Rugby: 'Super eight' playoff for top South Island schools mooted

A ''super eight'' playoff is on the horizon for top school sides in the South Island.

Garry Chronican said it was hoped the top sides in both the Highlanders and Crusaders competition could come together at the end of the season for a series of playoff games.

He said the schools likely to be involved - including the likes of Otago Boys' High School, Christchurch Boys' High School and Nelson College - were keen to start such a competition.

Next year was probably unlikely, but the year after, 2016, could be a more viable option.

The biggest issue may be travel for games. A game between sides such as Nelson College and Southland Boys' High School would most probably be played at a venue halfway between the two centres, such as Christchurch.

Transport issues and cost were obviously issues but he said it would not be a lot more expensive than what the schools were already paying.

Participation in the super eight would depend on end-of-season results from the two competitions of that season. The winner of the super eight would be the South Island representative at the national top four competition.

Otago Boys' may come back into the Highlanders First XV competition in 2016 if the super eight playoff goes ahead but that has not been confirmed.

The Dunedin powerhouse has moved to the premier colts grade for better competition next season after winning the Highlanders First XV competition for the past four years.

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