NZ secondary school comps get shelved

New Zealand Schools Rugby Union (NZSRU) yesterday announced the cancellation of this year’s National Secondary School 1st XV Rugby Championships (known as Top Four).

The Top Four Girls, Top Four Boys and Top Four Co-Ed events will not be held, as a result of the delay of the rugby season due to Covid-19. It was supported by both New Zealand Rugby (NZR) and School Sport New Zealand (SSNZ).

The championships involve secondary school teams who qualify through their respective regions and was set to be played in Palmerston North during the September winter tournament week.

NZSRU Chairman Garry Chronican said the early decision meant schools and organising committees can now prioritise local competitions. ‘‘The Top Four championships have traditionally been the culmination of the secondary school rugby year. We’ve seen the start of school rugby disrupted already and now local secondary competitions can plan for a full season.’’

NZR head of participation and development Steve Lancaster said the organisation backed the cancellation of the tournament.

‘‘This was a tough call but one that was done so with the best interests of the players, schools and organising committees in mind.

School Sport New Zealand CEO Garry Carnachan added that many popular sports are faced with similar difficult decisions.

Netball New Zealand this week made the decision to cancel this year’s secondary school regional and national tournaments due to the ongoing impacts of Covid-19. All events will be rescheduled next year.

The South Island Secondary Schools, Lower North Island Secondary Schools and Upper North Island Secondary Schools which were to be played in Timaru, Hawke’s Bay and Auckland in early September will remain at the same venues, but will now be played in 2021.