From the Convenor of Rugby, John McCoy
New Zealand Rugby Tour
During the recent Easter break a group of 41 students and 5 staff members travelled across to the beautiful North Island of New Zealand. The touring group consisted of our 1st XV team as well as a 2nd XV/Development Squad, who would play three games each over the 10-day tour.
I am pleased to report that the tour was a success. Not only were players able to make a very special bond off the field, but the group managed to win all six matches that were played. The results were as follows:
Waverley College Vs Rangitoto College (Auckland)
2nd XV/Development Squad
Waverley 26 (Tries: Weinstein, Torsellini, Jensen, M Johnson; Conversions: Rayner, Martin 2) defeated Rangitoto 10
1st XV
Waverley 26 (Tries: Donaldson 2, Baldwin, Wright; Conversions: Donaldson 3) defeated Rangitoto 7
Waverley College Vs Western Heights High School (Rotorua)
2nd XV/Development Squad
Waverley 38 (Tries: Martin 2, Jensen 2, Thomas, Santamaria; Conversions: Rayner 2, Martin 1, Thorn 1) defeated Western Heights High School 0
1st XV
Waverley 24 (Tries: Cornish, O’Sullivan, Eyles, Ellis; Conversions: Donaldson 2) defeated Western Heights High School 0
Waverley College Vs St Patrick’s, Wellington (Town)
2nd XV/Development Squad
Waverley College 38 (Tries: Jensen 2, Torsellini, McGuiggan, Rayner, Wightwick; Conversions: Rayner 2, Martin 2) defeated St Patrick’s College 7
1st XV
Waverley 80 (Tries: Hardaker, Johnston, McCormick, Bell, Howard, Donaldson, Baldwin, Whiteman, O’Sullivan, Ellis, Moretti, Martin; Conversions: Donaldson 6, Rayner 2, Martin 2) defeated St Patrick’s College 0
Off the field, the squad got to experience many entertaining as well as engaging events. This included Easter Sunday Mass at St Patrick’s, Taupo; Luge rides down the steep slopes in Rotorua; visiting a Soup Kitchen founded by Suzanne Aubert in Wellington; participating the in Maori cultural show where we were able to learn the ‘Haka’; observing a deeply moving Gallipoli exhibition at the National Musuem (Te Papa) as well as holding the Bledisloe Cup and William Webb Ellis Cup at New Zealand Rugby Headquarters. More highlights (photos and reports) of the tour can be found on the Facebook page (Waverley College NZ Rugby Tour 2017).
A big thanks must go to the wonderful coaching staff who sacrificed plenty of time to prepare the squad for the tour as well as ensuring the touring group was all well looked after over the 10 days. This included Mr Stephen O’Donnell, Mr Paul Cornish, Mr Scott Coleman and Mr Kyle Newbury.
The tour has set up an exciting season ahead with the group really being able to connect together nicely both on and off the playing field.
14s/15s Vs St Laurence’s College
In the holidays, a combination of players from the 14s and 15s age groups played a match against Queensland touring school, St Laurance’s College.
In a very tight encounter, the visiting group was just able to get the win. Thanks to the 14s and 15s coaching staff for assisting in organising and supporting the match during the holiday period. Thanks also to those players who gave up their time in the holidays to represent the school.
Waverley College Vs The Kings School
On Saturday 29th April, Waverley College will be playing against The Kings School. For the first time in a number of years, Kings will be hosting all rugby matches from 13s through the Opens.
Players are expected to be at the playing venues at least 45 minutes before kick off, ready to warm up at least 30 minutes before kick off. Please note that it does take about an hour to get to Kings if driving from Waverley College. Players are also reminded that the expectation is that players, where possible, reserve for the match following their own (for example, “C grade” players are to reserve for the “B grade” matches).
Coaches may continue to change around combinations during the GPS trial fixtures, with the aim to ensure teams are set and players are in appropriate grades for the CAS competition which commences at the end of Term 2.
ACU Study – Minimising Injury in High Contact Sport for Adolescents
Waverley College Rugby has been approached by Australian Catholic University (ACU) to take part in a study they are currently completing which is being funded by the ARU. Players in the 14A/B, 15A/B and 16A/B, will be involved in keeping a diary (which should take about 10 minutes at the start of each training session) to provide some information to the study in relation to training load and injury. The intention of this study is to focus on player safety in rugby, particularly at the junior level.
The Cold Weather
In recent days, all players and coaches have been able to get a feeling of Winter in the air. Players are encouraged to wear their Waverley College tracksuits. Players must ensure that these items are clearly labelled. Players who turn up on Saturday with the incorrect jumpers/jackets will be asked to remove these items.
I wish all players every success the first match of the term against Kings!
Waverley to Win!
