Nine international students are playing rugby this year

The 2020 International Rugby Programme may have been cancelled due to the global pandemic, but we still have a total of nine "international students" (on student visas)  playing rugby at St. Bede's this year.

Daniel (Youngmin) Kim (U14B) Daniel is new to the sport and is now playing  in the U14B team. Coach Pete Manson has the following to say about Daniel: "Daniel has come into the team eager to learn the art of rugby. He's an interesting character (in a good way) who often surprises me with some of the things he does during a game that belie his limited rugby experience. He picks things up quickly and is showing promise around his physicality at the ruck, power with ball in hand and growing confidence at making good tackles when needed.Im looking forward to watching his progress over the coming years in the St. Bede's jersey."

Dong-Sung Shin (U15B) Coach James Burnside says: "Dong has worked hard in training to develop his core rugby skills. He made his debut for SBC U15B team on the wing and acquitted himself well in his first game of rugby, particularly in defence."

Kazuki Yoshida (U16B) Coach Dave Litten says: "At our first practice we discovered that Kazuki is the fastest in our team over 25 metres. In rugby, speed has a beauty of its own which was evidenced by him scoring two tries in our most recent game. He has also saved several tries by mowing down opposition players from behind. He is very well respected and liked by his teammates."

Kaede Kurosu (U16) Kaede comments:  "I'm really happy to be playing here in New Zealand because the playing environment is much better here. The level is higher too, so I'm learning a lot."   

Reo Maeda (U16B) Reo says: "Although I have not been able to play yet because I broke my ankle, I am looking forward to joining the team this term. Rugby at St. Bede's looks exciting and fun."

Lorenzo Lelli (2nd XV) Lorenzo says: "I think the biggest difference between Argentinian and New Zealand rugby at school level is that here we work a lot on team structures and in Argentina we place more attention on individual skills. Here rugby is a way of living, with everyone in the school knowing who is playing where."

Valentin Gomez (2nd XV) Coach Wiremu Gray says: "Valentin has been a great asset to our St. Bedes 2nd XV team this season. He always brings a great attitude to training and games with an openness and willingness to learn new skills. His strengths we are currently seeing is his ability to attack the defensive line with speed and finding space. He is also a good team player, working hard on the field showing great dedication and courage for the team, especially on defence. He’s made many great covering tackles and on occasions saved tries from being scored. Moving forward, as a backs coach I’m excited in learning more from Valentin with his great style of play he brings and his great character strengths of courage, dedication and perseverance he brings to our team and School community."

Valentin: "I think rugby at school here in New Zealand is very different from clubs in Argentina. Here the people live every game like it is in the World Cup which is amazing for me. In Argentina sometimes it is not seen as being so important because is not the main sport. I’m enjoying the trainings here as well because we focus on the whole team to work together every Saturday and that’s a very important thing."

Suliasi Faiva (1st XV) Coach Dan Winchester says: "Strong and powerful player with a huge amount of potential. As he develops his game understanding he will be devastating with and without the ball."

Bede Moa (1st XV) Coach Dan Winchester says: "Incredibly motivated and dedicated to training and improving his understanding of the game. Fantastic work ethic off the field with strength and conditioning and skill development. Great footwork and a strong catch / pass."