Boys' High first XV manager and old boy Bruce Buckton said to gain funding for the team they had to go through charities and trusts, with subsidised costs often still too high for many families to cover.
"We have to travel out of the region to get games and competition for these guys otherwise they don't develop.
"And that's not being arrogant; it's just pointless having 100-point games every week," he said.
Former first XV prop and Raukura Legends Club co-founder Joe Dorset, who last wore the school's No1 jersey in 1992, said it was important to set up an old boys' network and to help the players financially.
"Realistically if you want to stay in the top 10 teams in New Zealand you can't rely on pub charities, you need an old boys' network to help out.
"It is about how we can grow the network now. We are thinking in the future we could have events like an old boys' game versus the first XV or an invitational X," he said.
First XV vice-captain Liam Hae Hae, 17, said seeing the old boys' names on his sleeve meant a lot before a big game.
"When you look down and see those names you realise you're not just playing for your school, you're playing for all those guys who have pulled on the jersey in the past."
The Legends Club raised almost $5000 this year, which went towards the team's rugby trip to Wellington.
In the future it is hoped the Legends Club may have enough backing to offer scholarships for players in the area.
Rotorua Boys' High School last won a national title in 2002.
Super 8 record
2003: 2nd
2004: 3rd
2005: 3rd
2006: 6th
2007: 4th
2008: 2nd
2009: 5th
2010: 3rd
2011: 5th
2012: 5th
