GPS Rugby 2020: Brisbane State High pulls out of First XV livestream, Ipswich Grammar and Brisbane Grammar on edge

As many as three GPS schools could pull the plug on their First XV Rugby livestreaming service despite the introduction of restrictions banning students from attending games. SUBSCRIBE TO READ MORE

As many as three GPS schools could pull the plug on their First XV Rugby livestreaming service despite the introduction of restrictions banning students from attending games.

No students will be permitted to watch their flagship First XVs live in 2020, with restrictions only permitting two parents or guardians per player to spectate the popular competition.

Since 2016 eight of the nine GPS schools have embraced livestreaming their First XV matches but two of those are at least considering cancelling the broadcast for their school home games.

Brisbane State High School has officially withdrawn from the broadcast pool while Brisbane Grammar School and Ipswich Grammar School continue weighing up their options.

The Southport School celebrate after beating Gregory Terrace at St Joseph's College Playing Field, Tennyson, Saturday August 31, 2019. (AAP/Image Sarah Marshall)

Without the broadcast or a relaxation of restrictions students will have no way to watch their school teams play in 2020.

One BSHS official said the school’s leadership would not consider livestreaming their 2020 season because they were unconvinced doing so was in students best interests.

Students from four rival schools will miss out on watching their away game against State High because of the school’s stance.

These are The Southport School (Rd 4), Gregory Terrace (Rd 5), Toowoomba Grammar School (Rd 7) and Brisbane Boys’ College (Rd 1 – delayed until September 18).

Ipswich Grammar School are weighing up their own livestream involvement with their chances of proceeding estimated to be “51-49” in favour of broadcasting.

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The ability of students and Old Boys to follow their First XV during COVID-19 is a factor the school is considering but no decision has been reached.

The Southport School’s student body will miss out on watching their First XV’s game against Brisbane State High School. TSS"s Syris Schmidt. (Photo/Steve Holland)

Livestream exiles Brisbane Grammar School are considered “highly likely” to end their broadcast drought, according to one school official.

Brisbane Grammar had vetoed the streaming of any match involving their students for four seasons in a row but are considering easing their anti-broadcast position during COVID-19 restrictions.

If Ipswich and Brisbane Grammar consent to livestreaming 24/28 First XV fixtures for 2020 will still be available to watch online.