2025 Livingstone Waikato Rugby Awards 

Leigh Cooksley Services to Rugby Award

Eligibility: Volunteers who have given at least 10 years of service to rugby within the Waikato Rugby region

Livingstone Administrator of the Year - This award recognises a volunteer or staff member who has made a significant contribution to the smooth running, growth, and success of rugby in their club or community.

Nominees:

· Anthony Turnbull (Te Awamutu College)

Anthony  has transformed the administration of rugby at Te Awamutu College through structure, vision, and professionalism. He introduced a two-year kit replacement cycle supported by sponsorship, refurbished facilities, and created clear systems for gear and logistics. From field bins to streamlined registration, every detail is meticulously planned. Beyond operations, Anthony has lifted pride and identity across the club, modernising its look and making the environment more welcoming. His sponsorship efforts have secured long-term sustainability, while his inclusive approach has built trust among families, players, and staff. Anthony’s leadership has revitalised culture and set new benchmarks for excellence.

· Carl Sheridan (Te Awamutu College)

Carl has brought professionalism and structure to the administration of rugby at Te Awamutu College. He has introduced systems that make planning and delivery more efficient, from clear scheduling and communication frameworks to streamlined coordination of training, facilities, and player support. Carl’s attention to detail ensures everything runs smoothly — fields are set up, logistics are handled, and players and staff know exactly what’s expected. His work extends beyond paperwork: Carl is a constant presence behind the scenes, ensuring gear is ready, schedules are met, and programmes are delivered consistently.

· Debbie Jackson (Marist)

As President of Hamilton Marist Junior Rugby, Debbie Jackson has been the driving force behind the club’s growth and success. She oversees registrations, weigh-ins, and systems with calm professionalism, giving coaches and managers the support to focus on players. Debbie has also strengthened the vital bridge between juniors and seniors, fostering a one-club culture of pride and connection. Tireless in her service, she manages teams, supports events, and reshaped sponsorships to secure long-term stability. Above all, Debbie keeps children at the centre of every decision, ensuring rugby remains welcoming, fun, and inclusive for all.

Winner: Debbie Jackson

Grassroots Trust Referee of the Year - This award recognises a referee who has demonstrated excellence in officiating, development, and commitment to rugby.

Nominees:

· Ben Brownlie

Ben has had an outstanding 2025, refereeing premier fixtures including the Breweries Shield Semi-Final and serving at representative level in the Farah Palmer Cup, NPC, and Super Rugby Under 20s. Calm, fair, and professional, he has built trust with players and coaches alike. Off the field, he gives back as a mentor and presenter at referee meetings, supporting new officials with humility and clarity. His nomination to represent Waikato at the Dubai Invitational 7s reflects both his growth and the confidence others have in him. Ben is a rising leader in refereeing and a true ambassador for the game.

· Michael Winter

Michael continues to set the bar for refereeing excellence in Waikato. A premier referee since 2012, he again oversaw key matches in 2025, including a Premiership semi-final, alongside NPC, Super Rugby, and Pacific Nations Cup appointments. A member of NZR’s High Performance referee squad, he invests countless hours into preparation, analysis, and mentoring. Michael supports the next generation by leading referee trainings and attending club sessions to explain law changes. His fairness, calm authority, and willingness to give back make him a leader on and off the field, and one of the province’s most trusted referees.

· Ben Woolerton

2025 has been a landmark year for Ben Woolerton, who made his NPC debut, refereed Super Rugby Aupiki, and officiated as Assistant Referee in the Australia v Fiji Women’s Test. At community level, he has overseen top fixtures including the Breweries Shield Final and Farah Palmer Cup. His calm authority and consistency have earned wide respect. Off the field, Ben mentors peers and presents at referee events, sharing insights from elite rugby to lift the standard for all. Dedicated, humble, and professional, he has become one of Waikato’s most respected referees.

Winner: Michael Winter

Waikato Rugby Junior Coach of the Year

Nominees:

· Alan Jones (Leamington)

Alan Jones has coached the Leamington Warriors since their first days of ripper rugby, guiding them with professionalism, kindness, and fairness. In 2025 his team went undefeated, but his greatest achievement was helping them through tragedy, supporting players and families after the loss of a teammate. Alan honoured his player’s memory throughout the season, creating a culture of care and respect. Under his coaching, the team grew into a cohesive unit, transitioning seamlessly to full-field rugby. Loved by players and families, Alan is a role model who has given years of selfless service, shaping rugby skills and strong young people.

