In 2006 the Barbarian Club agreed to become a major sponsor of the NZSSC in respect to the annual inter schools first XV play offs and the regional tournament. In 2007 a co-educational division was added to the top 1st XV tournament as an incentive for these schools to participate on a similar basis to the open division. Co-ed schools have the option to choose to play in either competition.
Over the 1st 3 years our club was a co-sponsor along with Accor Hotels of the open top 1st XV competition and the regional tournament. We were the sole sponsor of the co-educational schools competition. Within the open top 1st XV competitions and the regional competition the teams play for “Barbarian” cups presented by the club officials on finals day.
The Club is pleased and proud to be actively involved for a further 3 years following signing of a new sponsorship agreement early this year. Our co-sponsor for the next 3 years for the open top 1st XV championship is Williment Education Travel. Accor has reduced its sponsorship to local events only.
While it is not an inconsiderable sum invested by the Barbarians our club is very conscious of the growing demands society experiences in funding school sport and we believe that our contribution helps in a very important way. Selected Secondary Schools rugby games are now being televised by Sky – Rugby Channel. Look closely and you will see our name as a sponsor.
The 2010 programme has the Regional Games at Hamilton over the 13th to 15th July. NZ Schools are split into 4 teams; 1 team representing South Island, 1 team representing the Hurricane franchise area and 2 teams from the remaining North Island Schools. These games are usually very closely fought games containing the top players from throughout the NZ Secondary Schools. It is from this group that the selection of the National XV is selected.
The Schools 1st XV games, top 4 teams in both the open division and the co-ed section meet over the Friday, Saturday, Sunday 3rd to 5th September at Rotorua Boys High to contest the Barbarian Trophys. Sky – Rugby channel will be showing these games live. These games are the final of the nationwide knockout competition played during the year within normal inter schools rugby. Being “school” based the support from fellow pupils is high and makes for an exciting setting for the competition.
We would urge all members to support these games. Come to Rotorua and see some outstanding Rugby.
