Rugby

With about 300 boys playing Rugby, we always need some input from parents and our local community for coaching and managing. While we 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.

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. In coming days, all 2015 players will receive an email requesting that they register for the 2016 season. 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 will complete the on-line process at school, probably starting this week. Meetings will be held at lunchtime this week in the E1 where all rugby boys will be weighed in and complete their individual registrations on the computers provided. Players who can not attend then can go to http://sporty.co.nz/viewform/5488 to register.  For those wishing to pay by internet banking the $50 subscription can be deposited into the school account 03 0855 0333927 01 with your son's name and rugby as reference.

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:

Daily Notices

Notice Board outside Sick Bay

Shirley Boys High School Rugby Club Facebook site

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

There will possibly be some pre-season training during Term 1, (managed around summer sport activities) prior to grade trials from 11 April 2016. The 1st XV and 2nd XV prospects have already been given their training programmes if they have attended meetings late last year.

Remember that the Rugby Club is an extension of the school and, as such, the school rules apply to 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 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 are available now to purchase from the Student Office.

Mouthguards will be issued to each team in Term 2 so boys should be providing their own for training and trials prior to that.

At the moment, I have for sale several second-hand polyester jerseys in stock. 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 by Thursday 5 May.

We will endeavour to field an Under-13 side but, unless we get a squad of 22-24 boys who are either Under-13 eligible or Under-14 and Under 45kg (and therefore guaranteed a dispensation to play Under-13), we will absorb any of these boys into our Under 14 ranks. That is the fairest for all.

SEASON DATES to note

16 April Gala Day versus St Thomas (one squad per age group so will double as a trial game)

Remember that this is the first Saturday of the Term 1 holidays.

• 7 May Grading Games Under 18 to Under 13
  
• 16 May Grading Games Under 18 to Under 13
  
• 23 May Competition starts and runs each Saturday until 20 August Finals

Except for 16 July and 23 July (middle and last weekend of Holidays)

The 1st XV Competition runs to the same dates but will start on 30 April and will also play on 23 July.

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

John Fox

Rugby Administrator