Former AB backs St Kents

are due to bring in five first XV players recruited from other schools around the country as part of their 2019 intake.

‘‘It has got too extreme,’’ he said, adding that none of the 10 schools involved in the boycott have recruited first XV players from other programmes. ‘‘We are all very reluctant to take boys from other schools who are effectively elite players.

‘‘We got wind of [St Kents’ actions] from our colleagues in regional centres who are very concerned they’re losing their top kids, future leaders of their school, right when it counts.

‘‘That’s not development. That’s a shortcut to glory. It just got too much. A stand needed to be taken.’’

Bentley believes this year’s run by his team made one thing abundantly clear at St Peter’s.

‘‘Some schools look at their first XVs as marketing tools. That’s not how we see it. It’s about enjoyment for the kids, galvanising a community and the wonderful pride we all have in their achievement.’’

‘‘Some schools look at their first XVs as marketing tools. That’s not how we see it.’’

St Peter’s College headmaster James Bentley

GETTY IMAGES Niko Jones and his St Peter’s College team-mates celebrate winning the Auckland 1A title earlier this year.