Format
The competition has had a name change from Otago to Southern Schools Rugby Championship to reflect the increased participation of Southland schools this year. It has expanded from 12 to 18 teams. Cromwell, Maruawai/Menzies and Central Southland will make their debuts, while Southland Boys’, John McGlashan and King’s have entered second XVs.
The teams have been divided into three initial pools based on their rankings from 2023 — division 1 and blue and maroon pools in division 2.
Each pool plays a full round robin. At the end of the opening round, the winners from the blue and maroon pools will play a final. The winner will be automatically promoted to division 1, while the sixth-ranked team in division 1 will be relegated.
The teams are then ranked into three divisions for round two and the points are zeroed off. They will play in another full round robin and the points from those games will be used to determine the playoff positions.
For the playoffs, the teams are ranked in four divisions (1-4, 5-8, 9-12 and 13-16) and each division will play seeded semifinals (1 v 4 and 2 v 3) with the winners contesting the division finals on August 17.
Division 1
Teams: Otago Boys’ 1sts, Otago Boys’ 2nds, King’s 1sts, Wakatipu, Southland Boys’ 1sts, John McGlashan 1sts.
The oil: Southland Boys’ beat Otago Boys’ 22-10 in the final last year and went all the way to win the national final. They also finished fourth in the Sanix youth invitational tournament in Japan last week. Midfielder Taine Withy will captain the team. His brothers, Sean and Aaron, both captained the team as well.
Fullback Jimmy Taylor is another real talent. He knocked over a 40m drop goal in the top four national final.
Otago Boys’ have got two teams in the top division, which will be a big challenge for the school. They play each other tomorrow. Lock Kane Dynes will captain the First XV and his skills in the lineout and ball carrying will be key, while halfback Jackson Hughan has a quality running and passing game.
John McGlashan have most of last year’s crew back and should be stronger this year. First five/fullback Liam Barron is one to watch. He has a quality kicking game and is a calm influence, while openside Riley McRae is a busy tackler and good lineout jumper.
King’s have had their share of departures but they have two loosies worth keeping an eye on. Former All Black Paul Miller’s son, Max, is a hard working player and may slot into lock as well. Co-captain Montell Penese is another industrious player who is always close to the action.
Wakatipu beat Otago Boys’ 2nds in the middle final last year, but could be hard-pressed to compete in the top division. Loosie Keegan Green has good pace and does not miss too many tackles, and pivot Xavier Small has a good punt and directs traffic nicely.
Division 2 Blue
Teams: Cromwell, Maruawai/Menzies, South Otago, King’s 2nds, Taieri, St Kevin’s.
The oil: There are a lot of unknowns in both second division groups. Cromwell, Maruawai/Menzies and King’s 2nds are new to the competition.
Maruawai/Menzies are in a rebuilding year and will lean on loosie Jayden Broome and fullback Logan van der Straaten for inspiration. They play Cromwell first up, who are expected to be decent. Lock and captain Lochie Morton has a big engine and openside Flynn Stuart is fit, versatile and hungry.
South Otago will be hoping to do well. Warriors under-17 league champion Kairus Booth will slot in at first five or fullback and brings a clever kicking game and plenty of experience, while loosie Regan Macdonald is an industrious player and will captain the side.
St Kevin’s have a young squad and are looking to build for the second round. Loosie Davan Huwes and midfielder-cum-fullback Ezekiel Goodsir are useful footy players.
Taieri have battled in previous seasons but want to push into the top half of the competition this year. Loose forward Jalen Forgie can help with that. He is a quality ball snaffler, and first five Blake Clarkson is a good game driver.
Division 2 Maroon
Teams: Central Southland, Dunstan, Mt Aspiring, Waitaki Boys’, John McGlashan 2nds, Southland Boys’ 2nds.
The oil: Central Southland are anchored up front by talented tighthead Jacob Best, and promising first five Ashton Gould is one to watch. They pushed Mt Aspiring hard in a preseason game. Mt Aspiring had a tough campaign last year but most of their key players have returned. First five Tom Sides is in his third year in the team and his leadership will be crucial. Openside Jackson Clarke is another seasoned campaigner and he has a good skillset.
Waitaki Boys' have a young team and will lean on captain Semisi Lea. The talented loose forward is a skilled player with good rugby sense. Halfback Billy Wilson is tough and has a quality pass.
Dunstan won the bottom four final last season. They will be captained by loose forward Riley Allan, and first five Zach Johnson is another important player in the squad.
Johnnies and Southland Boys’ will have their depth tested. They have second XVs in the competition for the first time