· Neil Hammond (Suburbs)

For eight years, Neil Hammond has been a cornerstone of Suburbs Junior Rugby. In 2025 he guided a large squad of 28 players, retaining almost all of them while building a culture of fun, discipline, and belonging. His team grew remarkably across the season, turning early defeats into competitive contests through resilience and teamwork. Neil prioritises development over results, rotating players to give everyone opportunities to grow. Beyond his own team, he volunteers at club events, coaches representative rugby, and personally supports players to ensure participation. His long-term service reflects dedication, inclusiveness, and a genuine love for the game.

· Scott Bonenkamp (Hinuera)

Scott Bonenkamp has created a fun, safe environment where young players thrive. In 2025 he guided his 11th Grade team through the big step of combining squads and playing full-field rugby, focusing on team spirit and development over results. His calm, encouraging style has helped players gain confidence in tackling, passing, and teamwork, while also instilling resilience and enjoyment. Scott supports beyond his own team, co-coaching secondary girls’ and men’s sevens sides, and mentoring other junior coaches. Inclusive and humble, Scott builds families into the club as much as he develops players on the field, embodying the spirit of junior rugby.

Winner: Alan Jones (Leamington)

Kurki Secondary School Coach of the Year - Recognising a coach who has made an outstanding contribution to secondary school rugby, with a focus on player development, team performance, and fostering a positive rugby environment for young athletes.

Nominees:

· Alex Bradley (Matamata College)

Alex has built a values-driven culture at Matamata College, supporting players to grow in skill, confidence, and character. Under his leadership, the 1st XV enjoyed a successful 2025, retaining the Tricolor Trophy, Round Robin Shield, and Ian Foster Shield as Division One champions. Alex promotes rugby as a lifelong game, encouraging players to continue into clubs or representative pathways. He fosters pride in representing the school and instils respect, discipline, and teamwork. A former coach of the school’s U14s, U15s, and girls’ team, Alex has given years of service that has left a lasting impact across the rugby programme.

· Shannon Mackey (HBHS)

As coach of the Hamilton Boys High School U14A team, Shannon Mackey has guided young players through their first season with skill, care, and energy. His focus on skill development and values-based coaching created rapid growth, with the team winning the U14 Super 8 Championship. Shannon fostered resilience, confidence, and enjoyment, preparing players for their next rugby steps. Beyond HBHS, he also coaches in the University club system, bridging school and club pathways. His leadership builds strong athletes and respectful young men, leaving a positive mark on both his team and the wider Waikato rugby community.

· Willem Poolman (Te Awamutu College)

Willem Poolman has dedicated countless hours to building Te Awamutu College rugby, guiding players with discipline, care, and belief. His philosophy focuses on developing both skilled players and respectful young men, creating an environment where every individual feels valued. Under his leadership, the 1st XV has grown in performance, cohesion, and competitiveness, with many players progressing to club and representative honours. Willem’s influence extends beyond rugby skills — he instils resilience, teamwork, and pride in the jersey. Known for his tireless commitment, he has created a culture where players leave school with rugby in their hearts for life.

Winner: Alex Bradley (Matamata College)

Grassroots Trust Senior Club Coach of the Year - This award recognises a coach who has made an outstanding impact both on and off the field in 2025. It recognises coaching excellence in developing players, creating a strong team culture, and delivering results through leadership and vision.

Nominees:

· Craig Walters (Marist)

Craig has overseen a sustained run of team success. In 2025 his Premier A side again swept the major trophies — adding a second consecutive Waikato Breweries Shield and completing a clean sweep of the Nicol-Mackey, Ron Crawford, Stag and Has Catley cups — a performance built on meticulous preseason planning, squad development and a values-driven culture of “discipline, trust, excellence and belief.” Craig used 41 players across the campaign, intentionally pulling talent through from Colts and Premier Development while supporting multiple representative call-ups — a clear sign his work is strengthening pathways as well as results. He’s a hands-on leader who invests in culture, player ownership and preparation, and his influence is visible across the club from junior sessions to senior leadership. Craig’s season is as much about developing people as winning trophies — a combination that has re-set standards at Marist.

