Future stars to compete in rugby tournament

On 22nd and 23rd August, 2011, 90 students from four leading Presbyterian Boys’ Schools around NZ met at Scots College in Strathmore, Wellington for their much-anticipated annual Quadrangular Rugby Tournament.

“For the past 23 years teams from St Kentigern College in Auckland, Scots College, Wellington, Lindisfarne College in Hastings and St Andrew’s College in Christchurch have come together to challenge and defend this title,” said Graeme Yule, Headmaster of Scots College.

“Within the four teams competing there are a number of regional and NZ age-group representatives, and I dare say, a few future All Blacks. These games are fast-paced and very exciting to watch – and when you know you’re watching stars in the making, it makes you very proud.” commented Yule.

“Quad Tournament players in previous years have included, amongst others, current All Blacks Victor Vito (Scots College Old Boy), Israel Dagg (Lindisfarne College Old Boy), and former All Black Joe Rokococo (Saint Kentigern College Old Boy),”confirmed Yule.

“In the 2011 Scots team we have Jackson Garden-Bachop who is trialling for the U18 Wellington squad, James Kora in the NZ U17 Development team, our Head Boy Graeme Peter has been selected for the U18 Kapiti/Horowhenua team, and Sam Dawson has made the Wellington U16A team. Teammate Cade Umaga has a league contract in place for 2012 to train with the Melbourne Storm, which is a fantastic opportunity, and Elias Vole and TJ Va’a, both of whom also play in our 1st XV, were selected for the NZ U14 Rugby League Team earlier this year,” commented Scots team manager Russell Holmes.

“There’s a real sense of community between the four schools, especially when you have the likes of Jackson Garden-Bachop from Scots attending the recent Hurricanes Schools’ Coaching Camp in July alongside Lindisfarne College players Ollie Morrison and Tim Cadwallander. There’ll definitely be some friendly rivalry between the teams,” reflected Holmes.

“This year’s Lindisfarne College fifteen is particularly strong, featuring five Hawkes Bay U18 rep players; Sam Wallace, Tom Alison, Ollie Morrison, Jahmayne Robin and Waka Smit, and four U16 reps; Jacques Cross, Ben Parsons, Sam Godwin and Callum Hardie.”

“St Andrew’s College have also had a very good season, recently beating long-standing local rival Christ’s College 37-10, finishing in the top four in Christchurch following a loss to St Bede’s in the semi-final. One player to watch out for will be Todd Henderson who has been named in the Southern Regions team.”

“Equally Saint Kentigern College are consistently at the top of their game and currently reigning Auckland champions, with a number of rising stars in the ranks, so there’s going to be some great matches this tournament.”