The Māruawai-Menzies First XV has been playing this season in the Southern Schools Rugby Championship, which features teams from Otago and Southland.
Combined at the beginning of the year, the team recorded six wins and five losses.
Assistant coach Matthew Richards said it had been a successful season.
"It was a success for a very young team."
Playing teams that they "never thought they’d get to play" had been a benefit.
"They got exposed to different levels of rugby — different skill sets, different game plans. That’s only going to make them better."
Travelling to games had been beneficial, as it allowed players to get experience of a more professional environment, he said.
Their biggest win of the season came against St Kevin’s College (Oamaru), who they beat 53-15 in May.
"We encourage the boys to play with some fun."
They had a structured game, with strike plays and shapes for different zones of the field, he said.
"Structure creates opportunity and that’s what we try and install in the players.
"It’s a disciplined style but it’s free-flowing."
Richards said the coaches and players had developed a lot over the season.
"The future is looking really bright for the team."
It showed the players that there was a pathway to the professional game that did not involve going to Southland or Otago Boys’, he said.
Loose forward Jayden Broome was a stand-out for the season, he said.
"It’s hard to single out one player but obviously Jayden. He’s going to go places."
He attended the Highlanders Schools Development Camp, along with team-mates Alex Burgess, Kody Crump and Luke Bryson.
In a season that Richards called a "rebuilding year", six wins had been a success.
The side beat Cromwell RFC, St Kevin’s College, Mt Aspiring College, John McGlashan College 2nd XV and Taieri College twice.
Their season ended in the division three semifinals, losing to Cromwell 27-25.
Cromwell scored a try in the corner after time expired, tying the game at 25-25.
"Their young 10 to kick it from the edge to win and he got it.
"That was our season over. Disappointing but that’s footy. It doesn’t always go how you want it."
