Following two disrupted years due to the Covid -19 pandemic, the New Zealand School Rugby Union (NZSRU) is pleased to confirm that two pinnacle Secondary School Rugby Championship events will again take place:
 

• NEW ZEALAND BARBARIANS NATIONAL 1st XV CHAMPIONSHIP FOR THE BARBARIAN CUP
• NEW ZEALAND BARBARIANS NATIONAL GIRLS’ 1st XV CHAMPIONSHIP FOR THE HINE POUNAMU TROPHY

Bernie Allen, President NZ Barbarian Rugby Club commented “The NZ Barbarians are excited to see the NZ Schools Rugby programme recommence after a two-year enforced layoff”.

The National 1^st XV Championships be held at the Massey University Sport and Rugby Institute, Palmerston North on 9^th and 11^th of September 2022.

Over recent years NZSRU has also delivered the NZ Barbarians Co-educational School 1st XV Championship alongside the above. This event will now be delivered under the School Sport NZ Cup framework following a survey of schools in Dec 2021 that confirmed that 70% of respondents did not believe this event, in its previous form, was fit-for-purpose.

In 2021 School Sport NZ formalised a tiered tournament structure. This 3-tier structure included:

• championship level events to provide national championship tournaments
• cup level events to provide all other teams the opportunity to compete at national or regional tournaments
• carnival level events which will be regional or local events focused on participation.

Moving this event within the cup framework, will see co-educational fixtures

• being offered in 3 regions around the country
• delivered in Winter Tournament Week
• available for more schools to take part

Information can be found here Competitions and Events | NZ Rugby.

Cup events will also be delivered in 2022 for weight restricted open teams, girls only Open teams and for Wharekura schools.

This aligns with New Zealand Rugby’s commitment to develop a future-focussed secondary school framework that is fit for purpose creating an inclusive, empowering and enjoyable environment for all teenagers.

Garry Chronican

Chair, NZ Schools Rugby Union Board

Article added: Tuesday 12 April 2022