A Message for Parents as Schoolboy Rugby Wraps Up
To all the parents out there watching their boys finish up school rugby,
well done. The Schoolboy rugby journey is a great part of Rugby and its sad when it ends, but also the beginning of next steps. And I hope this post is informative
Before you get swept into Colts footy...
Here’s something you might not know—and it matters.
The Colts Player Points System (2026)
There’s a rule in place that says:
Now imagine this:
Your son gets promised the world in Year 12—kitted out, schmoozed, told he'll be “developed”... only to find himself lost in a poor culture, under poor coaching, or sitting behind three older players who were promised the exact same thing.
But now he’s played six games.
Now he's locked in.
Now he’s too “expensive” to take a fresh shot elsewhere.
This system
rewards clubs for fast recruitment, not genuine development.
It doesn’t ask,
“Did you help this kid grow?”
It only asks,
“Did you get him on the park six times?”
What Should You Look for Instead?
Before signing anything or accepting boots and promises:
- Check the culture – Speak to families already there. Is the club really developing your player or are they just all about recruitment and grade and colts is just an after thought once the season starts.
- Check the facilities – Is your young player going to get good access to the tools and facilities he'll need to grow from student to adult player
- Check the coaches – Are they passionate about Colts development? Or are they using it as a stepping stone for themselves to progress to Grade?
You’re not just choosing a club.
You’re choosing a two-year experience at a critical point in your son’s journey—as a player
and a young man.
Btw we should ask -
Why doesn’t the points system allow freedom of movement during Colts?
Why are 17-year-olds being forced to make decisions that shape the next two years of their rugby future
before they’ve even stepped on a Colts training paddock?
Wouldn’t it make more sense to
apply the points weighting when Colts players graduate to Grade?
That way, we’d be rewarding clubs who actually invest in young players—not just those who get a signature early.
I hope this is useful - make of it what you will - I will post across the forum for each ISA, CAS an GPS
Ignore if not of value.
