By Stu Piddington

Roncalli College First XV is set to become a combined team in the Crusaders Schools Championships as part of a major shake-up in South Canterbury age-group rugby.

Separately the South Canterbury under 18 competition has been canned in favour of entering two Aoraki teams in the combined Ellesmere, Mid and North Canterbury competition

Roncalli have battled for two seasons without a win and their better players have been targeted by bigger, better resourced rugby schools.

With a roll of around on 250 boys, Roncalli were easily the smallest school in the championship and the lack of depth was difficult to overcome.

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Two of their best backs last year have opted to try their luck elsewhere in 2017 with halfback James Arscott moving to powerhouse Otago Boys' High School while centre PJ Latu was snapped up by St Peter's College in Cambridge.

Roncalli have reached an agreement with Geraldine, Opihi, Mackenzie, Waimate and Mountainview schools with the support of the South Canterbury Rugby Union.

A combined side is not new in the Crusaders Championship as Waimea College where grant permission for a combined team in 2016, with seven schools in the Nelson area able to provide players.

Roncalli deputy principal Andrew Jones said despite having a development programme that looks to nurture younger players, Roncalli found itself being increasingly targeted by schools within the UC Championship and from around the country.

"It is our intention to support South Canterbury rugby first and foremost by providing another pathway for players to develop to their potential, in the top schoolboy grade in the region."

"This in turn will develop greater competition, depth and experience that will transfer to all senior club teams and South Canterbury representative rugby."

Jones said they fully supported players' desire to test themselves in the sport of their choice, in the best competition available, and not have to compromise parents' and students' choice of school located in the community of their choice.

SCRU chief executive Craig Calder said the union endorsed Roncalli application to the Crusaders board.

"An Aoraki combined school team will provide player depth to make them competitive team in the championship.

"More importantly it gives all under 18 school players an opportunity to play competitively at this top school rugby level."

Calder said for this season the team will play in Roncalli jerseys and shorts but will wear their own schools socks.

"It is important to note that this is a combined Aoraki team, in time they will have their own colours, playing kit and brand."

Not all home games will be played at Roncalli College but will be spread around the various supporting club grounds, he said.

"The union was delighted the way all the various clubs and schools collectively and unanimously agreed on this direction."

"We did not want to see talented school players drift to other regions, this option now gives them a pathway and entree to top class school rugby."

The SCRU have also pulled the pin on the local under 18 competition that struggled last year with only four teams including one from Waitaki Boys High School that regularly defaulted.

Calder said the decision was exacerbated by the decision of Timaru Boys' High School entering their Second XV in the Canterbury Metro school's competition.

On the union's initiative and with the support of the clubs, it was decided the South Canterbury should enter two teams in the combined competition, with TBHS also likely to add their own school team as well, he said.

Calder said the union has held concerns about the depth and future of under 18 rugby in South Canterbury.

"There has been a nationwide trend that this grade has serious player drift. We have struggled to sustain a broad, long term competitive under 18 competition.

"Indications from clubs and schools was that this would be the same again this season."

Calder said the competition was a great opportunity for players to really enjoy their rugby experiences with other players of their own ages and abilities.The team will play only a handful of away games in Ashburton and Ellesmere, he said.

"We are excited and committed to ensure the players maximise the opportunity to enjoy their rugby in this grade and competition."

Calder said local clubs had expressed safety concerns if 17 to 18-year-olds had no opportunities to play in an under 18 competition.

"They may be tempted to play in the senior B grade or move away from rugb