Five Kelston Boys High School players are appealing against suspensions handed to them by the Auckland Rugby Union judiciary for a brawl at a match two weeks ago.
The Kelston players were suspended by a rugby union hearing last week from playing all rugby for periods ranging from 10 months to 16 months.
Players from Auckland Grammar School were suspended for up to seven weeks.
The brawl at the end of a match on 15 August involved about 50 players and spectators.
Kelston Boys High School principal Steve Watt says the five players have lodged appeals with the Auckland Rugby Union on the grounds that the penalties imposed are excessive.
He says the disparity in the length of suspensions amount to a miscarriage of justice.
Mr Watt says the school is supporting the boys with counselling and paying for the appeals, which is expected to cost $1500.
The school says people from the legal profession have offered their services without charge.
