Presidents Welcome 2012

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL

On behalf of the Club Committee I would like to wish all our members the very best for 2012. At the club we are working very hard to ensure it is another memorable year of Varsity rugby for all involved. Even though the sun has only come out now, our preseason training has already commenced and our Sevens team will be competing in their last two tournaments, I wish them all the best. There are also some special events on the horizon, with our golf day, Under 85kg 7s tournament and the new Under 85kg boxing night, which will have players from our various Under 85kg teams slugging it out as part of their preseason training. Specific details of these events and others will be sent out in a regular newsletter, with updates on our website and Facebook pages will ensure we keep all our members up to date with all happenings at Colin Maiden Park.

2012 is a very ambitious and exciting year for the club on and off the field. While we hold the Club Championship and the Under 21 trophies, there are going to be some real challenges to maintain that status while striving for new levels of achievement, namely the Gallaher Shield. Being one of the largest clubs in Auckland with limited resources we will call upon your help more than ever, as it takes more than the fifteen players on the field to win a championship.

Stephen Kidd who is heading up our commercial arm of the club and is doing an excellent job with exploring alternative and new opportunities to bring much needed sustainable revenue into the club to maintain our positioning. For AURFC to survive in a very competitive club competition and commercial environment the Club has taken a much more professional outlook and strategy in how we ensure our operational side of the club supports and matches our ambition for on field performance.

Part of our strategy for improved operational performance is to have a strong database of volunteers and have them involved in a rewarding structured environment to help support our amibitous goals. There will be incentives and constant support from the club for people wishing to help out on a Saturday for a few hours, this will ensure our members and guests have an enjoyable game day experience. A recruitment letter outlining our programme for volunteers will be sent out to our database in the very near future.

Our Premiers will be onced again coached by Jim Dickin and Mark Kennelly with many players returning from 2011 giving a lot of stability to the squad. This year the club window is going to be protected from ITM coaches taking representative players away from club teams at the business end of the season. Last year we had nine players selected for the Auckland team, which is a major achievement and a credit to the quality of players we have at the club, but it ultimately harmed our chances of winning the Gallaher Shield without their availability to play in the finals. There are some youthful and exciting players coming up from the championship winning Under 21s to keep an eye out for, young winger Ben Paltridge has recently been called into the New Zealand Sevens squad and lock Sean Brookman has been involved in the early stages of the New Zealand Under 20 camps for their World Cup campaign in 2012. Again the likes of Grammar Carlton, Ponsonby, Papatoetoe and a very youthful Marist will be tough competitors this year. The first club game will kick off on April the 7th, a draw is yet to be confirmed.

Our Under 85kg teams are looking strong again, hoping to reclaim the Championship and Shield this year after being finalists in 2011 in those grades. Their campaign will begin with our Under 85kg 7s tournament, a boxing night and the Sir Colin Maiden Shield tournament.

The facilities have been improved over the summer period with particular attention to the No.10 field which has had extensive drainage work completed on it. Therefore look forward to see some expansive and fast running rugby by the boys in royal blue this winter.

There is also exciting growth in University of Auckland sport. We are working closely with their staff to help them achieve their goals while we ensure our student heritage and culture is continually fostered.

The latest John Drake Memorial Scholarship Sam Viskovich will be welcomed to the club, alongside past recipients Matthew Matich and Sean Brookman.

On behalf of the club I look forward to seeing you at Colin Maiden Park in the coming months whether it is a player, coach, spectator or sponsor. Please make yourself feel comfortable in our unique clubrooms and cheer on the boys.

Fundraising Reunion Dinner A Huge Success

By Todd Nicholls

On October 11 a Reunion Dinner for the 1987 World Cup-winning All Blacks was held to raise funds for the John Drake Memorial Scholarship Fund. What you may not know was the huge amount of work that went on behind the scenes to make the event one of the most successful of its kind in New Zealand rugby history.

The core objective for the Scholarship itself is to support a young promising individual who displays the potential to develop the attitude and success of John Drake. The Scholarship is awarded on an annual basis. Former All Black Captain and University player Sir John Graham acts as the Patron to the Scholarship.

The Scholarship supports the winner's tuition at the University of Auckland while the individual will follow in John's footsteps at the rugby club. The combination of these influences contributes to the rounding of the individual, to mirror success on the rugby field, with a personal standing in the community.

The idea to hold a dinner was that of University club legend Simon Johnston who reasoned that as there had been no official celebration of the achievements of the 1987 All Blacks planned that it would be appropriate to hold one and raise money for the Scholarship fund at the same time. Simon himself is too modest to blow his own trumpet and accept the recognition for this event, although he does say that hosting this dinner was one of the most satisfying things that he has undertaken at the club.
"A lot of people were responsible for this event and it was a wonderful way to remember John Drake and at the same time ensure that some young players will get financial assistance."

Those connected with the dinner, which ended up raising a staggering $160,000, pay tribute to Simon's vision and work.
The other primary organiser of the event, Rebecca Brown, says over 700 people attended the dinner and that there was no trouble selling tickets. "Word of mouth was crucial with this event," she says. "We did not have to do very much direct advertising at all."

Rebecca pays tribute to the members of the '87 squad who went out of their way to support the cause. "They were just fantastic. We had every member of the squad apart from Bruce Deans (who had last minute business commitments) and Zinzan Brooke (who was still in the UK) at the dinner which was lovely."

The idea for the fundraiser was hatched late last year. The aim was to raise money for the scholarship fund and so it was decided that the dinner would not be black-tie. The full proceeds from the event (and auction) have gone to the scholarship fund as the event was fortunate enough to be well-sponsored.

"We had three main sponsors in Giltrap Prestige, Barfoot & Thompson and Steinlager, as well as substantial assistance from Auckland University," says Rebecca. "We could not have run this event without the help of these organisations and many others."

Also assisting the organisers were people from around the country. "We did not have to buy anything for the auction," Rebecca adds. "Robert Drake, John's brother, is friends with Robbie Deans and so we had a couple of signed Wallabies jerseys to auction. Then there was this very kind man down in Nelson who gave us two mint condition 1987 World Cup final programmes."

MCed by Keith Quinn, the event saw a panel discussion take place with Brian Lochore, Sean Fitzpatrick, John Gallagher and Warwick Taylor. "Everyone seems to have enjoyed the event and celebrating what the '87 side achieved," Rebecca says.
Sir John Graham says that the trustees had hoped that the dinner would raise around $50,000-$60,000 and so reaching the $160,000 mark was beyond everyone's wildest dreams.