· Daniel Fischer (Tech)

Daniel Fischer masterminded a season of real turnaround for Fraser Tech’s Premier B side, guiding them to the Waikato Premier B Rowe Cup title with a 12-win campaign (496 points for, 281 against). That on-field success reflected long-term coaching stability, clear development pathways and smart player recruitment that let the club field a B’s team of true depth. Daniel’s coaching style prioritises respect, clarity of expectation and leadership development — senior players are empowered to mentor younger teammates and everyone has a clear route to Premier rugby. Off the park he contributes to club governance and coaching development, ensuring the team’s success sustains broader club growth. The Rowe Cup win was both a performance milestone and proof his culture-first approach builds lasting capability.

· Murdoch Whitiora-Reti (Oto)

Murdoch has been central to the rise of Otorohanga’s women’s programme, progressing from assistant coach to head coach and turning a development side into a genuine premiership contender, finishing second in 2025. His long-term commitment (years of coaching across grades) has produced seven Farah Palmer Cup players and multiple Heartland representatives, evidence of his ability to develop talent at scale. Murdoch’s leadership is grounded in family values, manaakitanga and a people-first approach: he builds strong relationships with players of all backgrounds, champions inclusiveness, and creates a team that plays with pride and purpose. The team’s finals appearance caps nearly a decade of steady growth under his guidance, coaching that strengthened both performance and community connection.

Winner: Craig Walters (Marist)

Waikato Draught Male Club Player of the Year - This award recognises the male player who has demonstrated excellence on and off the field, showcasing a high level of performance, leadership, and contributing positively to their team and club.

Nominees:

· Josh Balme (Marist)

Josh continues to lead from the front as a key member of Hamilton Marist and the Premier Men’s team. His accuracy with the boot and vision in open play have been critical to their back-to-back title runs, but it is his work ethic and presence in the changing room that elevate him further. Josh sets high standards, invests in younger players, and represents Marist’s culture of discipline and belief on and off the field. A player who contributes in an all-round fashion, Josh has had an excellent season in 2025.

· Dean Fullerton (Ohaupo)

A fourth-generation Ohaupo player, Dean embodies loyalty and excellence. In 2025 he was the club’s top point scorer with 131 points, guiding his side to the Division 1A championship. Dean’s influence stretched beyond the scoreboard: as vice-captain he earned respect for his calm leadership and was always willing to mentor younger teammates. He again earned Waikato Divisional XV selection, starting matches before injury, and still turned up to trainings to support his replacement. Dean’s humility, consistency, and love of rugby make him a model club man.

· Leighton Jones (HOB)

Leighton Jones is recognised not only for his talent but also for his character. A young athlete with a bright future, he balances strong on-field performances with genuine care for teammates and his wider club community. His performance this year was recognised with selection in the

Waikato U19 squad, where he continued to impress, and most notably, his inclusion in the New Zealand Māori U18 side—an acknowledgement of both his ability and potential to represent at the highest level in years to come. Leighton role models humility, respect, and commitment, making him a player his club is proud to celebrate.

· Liam Anderson (Tech)

Only two years out of school, Liam Anderson has already represented the Chiefs U18 and U20 and been named in the Waikato Rugby NPC squad. A dynamic flanker, he combines relentless work rate with a team-first attitude. As Fraser Tech co-captain, he leads by example, encouraging younger teammates, mentoring juniors, and staying deeply visible in his club community. He communicates positively during games, celebrates team successes before his own and lives the club’s values of respect and integrity: he treats referees, opponents, and supporters with genuine courtesy. Liam is proof that elite performance and grassroots connection can indeed go hand in hand.

Winner: Liam Anderson (Tech)

Waitomo Waikato Rugby Female Club Player of the Year – This award recognises the female player who has demonstrated excellence on and off the field, showcasing a high level of performance, leadership, and contributing positively to their team and club.

Nominees:

· Leomie Kloppers (HOB)

Captain of the undefeated Hamilton Old Boys Huskiez, Leomie Kloppers has been inspirational in 2025. Tireless on the field, she drives momentum through her ball carrying, defensive leadership, and accuracy at the breakdown. Off the field, Leomie coaches Hamilton Girls’ High, serves on the club committee, and is the first to step in to support teammates — whether mentoring, organising, or simply rolling up her sleeves. Recently named in the Waikato Women’s squad, she is a role model who proves that success and service do in fact, go together.

