The Southland Boys' High School First XV is eying a place in the Dunedin metropolitan colts competition, saying it needs the higher standard of rugby to remain competitive.
The side was a perennial contender in the Highlanders First XV competition but, with that competition now gone, coach Jason Dermody said the preferred option for the team was to play in the colts grade.
The other options for the Invercargill school were the Southland under-18 competition or the Southland division three club competition.
Otago Boys' High School is playing in the colts competition this year and Dermody said that his side did not want to be left in its rival's wake.
The team just lost last season's Highlanders First XV competition final to Otago Boys' High School and Dermody said issues about travel and costs were being worked through.
The Southland-wide under-18 competition might have too many mismatches and the school might have three teams in it.
The Southland division three competition had senior club sides in it and the first XV used to play in that competition.
However, there were concerns about year 11 pupils playing against grown men.
The Southland side was off on a short tour of Australia before the season started.
Otago Rugby Football Union community rugby manager Richard Perkins confirmed the union had received a letter from Southland Boys' High School and the Metropolitan Rugby Council was considering options.
No time line had been set for a decision.
The colts grade starts on April 18.