"What this means is that a number of young rugby players will benefit greatly from being awarded a scholarship," he says. "It will mean that these young players will not have to spend time worrying about finding the money to attend university."
Sir John says that the pressure on students now is a good deal different than what occurred in his era. "My fees were paid for and I got a free education," he says. "These days things are different."

Sir John believes that while the fund will continue to look for money to boost funds further, the success of the fundraising dinner has provided much needed funds that will ensure that the amount of the scholarship will not decrease. "This is one of the most rewarding things that I have ever been involved with in sport," he says. "There is of course an enormous amount of respect out there for John Drake which helped, but the dinner was an extremely good cause and its wonderful that people really got behind it."

All those spoken to who were involved in running this event say that it is an example of what makes the University club special. "There is always something special about university clubs when you are out there playing with your mates, a special bond," Sir John says. "This dinner was yet another example of the spirit of this club in action. Other clubs are trying to replicate it and that's okay too, but the model that we have here is tremendous."

There are no plans at this time to organise another dinner of this kind. There will be however annual events announcing the winner of the John Drake Scholarship, further reflecting on the memory of John Drake and at the same time celebrating the promising rugby talent coming through this wonderful club.

Growing University Rugby & Sport

An interview with the University of Auckland Director of Sport & Recreation – Louis Rattray
By Todd Nicholls

Although AURFC has always been proud of its academic connections, relations between the club and the University of Auckland have not always been as strong as they could have been.

That situation has changed in recent years with both the club and the University determined to strengthen links and to provide an easy gateway for students wanting to fulfill their rugby potential.

A major reason for the improvement in the relationship is the good work of Robert Taylor from the club and Louis Rattray, the Director of Sport & Recreation, from the University. Louis, who has been in his role for one year, says that much of the work in fostering this relationship was done before he arrived, although it has been an ongoing thing.

“From our perspective we are certainly pleased with the way things have been going,” he says. “What we are trying to achieve is both parties working towards common goals and have more students participating as well as succeeding at the highest levels of the game.”

Robert agrees with Louis sentiments and adds that “The University is central to our heritage and culture, we cannot forget that, but the relationship constantly needs to be fostered and is ultimately our point in difference.” Louis is slowly building a very exciting sporting culture at the University, that will compliment and ultimately enhance the University's position as 'New Zealand's leading university' and we are right behind him.”

Louis says that the numbers of students playing rugby at the club are on the rise, helped no end by the championship victory of the under-21 side this season. “Being a University team, most of the players had links to the University itself and so that has been very helpful in growing numbers.”

Louis says he can see the club and the University working closely on a number of initiatives in future, particularly the inter-faculty tournament at the University and tapping in more generally to the student community.

“It’s a win-win situation for both the club and the university,” Louis says. “Rugby, like all sports, provide many benefits to the student community outside of study and so if this relationship can continue to be fostered then the club itself will get more student players and the University will meet many of it’s Campus Life objectives around student participation, engagement and support.”
Louis says he is determined to foster good relations with not only rugby, but other sports on campus. Over the next 12 months initiatives which develop the likes of badminton,, volleyball and basketball on campus will be explored with the University clubs. “The University cannot of course focus solely on one sport. It is our aim to ensure that the top 10 sports at the local secondary schools are strong on campus.”

Louis says that the success of high profile club members such as Jerome Kaino and Graham Henry cannot but help recruitment from the University and that the future of University rugby looks extremely bright.

'Johnno' honoured to be awarded Life Membership

By Todd Nicholls

Simon Johnston, 'Johnno' to all, says that he was extremely proud and honoured to be awarded life membership of the club recently. "It's something that I never thought would happen," the likeable 52-year-old says. "To be honest I thought it was something given to the really old guys who have done a lot," he laughs.

Johnno is of course an institution at the club. His involvement dates back to 1983 when he joined the club from Grammar. He played reserve grade at loose forward and prop for three years and played in the club's 10-aside (now 7's) teams for two years.

It is however perhaps off-the-field where Johnno's greatest contribution to the club has been. He started managing the Seniors (now the Premiers) in 1986, when his great friend Ken Baguley was the coach, and along the way he has been an instrumental and influential part of the management of the Prems, Under-21s and Old Blues Presidents side.

When pushed to reveal the highlights of his time in management, Johnno says that the 1987 and 1997 Gallaher Shield-winning teams were very special, not only because of the number of All Blacks in those squads but also the way they played the game and their spirit.

"If you look at the '87 side having all those All Blacks and beating a Marist side that also had a number of All Blacks playing for it in the final, yeah that was very special."

Johnno says that as cliché as it may be, the friendships that he has made, including many lifelong friends, and the development of so many talented young players have been real highlights. "You don't get involved for money, but for the satisfaction of doing it."

It is not hard to see that Johnno is a clubman who is very much of the days when there was something honourable about giving time and energy to your club. He admits that the challenges for rugby clubs, like all sporting entities, are much greater these days. "For example, it used to be that as a manager you would only go along to training on Tuesdays and Thursdays and the game on Saturdays. These days it is more time consuming."

A single man, Johnno laughs when it is put to him that he would not have had the time to commit to the club if he had been married. Still, who's complaining? Johnno has year in and year out committed himself to the club and everyone at University is better for it.

One of the highlights of Johnno's time at the club has been the huge role that he has played in fostering the John Drake Memorial Scholarship. As a trustee, he was instrumental in the dinner that was run during the World Cup and the $160,000 that was raised by it. "Drakey was a friend and when you get guys like Foxy and Fitzy involved things just happen," he says.

Instrumental in adidas (where he held a senior position at the time) signing the All Blacks, Johnno was also a member of the successful Old Blues Presidents team in the mid 1990's, while he has also served as Club Captain and as the club's Referee's Relationship Officer. Having stood down as manager of the Prems this season, he says that he is currently without a job at the club. When asked whether he would take on a new role he is anything but evasive, "Always. This club means an enormous amount to me and I would do anything for it." Johnno: a University man through and through, and the club's newest life member.

Graham Henry Interview

The following is an edited transcript of an interview Graham Henry gave to Campbell Burnes at the club on November 1, 2011, the day Henry announced he was stepping down as All Blacks coach. Henry decided it would be nice to come back to the club where he coached the premiers from 1981-85, winning the 1984 Gallaher Shield by beating Ponsonby 19-3 in the final. Burnes, who now writes for Rugby News magazine, played 32 games for the Varsity premiers from 1993-96.

