Oliver Tupou, of Te Kūiti Primary School, charges through some tackles. Photos Monique Needham
Keen junior rugby players were full of smiles at Te Kūiti’s Rugby Park last Friday.
They were all trying their best Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie and Cortez Ratima impersonations in a primary school rugby sevens tournament.
Many of those who took part in the tournament will no doubt go on to represent King Country at various levels in coming years.
Tournament organiser Monique Needham, who was supported on the day by King Country Rugby’s Abby Keech and Dan Tasker, said it was a fantastic event.
“The day was a huge success. We have had lots of positive feedback from teachers, parents, players, referees and supporters; all thoroughly enjoying the day and looking forward to next year’s Sevens Festival, planned for Term 1, 2024.”
Fifteen teams took part: schools and clubs involved included Te Kūiti Primary School, Ōtorohanga Junior Rugby Club, Piopio College, Piopio Primary School, St Joseph’s Catholic School, Rangitoto School, Centennial Park School, Pukenui, Korakonui and Te Awamutu primary schools.
Needham said the tournament was played in great spirits.
“There were many highlights for me. It was awesome to see all the planning and organisation come together and everyone enjoying a day of rugby with their friends from their school and within the community.
“We appreciated the support we got from Te Kūiti High School and Ōtorohanga College students who refereed our games all day.
“These students are all awesome role models for our younger students to look up to and know that one day, they could be out there, refereeing games at this tournament in the future.
“It was great to see schools combining to form teams and lots of girls playing rugby.
“The main highlight of the day for me was two students from TKP who weren’t playing Saturday rugby, signed up on Friday night and joined a rugby team because they enjoyed playing sevens so much.”
Several cracking matches took place across the day, with plenty of awesome tries scored from all the teams involved.
Te Kūiti Primary School and Piopio College battled it out in the year 7 and 8 final, with the latter winning five tries to two.
The event wasn’t held in 2022 because of Covid-19 restrictions, so Piopio, who won it in 2021, successfully defended their title.
Coached by Franky Bourke and Gina Draper, Piopio scored two unanswered tries late in the second half to seal the title.
Jared Needham took the Te Kūiti Warriors and although they didn’t win, he was proud of his team and their efforts throughout the day.
In the lead up to the tournament, Te Kūiti Primary School held a few coaching sessions with Tasker from King Country Rugby.
Te Kūiti Primary School’s Turbos outfit were too strong in the year 5 and 6 final, running out 6-1 victors against Korakonui Jaguars with an impressive team performance.
Their coach, Jamie Maarhuis, said it was an awesome tournament and always incredibly well run.
“It was a great day had by all. I enjoyed coaching a team of talented players from Te Kūiti Primary School, who all knew the basics of the game.
“From one to 14 they all offered something different. Some players were good at tackling and stealing the ball while others were big and fast and used what was passed down to them. The kids seemed to really enjoy themselves.”
Needham said it was a huge team effort in making the tournament successful.
“We are lucky to live in a community where we can all come together and provide these sporting opportunities for our kids.”
