Te Aroha student named Thames Valley Rugby Union inductee
Te Aroha College student, Dominic Gore, recently was named as one of the first inductees for the Thames Valley Rugby Union following the launch of its development programme earlier this year.
Te Aroha College 1st XV rugby player Dominic Gore has been named as one of the first inductees for the Thames Valley Rugby Union following the launch of its development programme earlier this year.
The sole Te Aroha representative Dominic Gore, Year 10, was one of around eight inductees chosen.
The programme is designed to improve fitness and skill levels while also teaching inductees good nutrition and leadership both on and off the field.
Gore says he has learnt a lot applies his new skills every time he plays.
“They took us to a training session with the Chiefs and showed us what it was like for professional players. My parents are very proud of me being accepted into the programme,” he said.
This year is the first year Gore has been involved with the 1st XV where he plays at second-five, although he was originally picked to play lock.
Inductees work on individual skills such as tackling and catching a high ball, along with a session with rugby development officer Bill Cooksley.
Cooksley said they evaluated the current form, strengths and weaknesses of each individual player and what their next improvements were.
“At this stage we are focusing on improving their technical and tactical aspects of the game along with them maintaining their physical fitness required to play the game,” Cooksley said.
“We are entering into the representative season with trials and also the secondary schools finals so we would be looking to these young men to be the standout players in their grades and teams during this period.
“As this is the first year, we are sure to learn as much as the players, but as a union we believe it is a very positive step forward,” Cooksley said.
TVRU chief executive Geoff Sanders said the union realises to be successful you must have a sound foundation.
“With the coaching programmes established last year, the next step was with the players,” said Sanders.
The union hopes in five years time the players will be leaders on and off the field.