Nice to be back where it all started for you at senior level?
I coached for five years here, and it was a helluva good group of guys. I still see them a bit from time to time. Tim Burcher is the glue. Grant Dickson emailed me quite a bit over the World Cup, John Collinson too. Drakey was a good bugger and I enjoyed him immensely. He was the sort of guy who would give you a buzz every now and again when the shit hit the fan and just say a couple of words of encouragement.
A lot of those guys I have fond memories of: Glenn Young, Richard Fry, Mata'afa Keenan, Foxy obviously. I saw Kirky before the World Cup.

In 1987 you were coaching the Auckland Colts. Did it ever occur to when you watched BJ Lochore help the All Blacks to win the Rugby World Cup, that it would one day be you in his shoes leading the team to World Cup glory?
Oh shit yeah, it occurred to me alright. I was a goal-setter, probably a dreamer, but a goal-setter, but I set down a lot of goals when I was at Auckland Grammar School in the 1970s.
I learned to coach (at school) then. One of the goals was to be All Blacks coach, one was to be a headmaster, one was to have a good marriage, one was to have kids who were successful and enjoyed life, and one was to own my own business.
So I've always been goal-oriented and worked hard to achieve them.

Did BJ have any role with the team over the past four years after being the fourth selector from 2004-07?
No, not an official role. The three coaches have always kept in touch with BJ and we see each other from time to time and enjoy each other's company. He came in early in the piece and presented Richie (McCaw) with his cap in the team environment and talked to us about '87 and what he thought was important for the 2011 Cup. The guys relate well to him. He's obviously a successful rugby person who talks a lot of sense.
He stressed things like sudden-death, expect the unexpected, never take anything for granted.

Did you find it strange that your whole focus was on what was going to happen in October and most of the media seemed more concerned about what you were going to do after October 23?
I thought it was important that we concentrated on the job and didn't get distracted by things that didn't matter. Even when the thing was finished, I thought we should have dealt with the Rugby World Cup and what it meant to win that, rather than on things that didn't matter.

So when were you originally planning to announce your future plans?
I was going to do it just before I went to the UK with the Barbarians. I was going to do it then, but there was so much crap in the newspapers that I thought I'd better issue some sort of statement, but people don't let the truth get in the way of a good story.
The Blues had asked me to assist them. I'm a Blues person and I want them to do well. Pat's a mate and I used to coach him. He'd asked me prior to the World Cup whether I'd assist them and I wanted to tell them what I was doing.

Wayne Smith told me recently that the result of the World Cup would not define him as a coach. How much will it define you? What if you'd had a 63-40 record but then won the World Cup?
I wouldn't have been coaching the All Blacks if it was a 63-40 record. I would have been shot ages ago. It's the one international side in the world in which you can't have that sort of record. You just have to keep winning. Most of the All Blacks coaches over the years have had a pretty successful record. I'm proud of the Tri Nations results. The All Blacks have won five of the last eight. We have never been defeated in the UK, apart from one game. We've kept the Bledisloe Cup for the last eight years. We've won 29 of the last 32 tests. It's important when you're in these jobs to finish stronger than you start. We've changed a lot of things since 2004.
But for me, winning the World Cup was immense, because it just gives you peace, a lot of personal satisfaction, and you can rule off that and get on with other things in your life. If we'd lost the World Cup in 2011, it would have been in the back of your mind forever. You would have died with that.
It's always a very fine line between ecstasy and agony, or being the hero or the villain. It's a very fickle situation, but that's the reality.

Do you feel you leave the All Blacks in far better shape than when you got them in 2004?
Smithy and I were talking about it, on the back of floats and things. We said we've left All Blacks rugby with a very strong player group, which is very pleasing. There's a lot of experience there, but also some very exciting young players, and that's great.
There are also a lot of Super Rugby players knocking on the door to be All Blacks in the next year or two, so New Zealand rugby is in very good shape.

How badly did the All Blacks miss Jerome Kaino in that loss to Australia in Brisbane, given he was consistently your best forward in 2011?
The away Tri Nations games were a sacrifice, if that's the right word. They weren't a sacrifice to me, but to the group. I always try and win the bloody things. The South African test in Port Elizabeth enabled guys to put their hand up for RWC. The prime example is Israel Dagg and he made a difference in the World Cup. But if we had stuck to the same team, in every test, that wouldn't have happened. Richard Kahui was another who played well, so that was a very important test for the World Cup. It was disjointed in Brisbane. The right build-up for those tests is critical. We'd given the Australians a bath at Eden Park, and they were on the edge of the edge. We were half-cocked, and you cannot play half-cocked.
Jerome's development as an All Black over the last couple of years has been immense. He's a very key player in that group, and a superb man too. So him not playing was felt, but that was not the reason for the loss.

And of course he's a good Varsity man…
And a good Varsity man, that's very important.

You've coached teams at Eden Park for 30 years, mostly with success. What makes this ground so tough to beat the All Blacks on?
It's our home, isn't it? There's been a lot of big tests played at Eden Park over the years. Other grounds are important too but perhaps the players see this as the home. That won't go down well, but I'd better qualify that.
The new stadium in Otago will be a great place for the All Blacks to play, indoors, a fabulous surface. The positioning of the stadium is superb. You get a lot of support and it's very vocal. Lancaster Park, or whatever they call it now, that's a sad situation because that's a great ground. It's where I grew up, and in 1956 I saw the All Blacks-Springboks third test. Dixon and Jarden scored tries and Don Clarke kicked goals from all over the place. I watched at the open stand at the Banks Peninsula end of the ground. I recall thinking about that when I first coached the All Blacks there (in 2004). It's just sad what's happened there. There is no doubt about it, that Canterbury is a major backbone of New Zealand sport, and hopefully that will continue, because it is special. The Crusaders were inspirational to the people of Christchurch in 2011.

Have you got a thicker skin than when you first coached the All Blacks in 2004?
Oh no, when you coach in Wales, it's pretty demanding. They are a very emotional group of people. You're either on a marvellous high or a total depression. The newspapers are pretty demanding over there and the media in general. I think I learned a lot more from coaching Wales and the Lions in getting a thicker skin than I got from being in New Zealand.
I learn from that. I just turn you people off. I don't read you or listen to you or watch you. That's important. I'm not being critical. But I think you just need to control your own environment to get the best out of yourself. If you're going through a hard patch, you don't need to look at that stuff.

