NZ MEP FABRICATIONS SECONDARY SCHOOLS RUGBY LEAGUE COMPETITION KICKS OFF NEXT WEEK
Canterbury Rugby League is pleased to announce the details of the NZ MEP Fabrications Secondary Schools Rugby League Competitions, featuring 16 teams across three grades.
Played on Mondays, the competitions get underway on August 14 and wrap up with finals on September 11.
The 13-a-side Boys Championship and the 11-a-side Girls Championship will both be contested by four schools, while the 11-a-side Boys Development competition includes eight teams.
“It’s very exciting to have so many secondary schools enter in our three grades,” Canterbury Rugby League Director of Football Jamie Lester says.
“I met with a number of schools in Terms 1 and 2 to plant the seed and to have most come back and enter teams has exceeded my expectations.
“To me, it shows there is a strong desire for schoolkids to play rugby league. Sometimes we just need to look at different ways we can present opportunities to get them involved. The hope is to introduce more kids to our sport.”
Twelve schools will be represented in the three competitions:
NZ MEP Fabrications Boys Championship (13 a-side)
• Haeata Community Campus
• Shirley High
• St Bede’s College
• St Thomas College
NZ MEP Fabrications Girls Championship (11 a-side)
• Avonside High
• Hornby High
• Kaiapoi High
• Rolleston College
NZ MEP Fabrications Boys Development (11 a-side)
Pool A
• Darfield High
• Hornby High
• Lincoln High
• Rolleston College
Pool B
• Kaiapoi High
• Papanui High
• Rangiora High
• St Thomas College B
“While the competition is small in duration, I think the kids will love it,” Lester enthuses.
“All competitions were originally presented as 11 a-side to provide a little more space and action, but the Boys Championship teams approached me to request making it 13 a-side. It was an easy change to make. Now, a fifth team has made a late inquiry about joining, so we’ll try to make that work as well.
“Both the 11 a-side Girls Championship and Boys Development grades will play two 25-minute games per day. It might seem complicated, but having four teams at the same park playing two opponents creates a bit of a tournament feel.
“I’m sure it will be a good vibe and opposition players will get to know each other pretty well along the way. It’s not just about rugby league, it’s about the whole experience: lots of running around, making new connections and having a good time. It would be a fantastic to see them enjoy the experience and come back to play rugby league in the future.”
