Anthony Pettett (Y13) has been named in the Hurricanes Rugby region U18 camp coming up in Fielding. This was what was written on the Wellington Rugby Union site about the camp:
A total of 60 players have been selected from 242 nominations, to participate in the camp from July 7 to 11 at Fielding High School.
Camp facilitator Darren Larsen said this year’s camp was a step above those run in the past, with a huge emphasis on running a programme that would allow the attendees to absorb, retain, and apply their learnings more successfully.
“We’ve really stepped things up this year in terms of our focuses and what we want these boys to get out of this programme – not just during the week, but for later on down the track as well,” he said.
“We take a lot of pride in what we do with these young players, and want to let them know how they can continue to progress in the Hurricanes system. After all, the future of our top team lies with them.”
Larsen said the camp wasn’t just a chance for players to develop their technical and tactical rugby, but take in presentations around physical preparation, mental skills and nutrition requirements. The week-long event will also provide courses for first XV coaches, franchise selectors and technical analysts to up-skill in their specialist areas.
On day one, the players will be critiqued using advanced video assessment, which will enable the coaches to come up with work-ons for each individual. The young men will then receive coaching from both first XV and ITM Cup coaches, before a day trip to Wellington where they will be immersed in the Hurricanes training base environment.
“They’ll have a full day with the Hurricanes coaching team, and all of the Hurricanes players will take position specific activities. That will be a pretty valuable day for them,” Larsen said.
Injured Hurricane, John Schwalger, is also set to spend the week with the contingent in a players’ player-type role.
“He’ll talk them through what it takes and what it means to be a Hurricane. John’s story in itself is enough to inspire anyone, so we think he’ll be a really special part of this week.”
Hurricanes Youth Council chairman, Gordon Noble-Campbell, said the calibre of players attending the camp was outstanding.
“The 60 boys selected have a unique opportunity to apply their talent while developing new skills as aspiring rugby professionals.
“We’re looking forward to having them all in one group, and seeing what they can bring during the five days together.”
The players selected to attend the Hurricanes U18 camp are;
Max Fryatt, Luther Hirini, Alex Hawira, Chris Cairns, Ollie Brosnahan, Matt Raleigh, Kepueli Tu’ifua, Vilimoni Koroi (Fielding High School); Mason Keane, Marino Mikaele Tuu (Hastings Boys’ High School); Brandon Mudzekenyedzi (Heretaunga College); Logan Henry, Ben Power (HIBS); Ignatius Fiso (Naenae College); Anthony Pettet (Newland College); Patrick Fenika, Alex Fidow, Jarimar Schuster, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Malo Tuitama, TJ Va’a (Scots College); Friedrich Keil (St Bernard’s College); Jarrod Adams, Asafo Aumua, Losi Filipo, Nicholas Mannix, Delano Morkel, Vern Sosefo, Lui Okeamoa-Luamanu, Jack McCormack, Lester Maulolo (St Pats Silverstream); Sean Paranihi (Tu Toa); Leni Apisai (Wellington Academy); Piri Paraone, Kemara Hauiti-Parapara, Pepesana Patafilo, Hugo Phillips, Sharn Robinson (Wellington College); Jordon Leuluai (Wainuiomata RFC); Sam Tugaga (Rathkeale College); Brett Cameron (Cullinane); Te Atuarere Albert (Wanganui College); Wesley Harvey (Manawatu College); James Tofa (Horowhenua College); Isaia Walker-Leawere, James Grogan, Angus McDonald, James Higgins (Gisborne Boys’ High School); Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Blake Phillips (Manawatu Academy); Lee Thompson, Hayden Spencer, Beau Robertson, Liam Giltrap (Palmerston North Boys’ High School); Hugh Renton, Mason Emerson, Tiaan Falcon (Lindisfarne); Caleb Makene (Napier Boys’ High School).