Is that what you impart on your players?
It's easy for me, because I'm 65. It's much harder for them. A lot of them read stuff they shouldn't read and I don't think it does them any good.

The World Cup did not exactly go to plan from go to whoa, what with serious injuries and the like. Did you ever start second-guessing some your selections, such as only going in with five loose forwards?
Kieran (Read) got injured after the team was selected, which was one of the weaknesses of the selection process by the IRB. Sam Whitelock and Anthony Boric have played quite a bit of rugby in the loose forwards. Though we had named only five loose forwards, we had seven guys who could play in the loose forwards.
Looking back, one of the things we could have done was select Aaron Cruden in the original squad rather than another outside back, perhaps. We picked Colin Slade because he's a good footballer, but also because he's played a bit in the back field and had good high ball skills and on counter-attack. In hindsight, we may have been better to have picked three 10s. I was delighted with how Cruden and Donald handled it. Having All Blacks experience helped. That was a big learning curve for Aaron in Sydney last year. Aaron is going to play a lot of games for the All Blacks, that kid. In time, he'll put pressure on Daniel which is great. Steve went through that horrendous game in Hong Kong and that affected his psyche for a long time, but he changed his psyche from 'I'm shitting myself' to 'I'm going out to enjoy myself.' I was delighted for him because he is the ultimate team person and he's a top bloke.

It was remarkable that two of your players claimed to have had premonitions that Donald was going to kick the winning goal in the final.
Richard Kahui was with Steve Donald when the team was announced, and said to him: 'You stay fit because you'll kick the winning goal in the World Cup final. Steve gave him shit about it. But look what happened.
Kerre Woodham told my wife - they are friendly -- that her mother had a dream that Steve Donald would kick the winning goal in the World Cup final. So there's a scoop for you, Burnesy.

Thanks Ted, I'll take it.

*Parts of this interview feature in a Graham Henry tribute by Campbell Burnes in Rugby News' Year in Review 2011 Special Edition, out now.

University Sevens go from strength to strength

By Todd Nicholls

The University Sevens squad continues to go from strength to strength this season, winning one of the three tournaments they have entered so far.Coached again by Kili Tabakau, Sevens has been given extra prominence at the University club in the last two seasons and it is now starting to show on the field.

"The boys are really starting to hit their straps," Kili says. "It was a real thrill to win at Patamahoe in our first tournament of the season."

The victory in Patamahoe was especially satisfying for University as the team they beat in the final, the Fijian Barbarians, was a side they had been beaten by in the round-robin play. "It really gave the boys a boost in confidence to take out that competition after losing early on."

University has steadily built from there, losing in the Plate semifinal at Te Rapa and winning the Plate final in the Auckland Club 7s, beating Grammar Carlton, last weekend.

"We have got enormous potential at the club and I know that with more experience and more time playing together we can only get better," Kili says. "There is no shortage of talent."

An issue is starting well. "Against Pakuranga in pool play at the Auckland 7s we let them score first and they got away from us. When you concede points early in Sevens it is often very difficult to claw back."

There are a large number of stars in the University Sevens squad, although perhaps the most uplifting story is that of Liam Steel. The talented midfield back broke his ankle and missed most of this season for the under-21s. Yet after four games in the regular season he is back playing Sevens.

University takes part in the Greerton Marist Super 7's this weekend in Tauranga and then takes a beak until Christmas. In January University takes part in the Pakuranga Sevens and then there are the prestigious Sevens at Mount Maunganui, which will be a real gauge of their progress.

"We are certainly moving in the right direction," Kili says. "The boys are extremely keen and they are a young group with plenty of potential. That really does make them a joy to coach. We have tried to put the right structures in place at the club for Sevens to prosper and so hopefully in time we will be a real force in this form of the game."

Kili says that a major goal for the club remains winning the Auckland 7s, something he considers the club was close to achieving last weekend. "We know if we had beaten Pakuranga we could have gone all the way."

'DOLPH' A big man in more ways than one

By Todd Nicholls

Steven 'Dolph' Luatua is not only one of the most promising young rugby players in Auckland but he is one of the proudest club men.Despite only playing a handful of games for University this season, 'Dolph' remains truly committeed to the club and its overall goals.

"Although it was great to make the Auckland side and play for the New Zealand Under 20s this season, I would have liked to have played more games for the club. I am proud to be a member of such a wonderful club and I am delighted that I made the decision to become a University man."

'Dolph's' CV reads like a dream: New Zealand Schools in 2009, Samoa Under 20s in 2010, New Zealand Under 20s and Auckland ITM Cup this season, as well as the Blues Wider Training Group squad for 2012.

Despite all of this, the Mt Albert Grammar product, raised in west then south Auckland, says that his focus is on continually improving. He says that as a forward he remains very versatile positionally.

"Generally speaking I have played six or eight for my club or school and lock for the Auckland representative sides that I have made. I like to think of myself as being a versatile player."

'Dolph's' success in the last few seasons will be news to few at University. There are however some things you may not know about the 20-year-old. Like, for instance, that he is studying towards a Bachelor of Sport at Unitech (emphasising the importance he places on education), the fact that he has recently taken up golf and surfing (doing more of the former) and that what drives him is a passion for not only his family and friends but his club.

Then there is the small matter of the nickname. 'Dolph' laughs when I ask him about this. "It has to do with the fact that when I as growing up Dolph Lundgren was a hero of mine. It has kind of stuck."

'Dolph' says that his goals for next year are to have a strong season of club rugby, then hopefully perform well for Auckland. Becoming a Blues player remains a long-term ambition. When I ask him whether he hopes one of the Blues locks is injured next season he chuckles at the silliness of my question. "I wouldn't wish that on anyone. I am learning a huge amount from the likes of Ali Williams and Anthony Boric, both All Blacks of course, at training. I am happy for now and hopefully my time will come."

The thing about 'Dolph' is that he is so very likeable. Sometimes top players can be aloof, unwilling to talk, occasionally forgetting where they come from. Not 'Dolph'. He is a University man through and through and we are lucky to have him as a clubman.

Westlake rugby captain awarded Drake Scholarship

Sam Viskovich from Northcote, Auckland has been selected as the third John Drake Memorial Scholar at The University of Auckland.

