Rotorua Boys' High School 1st XV coach Ngarimu Simpkins says despite his team being the national champs he up-beat about his squad missing selectin for the New Zealand Schools and Barbarians Schools squads.
The 2015 New Zealand Schools and Barbarians Schools squads have been named today by All Blacks legend and New Zealand Barbarians President Bryan Williams and New Zealand Secondary Schools Rugby Council chairman Garry Chronican.
The two squads will face one another in Palmerston North on Saturday before they depart for a three match international series in Australia.
The series, to be played at venues across Brisbane between September 24 and October 2, will see New Zealand Schools play Samoa Schools, Australia Schools and Australia Schools Barbarians.
The 26-man New Zealand Schools squad sees a solid Wellington representation with both sides welcoming back players from the 2014 selection.
Ngarimu says 19 of the 22 players in his squad were eligible for selection but none were chosen to trial.
'We are disappointed but we also respect the selectors. You know they've got a really hard job to do with all the talent that's running around New Zealand at the moment at the 1st XV level. All we can do is control what we can control. That's getting our boys ready for another competition next year.”
The coach says if anything his side's win has highlighted the talent within the school and he is hopeful they will get a look in next year.
'Consistency is the key for selection in rugby teams. We've got to be there banging on the door all the time. So we're going to work hard as a school to get the boys up at that level again.”
Meanwhile, New Zealand Schools Coach Dave Hewett says he is pleased with the mix of experience and ability in the squad.
'This year the calibre of talent across the College XV programme was particularly high, with consistent performances throughout making for the final selection for the team pretty difficult - which is what you want.
'Having such versatility across positions, along with the experience of 2014 returning players Alex Fidow, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Marino Mikaele-Tu'u and Losi Filipo, means we have a really well-balanced side that should perform well throughout the series.
'These guys have played great rugby throughout the season with each and every one fully deserving of the black jersey. I'm looking forward to seeing them develop in the weeks and months ahead.”
New Zealand Schools and New Zealand Barbarians Schools fixtures:
Date: Saturday 19 September
Who: NZ Schools v NZ Barbarians Schools
Venue: Palmerston North Boys' High School Time: 12.30pm
Date: Thursday 24 September
Who: NZ Schools v Samoa Schools
Venue: Sunnybank RFC, Brisbane
Time: 1pm local; 3pm NZ
Date: Monday 28 September
Who: NZ Schools v Australian Barbarians Schools
Venue: St Joseph's College, Brisbane
Time: 6pm local; 8pm NZ
Date: Friday 2 October
Who: NZ Schools v Australia Schools
Venue: Ballymore Stadium, Brisbane
Time: 6pm local; 8pm NZ
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