Full Breakdown
Schools Ban Onside Rugby YouTube Channel, Prompting Calls for Uniform Broadcast Regulation
6/27/2026, 4:23:37 AM
The Ban on Onside Rugby
South Island Boys’ Schools (SIBS) have banned the independent YouTube channel Onside Rugby from filming or uploading First XV rugby matches, citing the network’s shift to the subscription-based streaming service Sportway.
Background
In 2024 SIBS adopted a streaming service, Sportway, which distributes revenue to schools. Whakaata Maori streamed eight matches weekly without comments, and Sky Sport posted North Harbour games. Auckland’s 1A league remains uncovered after principals raised concerns.
Key Figures
Tim Grocott, chair of School Sport New Zealand and headmaster of Shirley Boys’ High, leads the regulatory push. Craig, the unnamed founder of Onside Rugby, runs the channel. Principals Nic Hill (Christchurch Boys’ High) and St Andrew’s College staff have been involved. Bishop Neal, NZ Warriors NSW Cup player, appears in Onside videos.
Data on Onside Rugby’s Reach
The channel has roughly 3,000 YouTube subscribers and 12,000 social-media followers. Craig acknowledges modest ad revenue that does not cover filming costs. Its most-watched clips feature Bishop Neal’s on-field highlights.
Risks and Regulatory Concerns
Grocott warns that open-platform uploads expose schools to ads, potential breaches of the Digital Communications Act and Privacy Act, and unmoderated comments that could affect student wellbeing. SIBS guidelines bar footage of players under 15, allow opt-outs, and require kind commentary.
Official Statements & Responses
Grocott said Sportway’s earnings are shared equitably among schools and a national charter is being drafted to standardise broadcasts. Nic Hill confirmed a understanding with Onside Rugby, noting any takedown request would be honoured. Onside Rugby posted a notice that its channel would be barred at the schools that issued the ban.
Criticism & Opposition
Craig called the ban “staggering hypocrisy,” noting schools stream matches via Sportway while prohibiting his YouTube uploads. He says a parent and later staff hired him to film specific games, asserting consent was obtained from host schools.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The St Andrew’s College incident shows conflicting accounts: Grocott says no permission was granted, while Craig maintains he received consent from the college’s head of sport. No written agreement exists, leaving the consent process unresolved.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Like Auckland does, you have a blanket policy, that I get.” — Craig, Onside Rugby founder
- “So, to all my fans involved in rugby at St Bede’s and Shirley Boys’ High School, I’m afraid your rector or headmaster has said no more Onside Rugby for you,” — Onside Rugby (channel statement)
- “We don’t have a school policy for Onside, but if we wanted something taken down from their pages, we’ve been assured it would be,” — Nic Hill, principal, Christchurch Boys’ High School
- “I was approached by a parent associated with the First XV to film that game and the game the previous week.” — Craig, Onside Rugby founder
What’s Next
Onside Rugby and Sportway remain in discussions to align independent YouTube coverage with the subscription model. SSNZ plans to finalise a national charter that will set consent procedures and content safeguards for all secondary sport broadcasts.
