The Wairarapa Bush Rugby Union is reviewing its policies after facing criticism for labelling kids "overweight" as part of a push to improve safety in its junior leagues.
A group of parents have complained about a new register which they is discriminatory.
Twelve-year-old Luke Loader is looking forward to the first game of the season tomorrow.
"I just wanna play rugby 'cause, well I love the sport and it's fun and I like doing it with my mates," the junior rugby player said.
But he's worried about what will happen.
Wairarapa Bush Rugby Union has introduced an overweight register for junior players over 75 kgs and he faces several restrictions.
Luke's father, Marcus Loader says he was hurt for his son because he's now going to be labelled overweight.
"If we put these limits on him he won't know what he's doing. And we need future front rowers and boys playing the game correctly."
Under the club's rules these players cannot take the ball off the back of a scrum as a number eight, tap and go from a penalty, receive the ball from a penalty within five metres of the try line or generally be used as what they call a 'battering ram'.
The union went back on one of its new rules last night, now holding a three-week trial where affected kids won't need to wear a yellow armband.
It also admits using the word "overweight" was unsuitable.
"We definitely think that the wording can improve. We've never said they can't play on the field, we just needed to make sure that we consider everybody that does run on the field," said Tony Hargood, Wairarapa Bush Rugby Union CEO.
He says they have a small pool of players, and keeping them all safe is the priority.
New Zealand Rugby says it supports every region to make its own rules.
But it's the way they are delivered which concerns clinical psychologist Dougal Sutherland.
"For some kids who are already sensitive to this it may increase their focus on how they are, what they look like," he said.
And those at the top of the game want it to remain inclusive.
"My thoughts would be that's why rugby's so great that it accommodates for all shapes and sizes," said Ben Smith, Highlanders co-captain.
Marcus Loader said: "We don't limit the very speedy winger that will score four or five tries that will run around Luke."
Luke just wants to give it his best shot tomorrow, and he hopes he'll be allowed to do that.
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