The scholarship, established in 2009 and worth $5000 a year, supports an outstanding all-rounder who intends to study at the University and also play for the Auckland University Rugby Football Club.

Sam was named winner for 2012 at a reunion dinner in Auckland last night for the 1987 All Blacks held to raise money for the Drake Scholarship with 800 attending.

John Drake, who died in 2008 aged 49, was an Auckland graduate and a redoubtable prop forward in the World Cup-winning team. The scholarship in his memory is awarded to a school leaver who has excelled both in rugby and academically while showing the potential to emulate John Drake's attitude and success both on and off the rugby field.

Sam Viskovich is Sports Captain and Deputy Head Boy at Westlake Boys High School where he captained the first fifteen this year. Playing at flanker he was in the team for three years. In 2010 Westlake were the North Harbour Champions.

He is also involved in acting and debating. Last year he scored highly in the Cambridge International Examinations and he will be sitting NZQA scholarship exams in history, economics and statistics.

At university Sam plans to take a conjoint Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Arts. For his BCom he will do a double major in Economics and International Business while for his BA he will major in Psychology. His career ambition is to be a future business leader in New Zealand.

Sam quotes a Croatian family proverb passed down from his great-grandparents, translated as: "Give me knowledge and I'll give you wealth." He sees the Drake Scholarship as "the perfect opportunity to continue acquiring knowledge and gain wealth, not simply in money but in experience and values with which to make a positive and significant impact on society".

Taking John Drake Memorial Scholarship Applications Now

John Drake created his own legend with an exceptional rugby career and a distinguished service in the media related to rugby. He was a great credit to Auckland University Rugby Football Club fulfilling all its best hopes for player performance.

A Memorial Scholarship is an honor befitting such an outstanding individual and is the most appropriate way to focus his example in the minds of young aspiring players toward emulating these outcomes.

The core objective for the Scholarship is to support a young promising individual who displays the potential to develop the attitude and success of John Drake. The Scholarship will be awarded on an annual basis. Former All Black Captain and University player Sir John Graham is the Patron to the Scholarship. The Scholarship firstly focuses on strong academic achievement and character, balanced out with a strong passion for rugby.

The Scholarship will support the winner’s tuition at the University of Auckland while the individual will play in John’s footsteps at the University club. The combination of these powerful influences will contribute to the rounding of the individual, to mirror success on the rugby field, with a personal standing in the community.

Past winners have been Matthew Matich and Sean Brookman both pictured with John Taylor (UoA) and Cathy Drake.

More information and applications forms can be printed from the Scholarship website: http://www.johndrakescholarship.org.nz

The close off date is 5pm Wednesday the 28th September.

AURFC Under 21s Champions of Auckland for 2011

The 2011 Auckland University Rugby Football Club (AURFC) Under 21s won the Auckland Championship in the weekend by beating Grammar Carlton at Colin Maiden Park 26 - 12. ’The students’ were down at half-time by 12 points to 3, though through their superior intellect and fitness changed their game plan and executed it with much determination and success. It has been a very successful year for the boys in blue, they also won the Whetton Brothers Trophy for winning the first round and retained the John Drake Memorial Shield. What was a very impressive aspect of the team was the 699 points scored by the team and only 135 points against. This was a side they could really strike from all parts of the field and entertain all.

The team’s core are all students from the University of Auckland who have also come from great range of secondary schools. Many players from this team have won further representative honors; Liam Steel represented the New Zealand University Under 21 team on their North American tour in July. The 2011 John Drake Memorial Scholarship winner also played a big part on the championship win, former Mount Albert Grammar lock Sean Brookman. Sean, Sam Marshal and Simon Healy have been selected for the Auckland Under 20 team. While Brock Sibbick has been picked to play for the Auckland Under 21 team.

AURFC Under 21 University of Auckland students

Simon Healy (Commerce) Kings College
Will McKay (Science) Kings College
Hamish Gee (Commerce) St Kentigern College
Tim Wilson (Commerce) St Kentigern Collge
Theo Commissaris (Science) Rosmini College
Sam Marshall (Education) St Kentigern College
Brock Sibbick (Commerce/Law) New Plymouth Boys High
Liam Steel (Arts) St Kentigern College
Sean Brookman (Law) Mount Albert Grammar
Jordan Karena (Law) Sacred Heart College
Michael Lovegrove (Medicine) John Paul College
Marcus Payle (Law) Wellington College
Darren Gray (Commerce) Mount Albert Grammar
Ben Paltridge (Commerce) St Peters College

University of Auckland Interfaculty Rugby Tournament 2011

Register for the 2011 University of Auckland Interfaculty Rugby Tournament. Nine faculties are competing for the prestigous Sir Wilson Whineray Trophy. The tournament commences on the 13th of August and concludes on the 8th of October. A tournament team will be selected to play a Waikato University XV on the 22nd of October.

Click on the following link to register: www.universitysport.auckland.ac.nz

You must be a University of Auckland student to participate in the tournament.

AURFC Players Selected for Auckland Under 21 Wider Training Squad

All players are required to attend College Rifles RFC, 33 Haast Street, Remuera on Sunday July 17th (this Sunday) at 9.30am (assembly from 9.15am) for an initial squad meeting followed by pre-season training. The session will be finished by 11.15am. Information regarding future sessions will be provided on Sunday. A final squad of 26 will be announced on Monday August 8th.

Jamie Hern
Mokani Fuavao
Junior Manase
Josh Eden Whaiteri
Nepia Fox-Matamua
Travis Brooke
Alex Tuala
Brock Sibbick
Grayson Schiphorst
Ben Paltridge
Unaloto Pita

Another International Representative from the AURFC Stable

Congratulations to Brenton Helleur for winning his firt test cap for Samoa in the recent Pacific Nations Cup gavme versus Fiji. Look out for ‘Bubs’ playing against the Wallabies this weekend.

2011 Winter Lectures at The University of Auckland on “New Zealand’s Rugby World”
19 July-23 August, 1-2pm

What role does rugby play in New Zealand and where is the game heading?

Drawing on scholars inside and outside the University, this Winter Lecture series on “New Zealand’s Rugby World” will offer historical, cultural and social reflections on the place and future of rugby in this country.

