The side was originally set up in early 2016 as a bridge to transition school leavers through to senior club rugby level. It was hoped that it would keep those same school leavers in the game, rather than losing them to the many other distractions life throws at them in today's environment.
While the Wanganui Rugby Union already had similar ideas, the concept was pitched by Metro co-coaches Darryl Malcolm and Carl Gibson and accepted. It was decided to run the new side through the Metropolitan Union, a sub-union to the main body to keep it separate from clubs.
WRU game development officer Justin Lock said, from the union's point of view, the experiment worked well.
"We had our chances against Massey White in the final and we could have taken it, the boys know that. But the title aside we have still achieved what we set out to do and I'm more than happy about that.
"At our end of season celebrations at the St Johns Club on Saturday night, many of the guys were keen to have another crack next season and that says it all, really," Malcolm said.
"Our aim was to create a culture where they enjoyed the rugby and each other, Rugby at any grade should be fun for the team."
Gibson too was excited about the concept extending into the future.
However, it was too early for both Gibson and Malcolm to commit to another season as coaches.
"I'll sit down and relax for the off season and then make a decision - it's way too early, I mean the season only finished on Saturday," Malcolm said.
Gibson agreed.
"We all remain passionate about the concept, but will wait to see what evolves next season," Gibson said.
The only possible fly in the ointment for the future of the concept is in the hands of the Manawatu Union.
Toward the end of round one of this season's Colts division, wholesale defaults forced the Manawatu Union to reduce the competition to just five teams for round two.
Operations manager Martin Brady said while there were some concerns around the grade and the abilty to keep player interest in the game at that level, the division would remain next season.
"It (Colts division) will continue, it's just in what form is up for debate," Brady said.
The Whanganui exercise had major spin-offs including launching the career of classy back Te Rangitira Waitokia who was named national Heartland Player of the Year in his debut season with Steelform Wanganui. He was selected straight out of the Metro side last season and has since signed a two-year contract with Turbo.
And just this week four Metro players - David Mariner, Blade Jones, Lochie Steedman and Corbin Warren - were named in the Wanganui Under-20 squad.
Malcolm and Gibson were not surprised and have consistantly said several Metro players were desitined for higher rugby honours if they chose.
"I was actually surprised there was only four selected for the Under-20 squad," Gibson said.
"You could add Metro captain George Forster, who was too old for the Under-20s, Hamish Broadhead to the mix of players with futures."
Malcolm added the Houltham brothers, Tyrone, Kelly and Kalib, and even James Dorgan to the list.
"Some may even make the Wanganui Development team, who knows?" Malcolm said.
The development squad will be announced after the Town v Country match to help select the Heartland squad on August 5.
