The manager of Dannevirke High School's First XV has quit following criticism from the school principal over the rugby team's brawling on the field.
Kevin Taylor sent an open letter to the school's board of trustees saying he had no choice but to resign.
The long-serving volunteer said he was insulted by
principal Mike Tribe during a meeting of the school's rugby advisory board.
Mr Taylor had not attended the meeting, held after last month's match against Upper Hutt College was marred by fighting between players.
"The boys are not a disgrace to the school as stated by the principal," he wrote.
"It has been a privilege to be involved with this outstanding group of young men and associated volunteers."
Last night Mr Taylor said he had received no response from Mr Tribe or the board of trustees.
He agreed incidents during the Upper Hutt game "needed to be discussed," but said the matter should have been handled differently.
Fallout from the game "most definitely" led to Dannevirke's 40-point loss in the First XV competition final against Feilding High School on Saturday, he said.
The team's coach, Mitchell Tiaiti, planned to step down at the end of the season as a result of other commitments.
Mr Tribe did not respond to requests for comment.
Board of trustees chairman Stuart Brown said he couldn't comment on the letter until he had spoken to Mr Tribe. He said the school was sorry to lose Mr Tiaiti and Mr Taylor from the team.
The Hurricanes Youth Rugby Council are preparing a report recommending further action for both schools as a result of the incident.
