Proposed South Island Boys' Schools First XV Rugby Competition

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You may have read that a South Island Boys Schools First XV competition has been proposed. There have been articles in the media, some focussing on the exclusion of co-educational schools.

The Board of Trustees and the Board of Proprietors have considered the proposal in the context of our values and what we would like sport to achieve for all our boys.

We believe it is important our resources are used to help all boys play the sports of their choosing. The time and cost of each sport must be managed carefully so that boys can compete in multiple codes, while also achieving their full potential academically.  Boys should be able to train and play for themselves and their teammates; and enjoy the competition and camaraderie that sport provides free from external pressures. The current Otago/Southland rugby competition works well in terms of what we’re trying to achieve.

In addition, we want to see sports competitions open to all schools who choose to participate, including co-educational schools. 

For these reasons, we will not be participating in the South Island Boys Schools First XV competition as it is currently proposed.  Some other schools have reached the same conclusion.  If an alternative format competition is proposed, we will consider that against the values and goals above.  

Whether any proposed alternative competition proceeds or not, we will continue to work with all other schools to ensure strong competitions for all our teams. 

Simon Anderson and Geoff Burns (JMC Board Chairs)