Young rugby players across the Hibiscus Coast now have a new milestone to aim for, as New Zealand Rugby (NZR) introduces a national Under-18 team into its high-performance pathway.

Starting in 2025, the U18 squad will play two away fixtures against Australia’s U18 side in September and October.

Chris Lendrum, NZR General Manager of Professional Rugby & Performance, said the initiative offers an exciting chance to involve more young talent in elite development and international experience.

“We know from our registration data that nearly 30 percent of U18 eligible players were playing at clubs in 2024,” said Lendrum.

“We want to include those players in what we believe is a crucial step in our pathways programme.”

The selection of the inaugural team will follow a high-performance camp and a series of competitive matches from 16 to 21 September, featuring the New Zealand Secondary Schools, New Zealand U18 Māori, New Zealand Barbarians U18 teams, and one additional team to be announced.

NZR High Performance Manager Matt Sexton emphasised the importance of pastoral care, noting teachers and school staff will actively participate in the team’s coaching and management to ensure robust support for the young athletes.

“It’s vital we maintain the lens of providing pastoral care to our young players, most of whom will still be at school,” Sexton said.

This decision follows extensive consultations since 2023 involving the New Zealand Secondary Schools Rugby Union (NZSSRU), Provincial Unions, Super Rugby clubs, and schools.

Chairman of NZSSRU, Garry Chronican, expressed continued commitment to selecting a New Zealand Schools Rugby team each year and appreciated NZR's cooperation.

“We remain committed to working alongside NZ Rugby to plan the New Zealand Schools programme in future and look forward to providing similar opportunities for girls,” said Chronican.

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