It is very unfortunate that the article in Thursday's paper has resulted in the finger being pointed at one school, particularly given my knowledge of what is happening in several schools across the Highlanders franchise. The tall poppy syndrome is alive and well.
Take the safety issue first. No players in the Otago Boys' First XV are over age. Yes, there are two year 14s but the key factor which actually levels everything, including size and strength, is age. If boys are under 19 on January 1 then, by law, they are entitled to secondary school education and the benefits (including sport) it provides.
Pupils should not be penalised for a decision made when they were, say 8 years old, to promote them a step in the system. If they comply with the enrolment and study requirements as a bona fide pupil, and are under 19, that provides the leveller.
The New Zealand Secondary Schools Sports Council rules state that all pupils must be enrolled in classes at the school for 80% of the week. All pupils in the Otago Boys' First XV have full programmes.
The problem with the Highlanders First XV competition is that all schools, no matter the depth of their squad, want to be included.
Because of the size and strength of our team, and because we would get stronger competition overall, we would be better playing in the colts grade. However, we cannot qualify for the top four by playing in anything other than the Highlanders competition.
Now let's look at poaching.
During my time as rector at Otago Boys', I have interviewed a large number of pupils who have elected to move to our school because they saw it as the pathway to their dreams. Those decisions have been in a variety of sports, not just rugby.
I have had interviews with a number of rugby players who initially thought they would take their chances, but when told by me that there were not scholarships and that they would have to compete for one of only six places - the restriction under NZSSSC rules - they either stayed at their own school or tried their luck at another school with a good First XV.
We are a state school and we are obligated to take anyone who applies. We also operate a hostel which needs to be a commercial success, so needs to be full.
One of the great strengths of Otago Boys' is that staff members involve themselves in our co-curricular programme and boys respond to the opportunities. We also encourage boys not to accept mediocrity, hence the high level of performance that our teams deliver.
Last year, when the First XV was doing so well nationally, I could sense the feeling of pride in the whole community.
Unashamedly, we do not accept mediocrity in any aspect of school life. We do not apologise for this stance and encourage all boys who wish to succeed to join us.
