Student Leaders call on supporters to behave respectfully at the Annual Rugby Fixture between CBHS and Christ's College.

Student leaders at Christchurch Boys' High School are urging their supporters to behave respectfully and be role models at the annual rugby match scheduled in two weeks' time, on Wednesday May 31st at CBHS 12 noon kickoff.

The Monitors have stated their wishes for the match in the wake of offensive behaviour at previous games. 

CBHS Senior Monitor (Head Prefect) and senior player in the First XV, Manumaua Letiu says he wants their supporters to celebrate the culture at the school which is built on respect and a love of CBHS and its traditions.

"Traditions should not be about disrespect and ridicule, they should reflect values that enhance everyone's mana and that we are proud of. We are trying to build a culture of diversity, inclusivity and respect for each other."

The monitors want to make it clear their wish is that the annual match becomes a symbol for positive change and that anyone who is a current or former student at CBHS is encouraged to think about how they can contribute to that.

"We don't want the day to be remembered for disrespect and bad sportsmanship. We want our supporters to bring energy. We love that you come down to the game, but don't let us down."

The Monitors are asking supporters to:

1. Look forward to atmosphere and culture.
2. Celebrate what we do well in the game.
3. Open your eyes, we are just teenage boys playing rugby.
4. Tradition isn't built off disrespect it's built off love of CBHS.
5. Let the CBHS vs Christ's College match be a symbol of positive change.
6. Let it be a day for the boys.
7. Don't let the day be remembered for disrespect.
8. We enjoy the friendly rivalry with the College Boys who are our mates.
9. Old boys bring energy - we love it that you come please don't let us down.

Headmaster Nic Hill says he fully supported the Monitors making a public statement before the game and was proud of their leadership.

"These boys really want things to change around the match, and an end to the disrespectful chants and for some supporters, drinking alcohol to excess, before the game."

"It's a minority group of supporters who do this, but what we want to say is, this has to change. The boys want their supporters to know they are just teenage boys playing rugby and doing the school proud. Let's celebrate that and not make it about running down the opposition and denigrating individuals."

"Let this day be one for the 1st XVs at CBHS and at Christ's College. They've worked so hard to get there so let's support and celebrate this." 

The match will be broadcast by the CBHS Media Team on Youtube.