School's rugby star sent home

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The head boy and First XV captain at one of the country's top private schools has been "sent home" on the eve of the school's biggest game of the year.

St Kentigern College headmaster Steve Cole confirmed yesterday that Sootala Fa'aso'o had been stripped of his title of head boy. Fa'aso'o had already been signed to the Auckland Rugby Union and was touted as a top prospect in two rugby codes.

The school won't say what Fa'aso'o is alleged to have done.

"St Kentigern is disappointed by the breach of the school's standards that occurred last weekend," said Cole.

"We set and expect high standards from our pupils and it appears that on this occasion these were not met.

"Consistent with the school's practice, the head boy has stood down from his responsibilities and has been sent home pending further review."

Students were told of his fall at an assembly this week.

In June, Fa'aso'o was selected for the Auckland ITM Cup squad and had played for the Blues Under 18.

His family said the teenager had received offers from the Crusaders and Warriors, as well as Australian league clubs, for after he graduated.

Yesterday, they were awaiting the school's decision on whether Fa'aso'o would face more serious discipline.

He stayed away from the Auckland secondary school semifinal against Sacred Heart, held at St Kentigern yesterday. His team won 22-21 with co-captain Sione Mafelio scoring the most dramatic try of the match.

The game drew a crowd of several hundred - including Fa'aso'o's mother and extended family, who said they were phoning him every time his team scored.

His family were adamant Fa'aso'o had "nothing to apologise about". They said they were confident he would play in the Auckland secondary school final at Eden Park next Saturday.

Fa'aso'o's uncle described him an an intelligent and humble boy with a bright future.

The extended family helped with the $20,000-a-year fees at St Kentigern before the teenager won a scholarship through the Auckland Rugby Union for years 12 and 13.