· Rina Paraone (Oto)

As Otorohanga co-captain, Rina Paraone leads with strength and humility. Her all-round skillset — sharp defence, attacking vision, and commanding communication — makes her an 80-minute performer every game. At training she quietly mentors younger players, passing on knowledge and reinforcing standards. Named Otorohanga’s Player of the Year, Rina represents her club with pride, building its future through leadership and example.

· Finau Mafi (Varisty)

Versatile, hardworking, and humble, Finau Mafi has been an invaluable contributor to University in 2025. Covering multiple positions at a consistently high level, she epitomises adaptability and reliability. Her selection for the Black Ferns XV camp in 2024 underlined her talent, but it is her effort, attitude, and team-first approach that define her at club level.

Winner: Leomie Kloppers (HOB)

Power Farming Club Team of the Year - This award recognises the team that has excelled through performance, connection, and impact in 2025. This award celebrates not only results on the field but also how the team engages with and represents its community.

Nominees:

· Hamilton Marist Premier A

Hamilton Marist Premier A produced a season of rare dominance in 2025 — back-to-back Waikato championships and a second consecutive clean sweep of the five major trophies. Over 15 matches they scored 753 points and conceded 240 (+513 differential), maintained an

unbeaten home record and supported numerous representative selections across Super, NPC and NZ Harlequins pathways. That sustained excellence came from a culture of meticulous preparation, integrated junior-senior pathways and visible community engagement — from tackle clinics to mentoring junior players — which underpinned both performance and club connection. Marist’s season was elite rugby delivered with genuine club values.

· Otorohanga Premier Women’s

Otorohanga’s Premier Women’s team made history in 2025 — reaching the finals of the Women’s Premiership after nearly a decade of patient development. Their rise was driven by loyalty, community backing (huge local crowds and grassroots events), and a team culture that celebrates inclusion and whanau. Despite limited resources, they built resilience and connection — running school clinics, community fundraisers (including a 50km awareness walk) and producing multiple 50-game players and representative call-ups. This season was a milestone for women’s rugby in a rural community that now stands proudly on the provincial stage.

· Hamilton Old Boys Colts

The Hamilton Old Boys Colts produced an exceptional, undefeated season — a rare achievement that reflected discipline, consistent development and a culture of unity. The Colts combined tactical nous with player development, yielding representative honours (including New Zealand Māori U18 selection) while also serving as a strong bridge into senior grades. Their on-field resilience and off-field mentorship of juniors made this an inspiring campaign that strengthens the club’s long-term pipeline.

Winner: Hamilton Marist Premier A

Waikato Draught Club of the Year - This recognition is awarded to the club that has set the benchmark for excellence across the rugby community in 2025. This recognition highlights success in membership growth, inclusiveness, and community connection, while also celebrating on-field achievements and success.

Nominees:

· Pirongia Rugby and Sports Club

From a small rural community, Pirongia has built one of the most vibrant and inclusive clubs in the Waikato, punching well above its weight with rapid growth in senior, women’s, and junior numbers meaning their registered player base now sits at over 400. Senior playing numbers have increased dramatically over the past two years with the introduction of both the Presidents and Women’s teams – representing an overall increase of a whopping 65% in senior players.

Pirongia now field five senior teams: As, Bs, Colts, Presidents, and Women’s, growing from 98 men in 2023 to 117 men and 45 women in 2025. Alongside this, their junior playing base of 220 players makes them the third largest junior club in the Waikato. In 2025, they expanded their ripper rugby programme, invested in facilities for women and girls, and delivered strong senior grades — achievements made even more remarkable given their smaller population base. Pirongia also hosted representative fixtures and staged major community events that strengthened ties with families and sponsors. Their growth is driven by a family-first culture and smart governance, ensuring rugby is accessible, affordable, and thriving. For a rural club, their scale and impact are extraordinary, proving what vision and community spirit can achieve. In 2026, they will enter their 150th year of providing rugby for their community

· Suburbs Community Sports Club

Suburbs has grown into one of the largest community clubs in the Waikato, with over 550 registered players across juniors, Colts, women’s, presidents, and senior men’s grades. Much of this success is built on a thriving junior programme, which continues to attract new families through initiatives like the “Give Rugby a Go” recruitment day. Central to this growth is the work of the club’s Rugby Development Officer, who connects Suburbs with local schools, runs programmes that introduce children to the game, and ensures smooth pathways from junior rugby into senior grades. In 2025, more than 30 new players joined through these initiatives, strengthening the club’s base and future. Off the field, Suburbs has focused on inclusiveness and volunteer development, ensuring families feel part of the club from day one. By investing in schools, grassroots programmes, and strong structures, Suburbs has become a genuine community hub and a leading example of sustainable growth in Waikato rugby.