Speakers will explore rugby’s impact on our lives as players, fans and indifferent bystanders; as women, Maori and Pacific Islanders; and as leaders and professionals engaged in the game. The lectures conclude with Chris Laidlaw, Radio New Zealand National host, author and former All Black, talking on “The future of rugby”.

The Rugby World Cup in New Zealand in September and October provides this unique opportunity to critically engage with what is, grudgingly or otherwise, recognised as our “national game”. No other sport has been so exhaustively agonised over by New Zealanders.

The series of six weekly lectures starts on 19 July. Full details are on the Winter Lectures website: www.auckland.ac.nz/winter

Congratulations to AURFC Players Named in the 2011 Auckland ITM Team

Out of the 27 players selected the Mighty Blues have provided eight players, with the next best club being Marist with five. Auckland take on Canterbury this Sunday at Eden Park. So get along and support the lads.

Daniel Braid (Captain)
Ash Dixon
Steven Luatua
Pauliasi Manu
Sean Polwart
Teddy Stanaway
Josh Townsend
Brent Ward

New Zealand Universities Under 21 North American Tour Blog

Follow the results and stories from the NZU U21s team while they tour North America. AURFC has four players within the squad: Jamie Hern, Liam Steel, Junior Manase Sam Henwood and AURFC Club Captain Stephen Kidd is the team manager.

Click on the following link for the tour blog: NZU U21 Tour Blog

Four AURFC players make the NZU Under 21 team

Congratulations to the following players who have been selected to tour North America in July with the NZU Under 21 team:
Jamie Hern
Sam Henwood
Liam Steel
Junior Manase

The team will be playing a three game series against the US Collegiate All Americans. With each game being played in the following locations; Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and San Francisco.

University secure comprehensive win over Pakuranga

14/05/2011
It was one-way traffic at Colin Maiden Park today as University scored a comprehensive 38-0 victory over Pakuranga.

In the top of the table clash Pakuranga were guilty of giving a well drilled University side too much possession. Pakuranga has been slow to start in their previous games, and today was no different as University had points on the board within the first three minutes. Fresh from New Zealand University team duties Jamie Helleur made an immediate impact, breaking the line and distributing a clever off load inside to his NZ University team mate Dave Ormrod who ran untouched to the goal line.

The reliable boot of Adam Siddall saw the try converted and the early lead at 7-0. Siddall was prominent throughout the game, as University worked hard at maintaining territory, and his kicking saw this achieved. University had a lot of possession to work with throughout the first half, as Pakuranga’s game was littered with simple errors and penalties. Their defence however looked up to the test, as University spent the first 20 minutes in their half but rarely looked like scoring.

The score was extended midway through the first half, Siddall converting a penalty, as Pakuranga were offside on defence. When Pakuranga did have the ball they were working hard but a smothering University defence saw them make little headway. They had the opportunity to get points on the board when University were penalised for offside play, but a rare miss from Bryn Hall left the score without change.

Late in the half University were able to extend their lead. From a line out on Pakuranga’s 22-metre they worked the ball closer to the line. With the referee playing advantage for Pakuranga being offside, the ball was spread across the field, finding winger Unaloto Pita unmarked with an easy run across the line.

University went into the halftime break with a comfortable 17-0 lead, having been gifted a lot of possession from Pakuranga they were able capitalise and get points on the board, despite a spirited Pakuranga defence. Kicking off in the second half, University failed to get the ball to the 10 metre mark, but after that simple error they were quick to it turn on. Helleur featured again with clever play, tackled in midfield and released the ball, re-gathered and set off on an impressive run. Passing to Pita on the wing who had little room to work with, Pita kicked the ball, beat the defender and while he looked like he was going to fumble the ball it was a classy re-gather over the try line.

Momentum was firmly on the side of University as they continued to pressure the Pakuranga defence. Midway through the second half, Pakuranga had a spell of possession in the opposition half. It was University’s turn to defend and they were guilty of a number of infringements at the breakdown. After continual penalties on the University try line, referee Gordon Noble-Campbell went to his pocket and Thomas Vaughan was sent to the sin bin.

With only 14 men the University defence stood up to the challenge and forced a turnover on their own line. University were playing an impressive game, and many would have forgotten they were down to 14 men during the second half. With Vaughan still in the bin they managed to extend the lead further with their fourth try of the match. Ormrod was instrumental as he popped a clever pass to New Zealand Under 20 rep Steven Luatua who went on a bustling run through midfield. Luatua managed to free the ball and passed it on to winger Grayson Shiphorst who crossed the line with ease. With the score at 31-0 Pakuranga looked to have no answers in the face of a rampaging University side.

Five minutes left on the clock University were not slowing down, hammering the Pakuranga try line with intent. After a number of phases centre Teimana Mohi slipped over the line virtually untouched by Pakuranga defenders.

Reflecting on the game Pakuranga coach Wayne Pivac said both he and his team were very frustrated. “We gifted them a lot of possession and a quality side like University are always going to punish you for that.”“We failed with the basics today; our passing and catching. That put a lot of pressure on us.” “It was a big wake up call.”

University coach Jim Dickin was jubilant with what was a complete performance by his side. “I’m proud of that performance, our defence was outstanding, and it just goes to show the depth we have, with four players away on Super Rugby duties.” Dickin says he fully expects to see Pakuranga again when it comes to the business end of the season. With the whole team combining to create such a solid performance Dickin said it was hard to pick out a stand out player, but mentioned the work rate of Dave Ormrod and captain Ash Dixon.

University are able to put the Sir Fred Allen Challenge Cup back in the trophy cabinet until they face Papatoetoe in round eight.

Message from NZU Tour Management

Just back from Sydney and delighted to report that NZU beat Australian Universities in Sydney on Friday evening by 57 points to 13. A very fast match in which NZU scored at least 2 tries by great counter attacks in the best traditions of NZU rugby. Man of the match was awarded to Jamie Helleur by David Kirk who also presented the cup ( supplied by Australian Universities Rugby Union) to our captain Josh Townsend, who was a very impressive captain of NZU in 2011.

Congratulations and many thanks from NZU Council to the team and management ( Paul, Victor, Pete, Karl, and the Doc) on a very successful 2011 campaign in somewhat trying circumstances with the cancellation of our planned trip to Japan.

David Kirk and I met with representatives of Australian Universities Rugby before the match in Sydney on Friday evening to discuss possible future sponsors for the Trans Tasman Universities Rugby Cup. Any suggestions from any of you on potential sponsors would be appreciated by David and myself. We would obviously discuss any future sponsors first with Graeme Harrison of ANZCO to ensure that there were no issues with ANZCO and Nissui ..

