NZ Schools Rugby 2025
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Rumours of this move have been discussed previously.
The New Zealand U18 team will be announced following a high-performance camp and a series of matches from September 16 to 21, featuring the New Zealand Secondary Schools (NSSS), New Zealand U18 Māori and New Zealand Barbarians U18 teams, with a fourth team to be confirmed.
“We understand the desire by NZ Rugby to provide a pathway for all under 18 players, including those who have recently left school, and that this is the norm in our competitor countries, including Australia. We also understand that it is a rare occurrence in 2025 that the New Zealand and Australian school holidays align the schedule around the New Zealand Under 18s versus Australia U18s fixtures.
https://www.allblacks.com/news/new-zealand-u18-team-introduced-to-high-performance-pathway
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@Bovidae said in NZ Schools Rugby 2025:
I assume it's because the NZ Schools team won't get to play the Australian U18s (the irony).
Yes.
Also here is AI summary of the rest of schools complaints:
Possibly compromises elite students' education.
Undermines volunteer support for First XV rugby.
Downgrades the NZSS team to a trial role.
Reflects poor communication and a takeover of schoolboy rugby by NZR.
Risks scheduling conflicts with academic priorities.
Ignores schools' successful talent development history. -
A U-turn by NZR.
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While I see the arguments from the schools. The counter argument is why aren't we playing our newly established U18s side against the Aussie U18s. Like for like. The establishment of that side essentially means it is the best side the school age kids are available for.
Still run a schools programme, then play the non dchools U18s v the schools side. The top 25 makes the full U18 side for the Aussie game.
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@SouthernMann said in NZ Schools Rugby 2025:
While I see the arguments from the schools. The counter argument is why aren't we playing our newly established U18s side against the Aussie U18s. Like for like. The establishment of that side essentially means it is the best side the school age kids are available for.
Still run a schools programme, then play the non dchools U18s v the schools side. The top 25 makes the full U18 side for the Aussie game.
Can a non schools U18 side field a team, let alone a competitive team? Surely the majority of good U18 players are in the school system?
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@SouthernMann They deliberately don't play the NZ Schools against the NZ Barbarian U18s. The cynic in me knows why. The Māori U18s beating them last year would have been an embarrassment to the system.
In theory, the Barbarians is the next best team but includes a number of player who have left school and are attached to clubs. Many are better players than those in the NZS team with a year of S&C and often senior club games behind them.
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@Nepia said in NZ Schools Rugby 2025:
@SouthernMann said in NZ Schools Rugby 2025:
While I see the arguments from the schools. The counter argument is why aren't we playing our newly established U18s side against the Aussie U18s. Like for like. The establishment of that side essentially means it is the best side the school age kids are available for.
Still run a schools programme, then play the non dchools U18s v the schools side. The top 25 makes the full U18 side for the Aussie game.
Can a non schools U18 side field a team, let alone a competitive team? Surely the majority of good U18 players are in the school system?
Around half of school leavers these days will be turning 18 after they finish school. There will be plenty out there. Last year Gregor Rutledge was one, this year Mika Muliaina si, previously Kyan Rangitutia. There will be plenty out there.
New Zealand Rugby retains New Zealand Secondary Schools team in 2025
