New Zealand Rugby have announced the development of new guidelines on more "ethical and inclusive policies" for player recruitment in college rugby.

An independent review suggests many smaller students are reluctant to play, due to the intensely competitive nature of high school competitions.

The NZ Rugby report also found the number of boys playing rugby in secondary schools is trending downwards at an "alarming rate".

NZ Rugby Chief Rugby Officer Nigel Cass told Mike Hosking there needs to be more focus on social participation across New Zealand schools to keep the game alive and healthy at schoolboy level

"We need to provide a broad range of options to encourage more students to play the game. We have to separate out so called "performance rugby" so that high end schoolboy rugby, compared to what the review calls participation rugby."

The review also notes the number of girls playing rugby is on the rise, however there still needs to be more investment in female players. Cass says that women's rugby has seen a massive resurgence, which has been helped by the Black Fern's success on the international stage.

"Girls' rugby is the fastest growing area of our game and we have an exciting challenge to make sure all girls have opportunities to play rugby in a fun, safe and positive environment."

With School sport seeing a decrease of participants across the field, Cass believes they need to stay ahead of the competition by encouraging new initiatives which make the game more accessible.

LISTEN ABOVE AS NIGEL CASS SPEAKS TO MIKE HOSKING