New Zealand Rugby retains New Zealand Secondary Schools team in 2025

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) have agreed with secondary school principals and the New Zealand Schools Rugby Union (NZSRU) to retain the New Zealand Secondary Schools (NZSS) team for two matches against Australia Under 18 in 2025.

The NZSS team will be selected under the same criteria as it was in 2024, but with an eligibility exemption for under 18 players who are playing club rugby due to the absence of a first XV programme at their school and who cannot access a combined school team.

NZR, principals, and the NZSRU will work jointly to review the NZSS 2025 programme at the conclusion of the campaign.  There is also a commitment to look more broadly at the governance arrangements relationship between NZR and schools, with a shared desire to have greater alignment with the wider rugby system in New Zealand.

NZR General Manager Professional Rugby & Performance Chris Lendrum said:

“We have listened to the principals’ group and acknowledged the concern that our proposal had the potential to unwittingly lead to some of our youth leaving school early. While we believed there was merit in a more inclusive selection criteria, we remain committed to supporting schools as the primary vehicle for young people to develop academically, holistically and as rugby players.”

Lendrum acknowledged the value of school rugby programmes and the role of teachers and the wider community in fostering the development of young players.

“Encouragingly there is a genuine shared intent from all parties to work more closely and to provide great outcomes and environments for students. We look forward to working constructively to jointly review the 2025 campaign as well as build the wider relationship with school representatives.”

Otago Boys’ High School Rector Richard Hall, representing school Principals said:

“Principals have appreciated the opportunity NZR have afforded us to be heard. We both value the role schools play in developing good people as well as good athletes. The retention of the NZSS side as the pinnacle of school rugby was vital for schools, it remains a significant motivation that we can use to enhance rugby players development as people and for those involved in coaching being part of that team offers an elite coaching pathway. We look forward to developing this great opportunity in a game we all love, even further.”