The Taieri College first XV has taken the big step up and will face the big boys in the Otago-wide first XV competition this season.
The side has been picked and been in training for the season, which begins on April 25.
The team finished second in the Dunedin Metropolitan under-18 grade last year and was then promoted to the Highlanders First XV competition for this year as that competition expanded to 16 teams.
But that competition subsequently fell over due to funding issues and other concerns and a 10-team Otago-wide first XV competition has sprung up in its place.
Taieri College has secured its spot in the competition, and coach - and school principal - David Hunter said the team was well aware of the challenge which awaits it.
''Everyone is excited about what we are facing. We'll be throwing everything at it and will be playing as well as we can,'' he said.
A squad of 22 players has been selected and a camp will take place in the Maniototo over the school holidays.
The side will train in Ranfurly, practising at Maniototo's home ground, and staying in Naseby.
Hunter said the side had some new year 11 boys this year and had lost some players from last year but training was going well and the attitude among the players was first rate.
The school had two other rugby sides, below the first XV. It looked at getting a fourth side but did not quite have the playing numbers.
Mr Hunter said he was realistic about what he and the side wanted to achieve this season.
The side was not the biggest around and should get a real test when it takes on King's High School in the first game of the competition.
Mr Hunter said it was not just about this year and he only had to look at the club team in Mosgiel, the Taieri Eels, to see how building up from within worked.
He said whatever the merits of ending the Highlanders First XV competition, the Taieri side just wanted to get out and play to its potential.
Mr Hunter will be assisted by deputy principal Mike Newell.