· Hamilton Marist

Hamilton Marist has become one of the largest clubs in the Waikato, with 529 registered players across 6 senior and 18 junior teams. In 2025, their Premier A side swept all five major trophies for the second year running, but their strength goes deeper than results. Marist has invested heavily in facilities, including a new junior turf, and runs programmes that connect juniors and seniors through mentorship, school partnerships, and boot giveaways to remove barriers to participation. Their annual fundraisers and sponsorship strategies ensure long-term sustainability for the club, while their player retention systems keep numbers strong. Marist is not only a powerhouse on the field but also a community club that prioritises growth and pathways and providing space for the community to actively recreate.

Winner: Pirongia Rugby and Sports Club

HP Awards

Kukri Representative Coach of the Year - This award recognises a Waikato Rugby representative coach who has performed exceptionally (both on the field and off it) and represented Waikato Rugby with pride.

Nominees:

· Sean Botherway - 

Returning to lead the Waikato U19 team in 2025, Sean Botherway has once again delivered results, proving he is an exceptional pathways coach. The team played an 8 game campaign as part of the Northern Region’s U19 competition, where Sean once again led the team to being undefeated against some tough opposition to retain the Dave Rennie Challenge Shield and go back to back winners of the Northern region U19 competition. He approaches his role with professionalism and confidence and was surrounded by a quality group of assistant coaches - Mark McConnell, Jackson Willison and Craig Stewart. 

From the front, Sean led and mentored this group through one of the toughest age group competitions to win in the country,  ensuring Waikato’s aspiring players’ pathway is strong and leading the way around the country.

· Reuben Samuel

Back at the helm this season, but certainly no stranger to the Waikato FPC team, Reuben Samuel has once again proven his class as a leader in the women’s game. With years of dedication and contribution to women’s rugby, he’s been at the forefront of its growth and success in the region. This year, Reuben has masterfully brought together the energy of emerging young athletes with the wisdom and experience of seasoned players, creating an FPC team that was both fearless and united in their pursuit of excellence. He has set high standards for his team, provided opportunities for growth and development and enabled players to flourish in an environment where athletes are always encouraged to strive for and believe in what’s possible, while respecting what has come before them. His passion, vision, and unwavering commitment have left an indelible mark — not just on the scoreboard, having guided the team to a back to back FPC premiership title win in 2025, but on the future of women’s rugby in our province.

Winner: Reuben Samuel

Hendl & Murray Representative Team of the Year - This award recognises a Waikato Rugby representative team who has performed exceptionally and represented Waikato Rugby with pride.

Nominees:

· Waikato U19s

The Waikato U19s team had a stellar 2025, where they once again took out the Northern Region’s U19 competition, and remained undefeated for the second year running. The team proved their pedigree against some tough opposition and an arduous travel itinerary. The only two unbeaten teams, Waikato and Auckland, met eachother in the penultimate round of the competition, with Waikato taking the spoils in a hard fought and well-deserved 43-40 win. This was a special group of young men that came together to form a formidable team and represented Waikato Rugby with honour.

· Waikato Women’s Development

The Waikato Women’s Development team continued their dominance in 2025, claiming their third straight Northern Regions title. Unbeaten and unmatched, they delivered a season built on skill, resilience, and teamwork, overcoming Auckland, Northland, Counties Manukau, and North Harbour with style and determination. A three-peat built on pride, connection, and a champion mindset.

· Waitomo Group Waikato FPC 

The Waitomo Group Waikato FPC Team have once again had a stellar season in the Farah Palmer Cup Premiership Division, winning the competition to take them to back to back titles in 2024 and 2025. With an almost unbeaten run in the round robin of this year’s competition, with their only loss in their first match against Auckland, and some gritty performances against tough opposition in Counties, Canterbury and Manawatu, the team secured themselves both a home semi and final as top of the table. The team got their revenge over Auckland in the semi with a 7 point win to secure themselves a spot against rivals Canterbury in a re-match of the 2025 final, where they managed to take home the trophy 19-13 in front of a rowdy crowd of Waikato supporters. On top of this, the team also locked away the Chiefs Country Cup and the JJ Stewart for the summer, meaning they retained all 3 major trophies available to them as part of the competition.

