Sacred Heart College has a rich history in rugby, being one of the most popular sports on offer since the College opened in 1903. With an overarching philosophy to ensure that every student achieves to their potential, players are provided the opportunity to play rugby to the highest level of which they are capable.
International Rugby Programme
In the last 15 years rugby has started to realise its potential at all levels: from restricted weight grades, where we have always been traditionally strong with consistent contenders and winner for semi-finals and finals, to the improvement in the open-weight rugby categories.
Sacred Heart College competes in the Auckland 1A rugby competition, which is often regarded as the toughest and most talent-laden schoolboy competition in the world. Improvement in our 1st XV results is demonstrated as we frequently contest the semi-final, with the most recent win of the competition in 2023. This means that more of our top players are gaining exposure at a high level and the very best have been selected to also represent New Zealand at schoolboy level. We have a proven track record of international students playing rugby at the highest level in our Rugby Programme. Their experience has enhanced their skills and performance, which in turn accelerated their selection for premier teams on their return home.
In the past two years, we have had 16 players contracted to rugby academies across New Zealand. This is wonderful from a rugby perspective but also benefits these players as they will receive support for ongoing study at a tertiary level.
Sacred Heart College is proud to offer International students an opportunity to apply for our International Rugby Programme and join one of New Zealand’s most successful rugby schools.
- The Student will be enrolled as an international student.
- The Student will attend timetabled classes from 8:40am to 3:15pm Monday to Friday, depending on their age and English competency.
- The subjects in the student’s timetable may include ELL, Math, Science, Art, Social Studies, Technology, Religious Education, and PE.
- Specialised rugby lessons x 4 (2 theory, 2 practical) may be incorporated into the student's timetable.
- The Student will participate at rugby training outside of school hours for a minimum of two times per week, and represent Sacred Heart College to play in a competition game every Saturday during Terms 2 and 3.
- The Student will have the opportunity to participate in enriching excursions and activities, and experience unique New Zealand culture by staying with welcoming homestay families, or in our Boarding Hostel (subject to availability and acceptance by Deputy Headmaster, Boarding).
Click on the image below to view a video of 2 Japanese students talking about their experience playing Rugby at Sacred Heart College.
- The minimum duration that International Students can be enrolled in the Sacred Heart College Rugby Programme is one term (approximately 10 weeks).
- Pre-season trials start in late March/early April. It is recommended International Rugby Programme students participate in the team trials, where possible.
- To be considered for a position in the 1st XV and other school grade teams i.e 2nd XV, U15 Open etc, student must commit to playing for the whole rugby season (March – September, Terms 2 and 3), including participating in the team trials.
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