Hero photograph
 
Photo by Brendan Biggs

Head of Rugby - Report

Johnny Leo'o —

Rugby Report

Over 200 players donned the new STC strip in 2021. With growing interest and popularity, two extra teams were registered from previous years. 10 teams ranging from u12 to 1st XV represented the College with Manawa and pride. Our new strip was a welcomed initiative and teams looked sharp, albeit early minor sizing issues. Teams turning up in their R80 training jackets brought a sense of belonging and professionalism

An exciting year was kicked off with our Rugby Festival/boot swap event where the boys completed challenges, swapped boots and enjoyed burgers provided by our Rugby committee. We were lucky to have 3 current Crusader players Andrew Makalio, Manasa Mataele and Chai Fihaki who mixed and mingled with our young men

Gala Day It was great to see 8 of our teams hit the grass with games versus SBHS. Hot beverages and food throughout the day added to the relaxed festival feel which was enjoyed by the multitudes of spectators

Club Day We were greeted with a mid-May frost before the welcoming sun brought warmth and smiles to the dials, accompanied with the heavenly aroma of coffee and sausage sizzle. There is something special when all our teams play at home and Club day was a huge success. Not many schools/clubs do it better than STC. A mixture of results during the day which was topped off with a convincing 1st XV win over Marlborough BHS.

Sponsors Day Another great initiative, we welcomed our rugby sponsors to enjoy some nibbles and drinks as a gesture of our appreciation of their support. From behind the goalpost they were treated to the best view of the winning try during an intense final minute. Our 1st Xv beating CBHS 26-23, scoring in the last play of the match before the field being stormed by all our spectating boys…. a day to remember.

Results 6 of our 8 eligible teams were successful in making their semi-finals. Unfortunately Covid played those games for us with no semi’s going ahead. The 1st XV heartbreaking lost to St Bedes resulted in a one point deficit on the table to narrowly miss out on Top 4 by one point.

Congratulations U15 Blue – Section 1 Winners + Challenge shield holders for 2021

U15 Red – Section 3 Winners

U13 Blue – U14 Section 3 Winners

Honors Board NZ Schools Barbarians selection – Richie Tupuailei & Jack Coulthard

NZ U18 Māori Training camp – Cooper Te-Hau

Junior Crusaders Camp – Richie and Jack are joined by Fine Vaingalo, Tevita Faitotonu and Maretino Kaloudau (wider training)

U16 Metro representative training squad – Maretino is joined by Tino Leuta, Noah Harmer-Campbell, Jackson Bunting, Simon Uliano and En-Hakkorey Pepese

Trips Queenstown and Wellington all paid and logistics in place for our U13blue, U15blue, U13red and U12 teams. Unfortunately Aunty Cindy’s restrictions had other plans, all trips cancelled. Very disappointing for teams who also missed out last year due to the same unprecedented circumstances. Great team fundraising efforts that will be put back in the pocket. Let’s hope next year is in a different class.

Condor Sevens In December our U15 team will compete at the Condor sevens tournament in Auckland. Our U18 team will compete in the qualifiers to attend the tournament in October. All the best to those teams

A MASSIVE THANK YOU

All our young men for representing STC with Manawa, pride and passion. All our coaches and managers who worked tirelessly to upskill and manage their respective teams, we appreciate all your time and efforts. All our parents for drop offs, pick-ups and putting up with a muddy car for a few months. An appreciation of all the time put into fundraising efforts has not gone unnoticed. Lastly a big thank you to our Rugby committee for your support and help with all our events, we are very lucky to have you. A small group with a big heart and unwavering passion to enhance the rugby experience here at STC

Bring on 2022!!!

Fa’afetai lava, Nga mihi Johnny Leo’o (STC Head of Rugby)