura High School were beaten 62-0 by the Paul Roos B team in the Trophy division, but honoured Kelston’s main title win by performing a haka for them.