Fields Named for National Schools Tournament

August 9, 2014

Fields Named for National Schools Tournament

Defending champions Kelston Boys High School and 15-time winners St Paul's College head the premiership field for next month's NZRL National Secondary Schools Tournament at Papakura.

The archrivals meet in tomorrow's SAS Auckland college final to decide top seeding for the national event, where 10 Auckland schools will vie for honours in a 12-team first division.

St Pauls' headed Kelston for last year's provincial crown, but lost to Mt Albert Grammar in the national semis. Kelston then headed MAGS in the final for their second national championship.

Auckland schools make up the vast majority of entries - seven more among the 12 development grade contenders.

At top level, only Tokoroa High School - the highest-placed non-Auckland finishers last year in sixth - and 2013 development champions Rotorua High School will challenge the northern dominance.

But the competition also highlights growing interest in college league around the country, with huge demand for spots at entry level.

"For schools like Greymouth in the South Island, Francis Douglas from Mid Central and Wesley in Counties Manukau, this will be one of their first experiences at this level of competition," observes NZRL football manager Tony Iro.

"Hopefully, their presence here will be inspirational, not just for them, but for other schools considering their future participation at this tournament."

ENDS

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