Nelson College confirms rebel rugby move

Just a day after proposing it could start its own rebel schoolboy rugby competition, Nelson College has confirmed the breakaway move.

In an email to parents, the school’s Master in Charge of Rugby Mark Cochrane confirms an internal U14, U15 and U18 competition will be launched on 3 May.

At a special meeting called on Thursday night, parents and players were asked if they would support Nelson College if it was to create its own rugby competition.

The results were tallied and show 89 percent of parents, 98% of players and 100% of supporters expressed their support for the breakaway.

The college has agreed to attend mediation with the Nelson Bays Sub-union next week but with the season fast approaching it has opted to go alone to protect its boys’ choice to play in Nelson College colours rather than turn out club sides.

New Zealand Rugby had referred the drawn out wrangle over college and club to mediation after being unable to rule itself on Nelson College being denied the chance to field its own sides in the local age grade competitions.

Sub-union delegates had voted 9-2 to exclude Nelson College U14, U15 and U16 teams from this year’s competition, arguing students should play for clubs instead to try to ensure the survival of their age grade sides.

As one parent commented on reading the email, what is the point in now going to mediation.

The college plans to hold age grade trials, starting on 24 March, and is inviting players from other schools to come along and try out.

At Thursday’s meeting it was suggested there would be four teams in each of the U15 and U16 grades but some parents doubt whether the school has the playing numbers to actually field that many.

It says the aim is to form smaller and more competitive squads which will allow more game time for each player.

Managers and coaches are now being sought for those sides.

“Old boys” are being encouraged to referee the internal games.