Hamilton Boys’ 1st XV excited to compete in Japan

Hamilton Boys’ High 1st XV are weeks away from competing in Japan’s Sanix World Youth Rugby Tournament.

The team won their chance to represent New Zealand by taking out the National First XV Rugby Championship last September.

Co-captain Ayden Johnstone said it was special for the team to represent the country in Fukuoka, Japan.

“All the boys are pretty excited,” said Johnstone.

Co-captain Legin Hotham agreed.

“It’s been a pretty big build up since last year.”

Last year they beat Auckland’s St Kentigern College 12-10 in a nail-biting final.

HBHS were the underdogs going into the game, with St Kentigern having won 52-matches in a row since 2011.

It is the third time HBHS will compete in Japan’s international youth tournament, and in 2010 and 2011 they won it.

The prestigious tournament, similar to a secondary schools world cup, will see eight top international teams and eight Japanese teams battle it out.

HBHS and Grassroots Rugby New Zealand will help sponsor the trip to Japan but the boys still need to come up with extra money individually, said team manager Barbara Clark.

Players worked over the summer break and many are still working in the weekends to cover the expenses.

Both Johnstone and Hotham have been helping out on their farms, spraying weeds.

Lock Jermayne Maika is fundraising for his trip online through website Givealittle. So far he has raised over $1000 and his goal is $3500.

Clark is grateful for the financial support the team had received.

“Grassroots Trust has been brilliant,” she said.

The co-captains also appreciate all the support.

“All of our teachers know that we’re going – they’re giving us extra homework to do before we go,” said Johnstone. “They’re all pretty happy for us.”

The team trains three mornings and four afternoons a week in preparation for Japan, with morning trainings being fitness focussed.

“Yeah, mornings are pretty tough, especially Monday mornings,” said Johnstone.

Clark said the South African and Australian sides will be the teams to beat in the competition.

“France too – there’s always France.”

Johnstone thinks his team will do New Zealand proud.

“I think we’ll go well going by our pre-season games. We’ve got a good bunch of players, and they all have the passion for it.”

The team leaves for Japan on April 22 and the tournament kicks off on April 28.