NZTOUCH3: Kiwa Rata in action for the New Zealand under-18 mixed side at Redcliffe.
Te Kūiti’s Kiwa Rata and Te Awamutu’s Jaoquin Burke were recently part of the New Zealand Under-18 mixed touch gold medal winning side at the Asia Pacific Youth Touch event in Redcliffe, Queensland.
The last time New Zealand won a youth grade gold medal was 2010 at Trusts Stadium in Waitākere.
Rata went through primary school in Te Kūiti before moving to Hamilton Boys’ High School.
Burke is a former Te Awamutu College student that now plays rugby for Te Awamutu Sports.
He said making the squad out of all the youth players in New Zealand meant a lot to him, let alone beating Australia in the final.
“The win meant a lot, not only to me and the team but to the whole country and touch community back at home seeing us take home the gold for the first time in years,” Burke said.
“There were so many emotions going through me as the final whistle blew.
“There was a lot of talk about how Aussie are the best team in the world and haven’t been beaten for 16 years.
“It just shows that no one is unbeatable and if you believe, work hard and push that bit extra, anything is possible.
“But the best part of winning, was bringing that gold back home and back to our country and families.”
Rata and Burke were recognised by their high schools on social media alongside plenty of hype from friends and family.