Thanks again to ANZCO and Nissui for their very generous on-going sponsorship which allowed our 2011 programme to take place. Thanks also to Suzuki-san and the NZRU for their valued support of NZU rugby.

Steven Luatua selected for the New Zealand Under 20s team

Four young Aucklanders have been selected the New Zealand Under 20 team for this year’s World Junior Championships in Italy. Steven Luatua (University), Gareth Anscombe (Ponsonby), Charles Piutau (Pakuranga) and Francis Saili (Marist) have been selected in the 26-man squad.

The team is coached by Auckland ITM Cup head coach Mark Anscombe.

“Once again, the selection process was thorough. We are really fortunate to have good depth in New Zealand rugby in all areas. One of the biggest challenges for us was to get the balance right throughout the team as the format of the competition is such that we play five games in 17 days. It is also vital that we have versatile players that allow us to spread the workload throughout the team,” says Anscombe.

All four of the Auckland players were members of the 2009 New Zealand Schools team.

Anscombe, Piutau and Luatua all played in the Auckland 2010 ITM Cup campaign.

The squad will remain in camp at the Sport and Rugby Institute in Palmerston North until Sunday 1 May and will reassemble at the Millennium Institute in North Harbour from 31 May – 4 June.

IRB World Junior Championship: Friday 10 June – Sunday 26 June, Italy

New Zealand pool games at IRB Junior World Championship (all times and dates are local):
v Italy 10 June, 8.10pm
v Wales 14 June, 6.10pm
v Argentina 18 June, 6.10pm

Tournament Finals
Semifinals 22 June
Final 26 June

AURFC Retain the Fred Allen Trophy

University fought to a 19-15 victory over defending champions Ponsonby today, retaining the Fred Allen Challenge Cup. In cold conditions University were playing with the wind behind them in the first half, but had little possession to play with early on. Adam Siddall made his presence felt from the outset, a dumping tackle on old teammate Winston Stanley saw a penalty awarded to Ponsonby just minutes into the game. With all the early territory, Ponsonby forwards were running strongly and working well around the rucks. Their attack seemed unstructured at times and Ponsonby were unable to convert the early territory into points. A thumping clearing kick from Brent Ward saw University out of their own half for the first time, ten minutes into the game. Gaining possession from the line out, Siddall attempted a drop goal from 40 metres out but it was unsuccessful.

Grayson Schiphorst beating the defender to score for University

Just minutes later, University were able to hold on to possession long enough to craft an impressive try. Showing good direction on attack the University forwards were recycling the ball quickly at the break down, and Blues wider-training squad member Pauliase Manu bowled over for the first try, and to take the early 7-0 lead. Ponsonby struck back not long after. Powerful running from hooker Joe Royal saw Ponsonby gain good field position when a penalty was awarded at the breakdown. Rocky Khan slotted it easily, and the score closed to 7-3. Both teams had stints of possession through the mid part of the first half, but they showed equally bruising defence to slow down the play.

Ponsonby lost captain Pom Simona to the sin bin late in the second half and University were quick to capitalise with the numbers on their side. Despite being a man down in the scrum Ponsonby were strong, and University had to spread it through their backs to get across the line. A sweeping move crafted by Siddall saw him wrap around second five-eighth Nigel Graham and throw a long pass out to Grayson Schiphorst on the wing. The converted try extended University’s lead to 14-3.

That lead didn’t last for long as only minutes later Ponsonby got their first try of the day. A quick throw in from Rocky Khan to fullback Chay Raui who set off on a brilliant run, put University on the back foot. Khan was back in action in the next phase, passing out to winger Paula Kavienga, who had little room to work with and chip-kicked the ball, beat the defender and scored in the corner.

Possession see-sawed throughout the start of the second half, as neither team made much head way. University’s Brent Ward was playing well from fullback, showing good foresight in a number of probing runs.

A poor clearing kick from Ponsonby midway through the second half saw University with ball in hand in a good position. An overlap on the wing saw captain Ash Dixon power over the line, much to the delight of the boisterous home crowd. With University up 19-8, Ponsonby piled on the pressure in the late stages of the game.

Chay Raui makes a break

With just five minutes to go and Ponsonby camped on the University try line, some quick hands through the backs saw fullback Chay Raui cut through the defence, to close the score to 19-15.

University stepped it up a gear after that try, working hard to maintain possession through to the end of the game. With time up on the clock Ponsonby turned the ball over, and from their own try line bought the ball 70 metres up field – you could sense an upset was in the making. Doing well to hold on to the ball for a number of phases Ponsonby were struggling to get any closer to the line, and a penalty at the ruck against them saw the final whistle.

University coach Jim Dickin had nothing but praise for his team, in particular Pauliase Manu and Sean Polwart who were back from their duties with the Blues wider-training squad. “I think our forwards really made an impression, we had some young guys in their today and they did really well.” Dickin said Adam Siddall was yet again impressive, with solid defence, strong running and a good performance with the boot.

Ponsonby coach Mark Hooper was disappointed not to be able to re-claim the Fred Allen Challenge Cup, and said his side were guilty of poor decision making throughout the game. “It’s always hard to get out here, and it was a huge challenge today.”

AURFC Players Selected for NZU

The following players have been chosen to represent New Zealand Universities in a short internal tour and a game against Australian Universities in Sydney. The itinerary outlined below replaces the scheduled tour of Japan that was to conclude with the Australian game.

The team is:
FORWARDS
Grant Polson (*Massey), Kahn Underwood (Lincoln), Tom Vaughn (Auckland), Rob Foreman (Massey), Tom Meates (Canterbury), Wyatt McKay (Auckland), Josh Townsend (Captain; Auckland), Alby Herron (Auckland), Rob Verbakel (Otago), Paul Grant (Otago), Brad Cameron (Otago), Callum Gibbins (Massey), Brendan O'Connor (Canterbury), Sione Tuafa (Waikato).

BACKS
David Ormrod (Auckland), Kurt Davies (Canterbury), Brad Linklater (Auckland), Andrew Parata (Auckland), Jamie Helleur (Auckland), Guy Schwikkard (Otago), Patrick Osbourne (Canterbury), Casey Stone (Massey), Kaleb Kahupukoro (Massey), Lance Gahan (Canterbury), Nick McLennan (Lincoln).

