Over 40 South Island high school principals have condemned a proposed boys-only 1st XV rugby competition as discriminatory and potentially unlawful, warning it would exclude students at co-educational schools and harm the inclusivity and future of school boy rugby.
The group has written to regional rugby unions and NZ Rugby urging intervention, citing breaches of the Human Rights and Education Acts.
Critics argue the plan promotes elitism and player poaching, while rugby officials acknowledge concerns and call for collective dialogue.
No formal competition has yet been confirmed, though a 2026 launch is reportedly planned.
Image credit: Hanson Lu
