Schwalger leading from the front for Wellington College in 2026

Z’kdeus Schwalger in action in a recent early season fixture. Photo supplied.

By Adam Julian

With his big hits and big hair, Z’kdeus Schwalger is a startling rugby personality.

The Wellington College loose forward is determined to deliver a showstopping performance when his school hosts Nelson College in a one-off fixture on April 18. The game celebrates the 150th Anniversary of the first interprovincial secondary school game in New Zealand. The Centurions Under 18 representative knows how significant the occasion is.

“One of the best things about playing First XV at Wellington College is the great support we have. The team means a lot not just to those in it but those who’ve come before,” Schwalger said.

”In my time at Col, I’ve learned more about the team’s history and its impact on people’s lives. Our coach, Neemia Tialata, is an All Black who returned to school to coach us. I think that says a lot.”

Z’kdeus is the son of former All Black John Schwalger. His sister is Central Manawa netball shooter Phoenix Schwalger.

“Sport has been a big part of my upbringing. I’m lucky that Dad has helped me and understands what it takes to get to the top. He’s my biggest fan but also my harshest critic,” Schwalger said.

“I didn’t see Dad play much, nor have I seen many highlights. He was a prop, always doing scrums and hitting rucks. My favourite players are Ardie Savea and Du’Plessis Kirifi. I love their aggression and all-action approach.

“My strengths are definitely tackling and jackling. I love the physical side mixed with some technicality. It might look like I’m just running hard and straight at people, but I try to find weak shoulders on the carry and be clever when I attack rucks. The best rugby players are thinkers.

This view is shared by Phil Katene, who coached Schwalger in the First XV and Wellington Under-16 reps.

“Z’Kdeus is a young man willing to do the hard yards. He takes on roles and responsibilities to make players around him better,” Katene said. “Humble and hardworking, he drives values, excellence and connection in any team he is in.”

The combination of brains, brawn, and selflessness has made Schwalger a vital part of the Wellington College First XV over the past two seasons. In 2024, he helped Wellington reach their first Premiership final since 2017. Wellington famously beat eventual champions St Patrick’s College Silverstream in the Ken Grey Memorial Cup for the first time away from home since 2016. Archie Sims scored all four ways, including an improbable 45 metre dropped goal.

In 2025, Wellington returned to the final, where again, they succumbed to Silverstream. It was the same result in the annual quadrangular final against Nelson College (31-24) in Christchurch.

“It was better than 2024. We lost to them 47-0,” Schwalger laughed.

“We came out a bit slow in Christchurch, but in the middle of the first half, we showed we could compete. Then we dropped off, and they capitalised with three tries. We came back hard in the second half and could have won. On their last defensive shift, they held out. We attacked for about 20 phases, which was awesome, but they showed they’re a great side. They didn’t fold under pressure.”

Trytime for Schwalger in last year’s First XV final. Footage: Club Rugby. 

Wellington beat Nelson 2-0 in the first game between the schools on July 20, 1876, at the Basin Reserve in Wellington. Wellington and Nelson have clashed 87 times since, with Wellington holding a 46-38 advantage, while nine games have been drawn.

Most of those games have been part of the annual quadrangular(Quad) tournament with Christ’s College and Whanganui College, which turns 100 in Whanganui in June. Combined, Wellington and Nelson have won the Quad outright 59 times and produced 58 All Blacks. Nelson’s 23 All Blacks include recently deceased locking titan Nev MacEwan and current Crusaders lynchpins Ethan Blackadder and David Havili. Of the 26 outright Quad titles they’ve won, six have come in the last seven years.

Notable Nelson players in 2026 include Coby Davis, Reiahumanaru Pouri-Lane (brother of Black Ferns Sevens captain Risi Pouri-Lane), Liam Soper, Flynn Simkin, brothers Sonny and Paihia Kaho, Bradley Kershaw, Noah Brehaut and Solomone Pouli.

Wellington has nine returning players, with Julius Toimata, Ben Faitala, Tom Hughson, Taysian Davey-TioTio and Connor “Notorious” Gregor shaping as key figures. Centurions Under-18 midfielder Liam Phelps arrived from Hutt International Boys’ School and scored two tries on debut on March 28 when Wellington beat 2025 National Top Four runners-up Feilding High School 33-29.

“Feilding has had a lot of success the past couple of years, so to front up as we did was encouraging,” Schwalger said.

“We brought linespeed and physicality, which shut down some of their speed. Liam played a mean game. I’ve played with and against him for a long time. He’s going to add a lot to our backline.

“Preseason is about growing connections and confidence. We’re young, but we’re excited.”

With his once stare-inducing afro, there have been few sights more exciting in First XV rugby the past couple of seasons than a rampaging Schwalger.

“I had it for seven years. It was pretty heavy; an extra 2kg on my head,” Schwalger laughed.

“I had to put it in a bun before every game, sometimes even on the field. It was the only thing people knew me for.

“When I shaved it off last year, I was cold. It was a cushion for when I got my head in the wrong place.”

Sporting his long hair in the 2024 First XV final against St Pat’s Silverstream.

More details on the Wellington College v Nelson College 150th Anniversary game and festivities can be found here: https://www.sporty.co.nz/viewform/423419

Schwalger playing for Wellington College against Palmerston North Boys’ High School last year. Photo: Club Rugby.