*Indicates University Affiliation

The squad named comprises 25 players - Auckland (8); Canterbury (5); Lincoln (2); Massey (5); Otago (4); Waikato (1). There are 13 players with ITM Cup level (or higher) experience. There are 13 players returning from last year's NZU team. Two further players return as members of former NZU teams and there are 2 players that toured with the recent under 21 NZU Colts team to the USA.

Management as appointed: Paul Hessian (Head Coach), Victor SImpson (Coach), Peter Thomson (Manager), Karl Hotham (Team Physiotherapist), Ian Stewart (Team Doctor)

The team will assemble in Wellington on Sunday April 24th for games on Wednesday April 27th (Horowhenua-Kapiti) and on Saturday April 30th/Sunday May 1st (Wairarapa-Bush or a Hurricanes Dev XV). Times and venues for these games are still under negotiation and further details will be distributed once they are known The team will fly to Sydney on Wednesday May 4th and play Australian Universities on Friday May 6th at the University of Sydney Oval before returning to NZ on Saturday May 7th.

Big Johnny to head to Ireland after the Rugby World Cup

All Black and Auckland University frontrower John Afoa will announce today that he is leaving New Zealand rugby.

Afoa has signed a 2½-year deal with Ulster commencing after this year's Rugby World Cup, which means he will still be eligible for the tournament.

The New Zealand Rugby Union was expected to confirm Afoa's departure later today.

Afoa, 27, who played 30 tests for the All Blacks, and made his debut back in 2005, said he would confirm his future in the coming days. Ulster are one of the few Britain-based clubs without a New Zealander on their books.

A Strong Finish - Mount Maunganui Sevens Tournament

It has taken three summers, but at the Mt Maunganui Sevens tournament, AURFC became a respected Sevens team by grafting their way to a Championship Final. The Mt competition has a reputation for being one of the most competitive and biggest (29 teams) tournaments in the North Island. The teams unbeaten run was finally halted against a Rangataua team that was a shadow Bay of Plenty Sevens team that had three former/present NZ Seven reps and coached by Matua Parkinson. Rangataua absolutely steam rolled their way to the final, putting 45 on Ponsonby in a Quarter Final and 40 on College Rifles in a Semi Final.

In there two pool games, they bet a very accomplished Hamilton Old Boys first, who have been our nemesis at previous tournaments. In the second game, we played Whakarewarewa who went up 12 nil fairly quickly, but the lads got themselves composed and scored the next four tries. Therefore, we topped our pool and had to play Pakuranga who were also undefeated, in the Championship QF.

Pakuranga were heavy favorites with their current success at winning the Auckland Club 7s comp and runners up in their own tournament played last weekend, which University bombed out in. Wayne Pivac also did a good job of stacking their team with a few Auckland stars too. Anyway it didn't matter the lads played won with great composure 17 - 12.

Then onto James Semple's Tuaranga Sports in the SF, which was a close affair up till the 3/4 stage, but with some super performances from the bench, made the telling difference and resulted in a comfortable win.

In the final, the lads did exceptionally well to be up 14 -12 at half time, they held out Rangataua for extensive periods on their own line in the 2nd half. The tired legs and 10 minute halves started to take it's toll and our guys were exhausted, but still defended with vigor. It wasn't until New Zealand Rep Ricky Te Puna finally squeezed through the slightest gap, that broke the deadlock. What eventually went to 14 - 31 after a Uni player was red carded, was a respected scoreline when you compare the gap in experience of each squad.

A big thanks to the coach Kili Tabakau who has turned the team into respected and serious contenders on the Sevens circuit, therefore adding to the University's reputation. He has helped the younger guys develop into leaders and given them opportunity and confidence to perform against men and under extreme pressure, which they excelled at on Sunday. It is exciting to see that there were three school leavers and four Under 21 players in Sunday's squad. What also makes the result stand out, is they were without the stars Liam Steel, Loto Pita with broken legs and Nepia Fox with a knee injury.
Very much looking forward to the 2011/12 season.

The team from the Mt tournament:

Timana Mohi (Captain)	Premiers
Jarek Joebel	Premiers
Ben Paltiridge	School leaver SPC
Sean Brookman	School Leaver MAGS
Matthew Mattich	Premiers
Theo Commissaris	School leaver Rosmini
Kurt Eklund	U21
Tom Halse	Premiers
Sam Finau	U21s
Sam Marshall	U21s
Jonny	New U21s.
Trainer:	Kumo
Physio	Mike

2011 Northern Hemisphere Recognition for AURFC Players

Duncan Finnie (AURFC Under 21s 2010) - Scotland Under 20 Six Nations Squad
Roddy Grant (AURFC 2008) - Scotland A
Kane & "Volcano" Palma Newport (AURFC 2010) - Bath 
Andrew Van Der Heijden (AURFC 2006 - 10) - Newcastle Falcons
Lewis Niven (AURFC Premiers 2009) - Edinburgh Gunners

Kane "Volcano' and 'Vanders' are placed to make their respective debuts for Bath and Newcastle this weekend.  The following article was taken off the BBC website.

Newcastle Falcons lock Andrew van der Heijden looks set to make his debut against Bath on Saturday after recovering from a broken arm.

The New Zealand second-rower, 26, has been forced to wait for his chance after picking up the injury in his last game for Auckland last November. "I've been raring to go for two months and it's finally come along," Van der Heijden told BBC Newcastle. "I'm fully fit, it's always tough watching from the bench." Van der Heijden added: "I'll probably be blowing a bit, blowing the cobwebs out. "Hopefully I'll make a bit of impact, hitting the rucks and mauls, and doing my line out, start off doing my basics, get my head back in there and the body switched on.

NZU Senior Asia Tour 2011

NZU has a very exciting tour to Japan and Australia lined up in 2011, assembling April 17ish, straight to Japan, 4 games there and then a test against Aussie 6/7th May on way home. Visiting Osaka, Fukuoka and Tokyo in Japan and then most likely Sydney for the Australian game. Essentially away between April 17 and May 8th.
 
Eligibility is as usual - enrolled student or graduate paying for an NZU affiliated Club. We are thinking of final selection by
April 2/3. 
If you are shifting around the country, coming back to NZ etc then you need to be paid up and showing a serious interest in an 
affiliated Club before that. Enough to convince the selectors. What you do after that is your business to control.