Area Schools Confirm Programm e

The New Zealand Barbarians Area Schools side is gearing up again for its annual fixture against Waikato’s Harlequins.

The date is August 27 and the clash will be the curtainraiser to the Waikato- Taranaki ITM Cup match at Waikato Stadium.

Four players return from the 2013 side, and there are 10 provinces represented in this unique group. The squad was chosen after July’s annual area schools tournament, held in Nelson, and won by the home Top of the South region.

“There’s a good mix from all over the country. It must be remembered that these boys do not play First XV rugby, as such, as their schools are too small. They mostly play for their local senior team ( or in some cases are too isolated to play rugby at all) so do not get spotted by NZ Rugby age group selectors around the country.

This is their chance to showcase their skills in an environment that is structured and with their own age group,” says manager and former Northland and Thames Valley prop, Mike Smith.

Last season the NZ Barbarians Area Schools defeated the Harlequins 12- 6, their first victory in several seasons. The group are looking forward to running out in the distinctive scarlet of the Barbarians club.

“The benchmark has been set now, so we’ll try and maintain or better, but it looks like a good solid core of players up front, so we’ll try and take it to them,” says Smith. Bob Telfer will again coach the side, which assembles on August 23. They are seeking to organise an August 25 hitout.