many staff were busy upskilling as well as teaching during lockdown. Mr Waller was lucky enough to meet with his sports hero Warren Gatland.

With the lockdown throwing everything rugby into the air it has been a challenging time. The academy classes have been working hard to stay in shape but the focus has been on well being and knowledge building over the Lockdown period.

On that note it has been my pleasure to accept invitations to attend weekly development courses from the New Zealand Rugby Union culminating in an evenings live chat with my personal coaching hero Warren Gatland. He spoke about coaching, grass routes rugby and player development along with some unfiltered memories of his journey to the top. Although there were about 30 of us in attendance from around NZ it was a real privilege to have questions answered by someone with this level of experience.

Amazing for me but just one example, I’m sure, of staff up-skilling during this time. A huge thank you for NZRU and New Zealand Rugby for the opportunity and I'm really looking forward to boots on the grass again! Kia kaha

Mr Waller

Sports Academy teacher.