Inverell’s junior Highlanders have returned from a perfectly-balanced rugby union tour of New Zealand.
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Starting in Auckland, the mixed group of parents and players travelled to Rotorua to play to Rotoiti Rugby Club.
Highlanders first-grade coach Ariki Wineti said players took the field whilst parents admired the sun shining on a stunning lake-side backdrop.
“Our under 10s won 14 goals to 13. It was a great game to start the trip, and all the locals were impressed with how our youngsters played,” he said.
Inverell’s U12s side came up against a team that hadn’t lost in three years who were considered the best in the region.
After letting around seven tries in during the first half, the regathered their thoughts during half time.
The boys managed to fight hard in the second half to restrict the local side from scoring more tries.
Next up was the U14s, which Wineti described as “a great display of rugby” from the Highlanders.
“They really dominated against the Kiwis.
“It was good because we got to show them that Aussies can play rugby union,” Wineti laughed.
Afterwards, the Highlanders were taken back into the host’s club and were treated like royalty.
Next up for the group of 112 was a recreational day where they experienced the luge at Rotorua, zip-lining and a Polynesian spa.
The following day the group arrived in Wineti’s hometown village in the town of Napier.
“All 112 of us stayed under one roof, it was a real tribal experience for them. We had a tradition Maori welcome with songs and the Haka,” he said.
Wineti said staying on the Marae, the group got to witness first-hand the real culture from a Maori perspective.
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“It was really something money can’t buy. They welcomed us like we were family,” he said.
Naiper Old Boys Marist Rugby Club then hosted a few games against the Inverell Highlanders.
“We won against in the U10s and then we had a combined 12s and 14s side. They only lost by one try against a side that was well drilled.
“I think they could have taken on most of the high school sides around this area so full credit to our boys.”
Afterwards, the local group stayed to watch some club rugby. “The kids couldn’t believe how fast the rugby was.”
Wineti thanked everyone involved in the organising of such a big trip and described the whole experience as “seamless”.
“From a cultural rugby experience, it was probably one of the best trips you could ever get. It was a real taste of Maori rugby and culture all in one.”
