The pecking order for rugby teams was 1st XV, 2nd XV & 4th grade A. I still vividly(and somewhat bitterly!) recall being refused a first group trial that year by the then coach J.J. Stewart. He claimed that my hair was too long and if I got it cut I would be welcome to trial for the 1st XV.
The real reason was I suspect that I played played in the school's dance band and was regarded, erroneously as it happens, as somewhat rebellious. Needless to say I could not see the logic between hair length and my playing ability and dug my heels in. Result... no first group trial. **
That said we had a fine 4th grade team which beat all comers and Rod Anyan (pictured left of the shield trophy) sent me a copy of this photo.
** It is worth noting that when I left NPBHS and went to Teachers' College in Palmerston North I played for their first XV and also played provincial rep rugby for the Manawatu's third division