Initial squad of 28 players is announced

We are very proud of our rugby tradition at St. Bede’s - it brings our community together near and far, new and old. This is further enhanced by the fact that the game is growing at the College with higher playing numbers and more teams this year. 

There is a lot of excitement in looking forward to our teams playing outstanding rugby through out the grades. We will be very well prepared and we are fortunate to have had helpers (parents and staff) get organised to ensure we have all bases covered so we can provide a welcoming club for everyone in 2021. Rugby Club Chairman Ed Sparrow.

2021 1st XV management

Daniel Winchester (1st XV head coach): Daniel is a PE teacher. He played more than 100 games for Sydenham RFC and has coached previously at the College including with the 1st XV.  

Dan says, "As we move through the trial process and start naming sides we come into an exciting part of the season for the Rugby Club. An extremely successful off-season programme has meant we have a strong group of physically ready players to select from. The depth we have this year has made the selection process really difficult. However, this means we will have a very competitive and talented group that will push each other to be better week in week out. I wish the best of luck to all the Bedean lads lacing their boots up this year."

Kurt Paterson (1st XV asst-coach): PE teacher at the College. Previously was at Southland BHS where he was involved in 1st XV coaching in 2018. Before that was involved in the coaching staff of the Marlborough Boys’ College 1st XV in 2015. Has coached Southland U16 and U18 teams at representative level.

Kurt says: "We have selected a squad packed full of experience but have also included some exciting younger players. Very excited to see what this group can achieve."

Strahan McIntosh (1st XV asst-coach):   Originally from Manawatu, Strahan has 13 years of coaching experience. Currently the RDO at Marist Albion he hopes to bring into our environment some of the knowledge learnt in Club Land. In 2019-2020 he was a Resource Coach/Scrum Coach for the St Thomas's College 1st XV and has also coached 1st XV and senior club teams.  

Strahan says: "As we head into the pre-season, I’m looking forward to working with the 1st XV squad, especially the forwards. It goes without saying that there are areas in which improvement is required, but the players are hungry for feedback, which is really exciting. Over the two trials the quality of cohesive team-play was high, and that will continue to rise as we train and play together. This is a squad in which in any game any one of the players could be the most influential on the field."

Gerry Davidson (manager): College Deputy Rector, involved in St. Bede’s rugby for over 20 years. Gerry has coached to NZ Schoolboys level and is one of NZ’s most experienced secondary school level administrators.

Dave Litten (manager): Dave coached the St Bede’s U16B team for more than ten years. Prior to that he managed the Mount Albert Grammar and Wanganui Collegiate 1st XVs as well as our Super Touch team in recent years, so he brings a wealth of experience to the role.

Dave comments, "I have really enjoyed my previous experiences managing 1st XVs and consequently, I am relishing the opportunity to be involved with our 1st XV this season. I think there is considerable promise about this team."

Sars Flood (video analyst): An old boy, Sars is an up-and-coming analyst who has contributed significantly to the 1st XV over the past three years. 

Sars comments, “There has been a lot of work put in to St. Bede’s rugby, both on and off the field. I am looking forward to seeing the results of this in 2021."

Initial 28 players. The 2021 squad will be reduced to 24 players, announced in the weekend after the game vs Selwyn Combined Schools.

1. Liam Potts

2. Dom Petelo

3. Suliasi Faiva

4. Darryl Harris

5. Campbell Allison

6. William Sparrow

7. Andre Sula

8. Ben Shipley

9. Christian Ioane

10. Jaden Houghton

11. George Gunn

12. Mitchell Shaw

13. Tanner Stowers-Smith

14. Oliver Lyons

15. Ben O’Donovan

16. Jack Goodin

17. Ollie Robb

18. Mason Allison

19. Elliott Prendergast

20. Jamayne Feast-Marshall

21. Jackson Wright

22. Shadrock Sevele

23. Iwan Merchant-Williams

24. Bede Moa

25. Riley Lucas

26. Amby Pulega

27. Cam Rawlings

28. Isaac Hutchinson

2021 Pre-season fixtures

1st XV extended squad of 28 players vs Selwyn Combined Schools (formerly Lincoln Combined Schools) at 12:00pm Saturday 10 April on No. 1 (home)

1st XV vs St. Pat's Town (away in Wellington) at 1:00pm on Tuesday 20 April 

1st XV vs St. Pat's Silverstream (away in Wellington) at 12:00pm on Friday 23 April 

1st XV vs Francis Douglas Memorial College at 12:00pm on Tuesday 27 April on No. 1 (home)