Winner: Waitomo Group Waikato FPC

Waikato Supporter’s Club NPC Player of the Year

Winner: Dylan Eti

Waikato Supporter’s Club FPC Player of the Year

Winner: Kaea Nepia

Waikato Draught Bunnings NPC Player of the Year - This award recognises a player who has delivered consistent, high-level performances and played a key role in influencing their team’s results. They embody Waikato Rugby and team values, wearing the jersey with pride and integrity.

Winner: Xavier Roe

Waitomo Group FPC Player of the Year - This award recognises a player who has consistently performed at an exceptional level, making a significant impact on their team’s success. They uphold Waikato Rugby and team values, representing the jersey with pride and dedication.

Winner: Rina Paraone

Aaron Hopa Memorial Trophy - This award recognises a player who embodies the true spirit of the game,  living “above the line” in their actions and attitude. They uphold strong values and ethics, put the team first, and play a key role in driving a positive and professional team culture.

Winner: Gideon Wrampling

Manatiaki Award - This award recognises a player who embodies the true spirit of the game living “above the line” in their actions and attitude. They uphold strong values and ethics, put the team first, and play a key role in driving a positive and professional team culture.

Winner: Chyna Hohepa

University of Waikato FPC Emerging Player of the Year - This award recognises a young player who has performed to a high standard, shown strong commitment to their development, and demonstrated great potential for the future. They embody Waikato Rugby and team values, representing the jersey with pride on and off the field.

Winner: Kaea Nepia

Waikato Rugby NPC Emerging Player of the Year - This award recognises a young player who has performed to a high standard, shown strong commitment to their development, and demonstrated great potential for the future. They embody Waikato Rugby and team values, representing the jersey with pride on and off the field.

Winner: Oli Mathis

Joe’s Garage People’s Choice Award - This award recognises a player who has made a meaningful contribution to Waikato Rugby through community engagement, proudly representing the union and the jersey with integrity and pride.

Winner: Lima Sopoaga

This year’s Joe’s Garage People’s Choice award goes to a player who has gone out of his way to connect with the Waikato Rugby community and connect the community to Waikato. While pulling on Waikato colours was probably not on this player’s bingo card for 2025, he has embraced his new Provincial Union, both men’s and women’s teams and importantly, the fans, with gusto – making him a player for the people and a fantastic caretaker of the brand. His social media has been alight with Waikato colours and he has not for a second hesitated to be involved in any and all promotions to promote Waikato Rugby and generate interest in the game in our region. We’ve laughed along with him (and sometimes at him) and felt the highs and lows of the season through his lens, all with an appreciation of his commitment to the jersey and his new Union.

Hare Puke Memorial Trophy Tainui Waka Maaori Player of the Year - This award recognises a player who has achieved excellence at a high level while proudly representing their culture and family with mana and pride.

Winner: Kaea Nepia

Livingstone Sportsperson of the Year - This award recognises Waikato Rugby’s most outstanding sportsperson, a player who has achieved and performed at the highest level while upholding Waikato Rugby’s core values and representing the region with pride.

Winner: Quinn Tupaea 

This athlete’s journey to excellence is one of extraordinary resilience. After suffering a serious injury in a Bledisloe Cup test in 2022 that kept him out of the game for roughly a year, he has battled his way back to the top through intensive and lengthy rehab, regained form with Waikato Rugby through the NPC in 2024 and had an outstanding season with the Chiefs in 2025 to earn his way back into the Black jersey, three years later. His redemption is more than a return—it’s a statement, a comeback that shows exactly what resilience, hard work, belief and commitment can achieve. We’re proud of what he has achieved and in being part of his story of redemption.

Ian Clarke Award (Supreme Award)

Winner: Xavier Roe

In 2025, the Ian Clarke Memorial Award goes to a player who has led Waikato Rugby proudly, achieved excellence on the field and embodied the values of red, yellow and black, always. In his role as co-caption of the NPC, he leads by example on and off the field and is selfless in his role as a leader.  Never one to shy away from a challenge, he ensures team standards and weekly habits are adhered to, along with always being a great mentor for the young players in the team.  He is always one of the first to arrive and last to leave the playing environment. His performances in 2025 led to an All Blacks training group call-up last month and we look forward to his leadership and performances in the coming weeks