Sir Graham Henry backs decision to cut 1st XV broadcasts

Former All Blacks coach Sir Graham Henry has backed a decision by Auckland secondary school principals to ban live television broadcasts of 1st XV rugby.

Sir Graham Henry
Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Henry, who spent 25 years teaching and coaching the 1st XV at two of Auckland’s biggest schools, said teenagers should have other things in their lives rather than worrying about the pressures of playing rugby.

Henry said it was important to return to a time when education goals were valued for young players as much as professional rugby aspirations.

“It’s good to have the balance right. I think it’s a great opportunity for young men to just be their normal selves and develop in their own time without the pressures of live television.”

In a combined statement, the principals involved in the significant decision said they had “declined” live coverage as college rugby was increasingly becoming an extension of the professional game.

This year select 1st XV school matches were broadcast live, weekly on Sky Sport during the season.

Playing rugby developed the character of young athletes and he felt teamwork should be emphasised while professionalism could wait until players left school.

“It’s about the team rather than the individual and supporting your mates and being a good team person,” Sir Graham said.

“When you highlight it to being broadcast it to find the stars if you like, that’s a negative on the team and the individual.”

He said when students were in their teenage years aged 15 to 17 the spotlight of television could easily add to unnecessary pressure building up.

“I think it’s a negative on their own development and their teams development,” he said.

“They can go professional when they leave school.”

He felt boys had been at risk of buckling under school rugby pressure in the top grade and leaving the sport.

“They are already starting to be professional when they are at school and I think that is leading to burnout,” he said.

“It is leading to those sorts of negatives which young men don’t need.”

“I think what the principals have done here is a very positive thing.”

The schools include: St Peter’s College, Kelston Boys’ High School, Sacred Heart College, DeLa Salle College, Saint Kentigern College, King’s College, Mt Albert Grammar School, Dilworth School, Auckland Grammar School, Liston College, Tangaroa College, Aorere College and in 2023, potentially St Paul’s College and Macleans College.

The decision was taken following a vote by the principals and was unanimous.

Henry said professional scouts looking to sign young players could go to live games to identify new talent.

– RNZ