New Zealand Schools Rugby Union (NZSRU) have today announced the cancellation of the annual Barbarians National Secondary School 1st XV Championships.

These events were scheduled for Palmerston North in mid-September this year. The three championships are the New Zealand Barbarians National 1^st XV Championship for the Barbarian Cup; New Zealand National Girls’ 1^st XV Championship for the Hine Pounamu Trophy and the New Zealand National Invitational Co-educational Schools’ 1^st XV Championship for the Barbarian Trophy.

The decision made by NZSRU was supported by both New Zealand Rugby (NZR) and School Sport New Zealand (SSNZ).

NZSRU Chairman Garry Chronican said the decision gave schools and organising committees the ability to prioritise the running of local competitions and regional finals.

“It is incredibly disappointing to have to cancel these pinnacle events for the second year running. Unfortunately, the ongoing pandemic will not allow time for qualifying games to occur safely. We understand the disappointment that will be felt by players, but hope that this cancellation may allow for local competitions to reach their conclusion.”

NZR Head of Participation and Development Steve Lancaster said the organisation supported the decision to cancel this year’s tournament.

“This was a tough call but one that was done so with the best interests of the players, schools and organising committees in mind.

“We know how important school rugby is to thousands of students and this decision allows everyone to focus on getting local competitions back up and running as quickly and safely as possible.”

Barbarians Club President Bernie Allen said “the Barbarian Rugby Club is deeply disappointed for all involved as a result of the CoVid induced cancellation of the National 1st XV Championships to have been played at the SRI, Massey University, Palmerston North in September. The Club has for some years had a real focus on celebrating schools’ rugby and promoting player development through competitions such as these and we look forward to continuing that support in the future”.

Article added: Tuesday 24 August 2021