School Rugby 2025
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@hikastags wondering if theres going to be a U18 NZ Barbarians and an U18 NZ Māori team
In the main though is baffling that the player of the tournament misses out -
Expect a Māori, Barbarians, Cavaliers, and PI teams amongst others. Aust have named their squad and it is strong with some of their U18 stars and sevens players.
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The draw has been released, so you can see all of the teams that will be participating.
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Good article from the Southland Tribune about its three outside region academy recruits.
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I see that Otago has signed Alex Arnold. Disappointing he has left Waikato but he has a big future as a 6. I wouldn't be surprised if he is in the NZ U20s in 2026 or 2027.
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@Bovidae said in School Rugby 2025:
I see that Otago has signed Alex Arnold. Disappointing he has left Waikato but he has a big future as a 6. I wouldn't be surprised if he is in the NZ U20s in 2026 or 2027.
What is he like as a six? Another 195cm hybrid. Or a more agile explosive player? Seems we have a bit of an obsession with our big workhorse blindside/lock options.
Looking at the academy there have been a few other good gets from around the country.
Peni Havea looks a good pick up out of Feilding too.
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@SouthernMann said in School Rugby 2025:
@Bovidae said in School Rugby 2025:
I see that Otago has signed Alex Arnold. Disappointing he has left Waikato but he has a big future as a 6. I wouldn't be surprised if he is in the NZ U20s in 2026 or 2027.
What is he like as a six? Another 195cm hybrid.
That's probably what I would describe Arnold as at this stage. He is a high-workrate player who is very mobile, and has also played lock so a good lineout forward. He captained Hamilton BHS and the Māori U18s so you can find those games on youtube.
Oliver Church is another lock/loose forward from Wellington College.
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@Bovidae said in School Rugby 2025:
@SouthernMann said in School Rugby 2025:
@Bovidae said in School Rugby 2025:
I see that Otago has signed Alex Arnold. Disappointing he has left Waikato but he has a big future as a 6. I wouldn't be surprised if he is in the NZ U20s in 2026 or 2027.
What is he like as a six? Another 195cm hybrid.
That's probably what I would describe Arnold as at this stage. He is a high-workrate player who is very mobile, and has also played lock so a good lineout forward. He captained Hamilton BHS and the Māori U18s so you can find those games on youtube.
Oliver Church is another lock/loose forward from Wellington College.
We tend to hoover those sorts of players up.
Looking at the Otago/Southland production/rexruitment line there seems to be an ongoing gap at centre, wing (although looks good for the Highlanders) and no8. Most of the other positions look well catered for. That's why I'm hopeful for Brock Reid down in Southland. He will one I'll key an eye on.
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@SouthernMann id say he's got a bit of growth still in him too, up and bulk.
Smart kid with good work rate, I saw something recently on nru page how they are keeping in touch with him and several others off to uni.
Bit surprised Jack Saunders hasn't shown up in the Otago age group sides, talented 9 who was at WBHS lastbyear and was in Blues training squad.
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@taniwharugby said in School Rugby 2025:
@SouthernMann id say he's got a bit of growth still in him too, up and bulk.
Smart kid with good work rate, I saw something recently on nru page how they are keeping in touch with him and several others off to uni.
Bit surprised Jack Saunders hasn't shown up in the Otago age group sides, talented 9 who was at WBHS lastbyear and was in Blues training squad.
Looks like he made the wider Otago U19 side. Then either didn't make the cut or was injured. Will be hard for any halfback not named Dylan Pledger down there over the next few years. On the other hand there should be a big gap at NPC level for someone to grab. I doubt we will see a lot of Pledger wearing the golden O.
With Reid, hope he enjoys his time down south and develops as a footy player. Seems a lot of people rate him. If he progresses that'd be great. Would be aweome to have another Casey on our hands. Albeit a different type of player.
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@hikastags said in School Rugby 2025:
Very odd Henare Parangi didn't make it.
He has been named in the Māori team.
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Games on Field 1 are live on Sky. NZ girls play Aust first up at 9:03 am and the boys play at 11:20 am.
