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Rugby union has taken a step forward at Rodney College with the formation of a combined First XV and four players making rep teams.
The school has joined with Otamatea High School to compete in the Northland Secondary Schools First XV Competition for the first time in at least a decade.
After just two weeks of training together, the team played its debut match against Kamo First XV on June 21, losing 24-17.
Coach Peter Hugo, who has worked with rep teams and Wellsford senior sides, was pleased with the performance.
“In terms of a team that has just come together, it was an awesome performance,” Peter says.
“The synergy was good between players, something I thought would take a few weeks to build.”
The squad has around 25 players at full strength so no trial process was required.
“There are some high quality players in the squad, with strong ball runners and good decision makers. Team structure and mentality is something we do need to work on to avoid playing as individuals.”
Peter says after competing closely in their opening fixture, the team is aiming to win the competition in its first season.
“My goal from the start has been to win the title, but I needed the players to believe in that goal and I think they do now.”
Trainings alternate between Otamatea and Rodney, and home games are held at Centennial Park and Kaiwaka Sports Complex.
Meanwhile, Kingi Herewini has made the Northland Maori U18 squad, while Kaea Korewha, Lewis Harris and Jesse Manuell the Northland Maori U15 team.
All four play for the Rodney College U17 team and the First XV.
Kingi, 16, was also selected for a Blues development squad this year and has ambitions of reaching the All Blacks.
He plays outside centre and enjoys scoring tries and running with ball in hand.
“My ability to read the game in terms of option taking, defend and break tackles are my strong points,” Kingi says. “Communication with the backs is an area I am working on.”
Kaea, 15, was originally a league player who moved to union at Wellsford Rugby Club when he was 12. He plays lock or number eight and values his strength and footwork.
“I’m a typical forward in that I do a lot of the hard work, but none of the glory stuff,” Kaea says.
He has a more social approach to the game than Kingi, but after successful trials for the Maori side is looking to make a Northland rep team.
