South Island U15 Rugby Tournament

Tournament history

The South Island U15 Rugby tournament began in 1987 from an idea by the late Mr Lee Smith (Bayfield High School) that co-educational secondary schools needed a rugby tournament of their own. Over the years, Kavanagh College has been a regular at the event, and in 1997 won the banner, beating Menzies College in the final 7–3 at Pleasant Point. Trinity Catholic College teacher and Head of PE, Ant Harris, was part of that team. Former Kavanagh College Head Boy and now Trinity Dad, Ox Eathorne, played in the 2002 final against Westland in Oamaru, coming away as runners-up that day, 17–5. Ox's son, Max, played in this year's tournament in Westport last week as part of New Zealand Secondary Schools Tournament Week.

The mighty Buller

This year's tournament was an outstanding experience for our Junior Rugby team. Away from home for six days, the boys loved every minute, and as well as playing some great footy, it was often the off-field moments that made the trip so memorable.

Westport was the host town for this year's event. Organiser Geoff Simons said Buller was the only province yet to host the tournament. It took two days to reach Westport, which included Mass at the Church of the Holy Name in Ashburton and comfortable lodgings in Arthur's Pass on the Saturday night. Some of the team and coaches got up in the wee small hours of Sunday morning to watch the Springboks vs All Blacks test match in Cape Town. Sunday's travel to Westport was an easy three hours, following the mighty Ōtira and Taramakau rivers to the sparkling West Coast. From Greymouth, we followed the rugged coast north to Punakaiki and on to Westport.

The team stayed just outside Westport at Carters Beach, where every morning began with a compulsory 'wake up' dip in the Tasman Sea.

Monday's fixtures included fellow Catholic school John Paul II College, a big and physical team, followed by a classy Lincoln High School in the afternoon. Battered and bruised after a big day of rugby, the team got around each other and set their sights on day two.

The boys knew that defence would be key against the larger and more physical teams. Starting strongly and digging deep was what the coaches asked for, and the team did not disappoint, showing huge ticker and, at times, outplaying the opposition. In typical 'Westport whitebaiting weather', behemoth Buller High School were first up, and after the initial exchanges our boys played smart footy, controlling possession and territory and turning that endeavour into points. A fun pool session with Maruawai College (Gore) after the morning game was just the ticket for the tinana. Spirits and whanaungatanga (camaraderie) were high going into the afternoon match against Motueka High School. This game was much closer, as our boys again played for each other and scored some excellent tries.

Wednesday's fixtures involved a Game of Three Halves against Cromwell College and Geraldine High School. Battle-hardened after two days of tough footy, the team threw everything at it and played some exceptional rugby in marginal Buller weather!

After soup and mouse traps, we said e noho rā (farewell) to Westport and followed the Kawatiri (Buller River) to Inangahua Junction and on to the Town of Light (Reefton). Crossing Rahu Saddle and the Lewis Pass was a scenic highlight before arriving at Hanmer Springs, where the team was 'let loose' to enjoy the thermal pools, rides and slides. Thursday's journey back to Ōtepoti was in fine weather, and the team certainly enjoyed the mandatory lunch stop in Timaru!

Supporting the team on this trip was a dedicated group of parents and teachers. Thank you to Hamish Sutherland, Chris Burke, Michael Jago, Jo & Nath Murdoch, Paul Thompson, Graham Henderson, and super medic Rob Atkinson.

Next year's tournament is at Kettle Park, hosted by the Dunedin Rugby Club and Otago Rugby Union.