It’s a scary thought after the 2016 Super Rugby season but New Zealand Rugby is hoping to increase its depth in the years to come by naming a New Zealand Schoolboys side as well as a Barbarians side.

Despite dominating the international schoolboy scene in recent years, All Blacks High Performance manager Mike Anthony said the Kiwis want to see more young players exposed to international rugby at a young age.

“Inclusion of the New Zealand Barbarians in this schedule has been critical because we want to keep casting our net wide. It’s essential that we develop a wider group for the future,” Anthony said.

“The advantages are clear. Take Stephen Perofeta for example, who played for the Barbarians last year, and within a year he was the starting 10 for the Under 20 side.”

While Australian Schools selectors pick their team from the Australian Schools Championships, a week long tournament featuring state based teams, New Zealand Schools selectors identify 55 players from around the country to attend a development camp, before selecting the two national sides.

A Super Rugby coach is then selected to coach the New Zealand Schoolboys team, alongside a college 1st XV coach. This year, Hurricanes Assistant Coach Jason Holland has been chosen.

“The level of support and the quality of support in the management team is extremely important. Having a professional coach in the environment provides leadership and helps to upskill the rest of the group,” added Anthony.

“Both programmes are well resourced with support staff including physios, strength and conditioning coaches, performance analysts, nutritionist and mental skills provider. Many are involved at the professional level with Investec Super Rugby and Mitre 10 Cup teams.”

Australian Schools play New Zealand Schools in two Tests in early October.