A 9-year-old Auckland boy has been told he can no longer play age-grade rugby with his friends because he’s over the weight limit.

The student was one of 106 children who applied for a weight dispensation in the Counties Manukau Rugby Football Union club competition - and after being denied, has opted out of playing any winter sport this year.

The union explained structures are in place to ensure player safety and fairness in competition.

Rugby commentator Kevin Putt says safety concerns have impacted other decisions made by clubs.

"You know that they've actually taken away tackle...they had ripper rugby going for years. We're talking now about an exclusion of an individual - they're trying to save the game as it is at the moment."

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