Rugby

Shirley Boys’ High School competes in the Metro competitions run by the Canterbury Rugby Union on Saturdays. We field teams from Under 14 to Under 18 including the 1st XV which competes in the Crusader franchise wide competition the UC Championship.

With up to 300 boys playing Rugby, we always need some input from parents and our local community for coaching and managing. While we always endeavour to have at least one staff member involved with each team, it is not always possible, so if you have a desire to be involved, then please contact me or Scott Davidson, the Teacher in Charge of Rugby.

Likewise, if you have any ideas or opportunities for fundraising and sponsorship that our Rugby Committee can act upon.

Rugby registration here is now an on-line process. Earlier this month, all 2017 SBHS players were sent an email requesting that they register for the 2018 season by logging on to their individual link. This was sent to the email address they put on their 2017 registration. I urge everyone to do this as soon as possible as this gives us plenty of time to arrange potential coaches.

All Year 9 and other new players are invited to register on-line by visiting the following page:   http://sporty.co.nz/viewform/60519

All players must register with NZ Rugby Union, so everyone must go through the same process.

Rugby Notices: We will attempt to make contact with Rugby boys through the following means……..

• Daily Notices
  
• Notice Board outside Sick Bay
  
• Shirley Boys High School Rugby Club Facebook site
  

So it is important that boys are proactive and checking these areas daily to find out about pre-season trainings, meetings, trials and once the season starts for weekly draw details.

There will be a number of events happening throughout Term 1 in which boys and parents can be involved. They include………….

Tuesday 13th Feb – Parents introduction evening, 6pm School Hall

Sunday 18th Feb – Tight 5 skills (2 hours) then coaching development for coaches after (12:30 start)

Sunday 25th Feb – Forwards Skills day for juniors 12:30pm School field

Sunday 4th March – Backs skills day for juniors 12:30 school field

Sunday 11th March – Backs skills day for seniors 12:30 school field

Sunday 18th March – Whole team skills day (U14 only) 12;30 school field

Sunday 25th March, Wednesday 28th March – U14 Trials

Easter Tuesday 3rd April – Open day for all rugby players (games of touch, kicking comps, sausage sizzle etc.) – Chance to meet and greet players for SBHS.

Wednesday 4th April, Friday 6th April – U15 Trials

Sunday 8th April – Skills day U16s

Monday 9th April (Wednesday if needed) – U16 Trials

The 1st XV and 2nd XV prospects have already started squad training.

Remember that the Rugby Club is an extension of the school and as such the school rules apply to both practices and games. This is especially important regarding conduct and dress before, during and after weekend games. Boys should wear rugby gear for training as opposed to tee-shirts and singlets and all players should be wearing the correct SBHS uniform on game day. The wrong shorts and socks are unacceptable as are boots with the “blade” soles and multi short sprig moulded soles. These boots may be great for touch in summer, but rugby is a winter sport requiring “sprig” soles for grip, traction and safety.

SBHS Rugby Jerseys, shorts and socks will be available to purchase from the Uniform Shop.

Mouthguards (which are compulsory) will be issued to each team in Term 2 so boys should be providing their own for training and trials prior to that. They are readily available at supermarkets and chemists.

At the moment, I have no second hand polyester jerseys in stock for sale. If anyone has grown out of their jersey, or no longer requires it, we can sell on your behalf. This allows you to recoup some funds and provides someone else the opportunity to purchase a quality item at a reduced price. Please contact me to arrange.

The Rugby Registration fee of $50 should be paid to the Student Office no later than Friday 18 May and preferably before the end of Term 1. If fees are not paid by the due date, your son will be withdrawn from his team until they are paid. This is a strict policy that the School will enforce.

This fee may also be paid via internet banking.

Please deposit into the SBHS account 03 0855 0333927 01

Ensuring that you put your “Surname” and “Rugby” in the reference areas.

SEASON DATES to note

5 May Grading Games Under 18 to Under 14

12 May Grading Games Under 18 to Under 14

19 May Competition starts and runs each Saturday until

25 August Finals U14 to U18

Except for 7, 14 and 21 July (Beginning, middle and last weekend of Term 2 Holidays) to avoid conflict with family holidays and affecting schools with boarders.

The 1st XV competition runs to the same dates but will start on 5 May and will also play on 7 July with the UC Final on 25 August.

Club Day will be on 2 June when all SBHS teams will play at home.

Any queries re Rugby, please contact me on either jrf@shirley.school.nz or 375 7057 ext. 256 or DDI 929.0685.

John Fox

Rugby Administrator