A local flavour has been highlighted in the Bayleys Bulls Academy intake for 2020.

Out of the 13 first years, there are 10 players who have played their school-boy rugby in Taranaki.

Bayleys Bulls Academy Manager Jarrad Hoeata said the purpose of the academy is to produce players for the Yarrows Taranaki Bulls while taking part in the CMK club rugby competition.

During the season, the Bayleys Academy players will undergo sessions based on the six key pillars of rugby development. These include technical, tactical, physical, nutrition, psychological and personal development.

“The personal development aspect is an important area for players to ensure they are thinking about life outside and after rugby. We have resources to assist players with their off-field lives by holding sessions and workshops around budgeting, career paths, public speaking, social media just to name a few,” Hoeata said.

Year 1 Intake:

Joshua Hopkins co-captained the FDMC 1st XV in both 2018 and 2019. He is a tough, uncompromising flanker whose tackle stats are second to none. In 2019 Josh was a proud member of the First Gas Taranaki Under 18 and Chiefs Under 18 sides. This year Josh will turn out for the Tukapa club in his first season of premier rugby.

Scott Jury is a wiry loose forward who hails from Strathmore and balances farm work with the demands of rugby.  Scott was awarded the FDMC 1st XV’s most outstanding player in 2019, as well as playing for the First Gas Taranaki Under 18 team. He continues this year to impress with his work ethic and skills on and off the field.  Scott will play his club rugby for Stratford in 2020.

Abraham Mataitini locked for the FDMC 1st XV for two seasons after arriving in New Zealand from Australia in 2018.  Abe trains hard and is a real student of the game.  He played for the First Gas Taranaki U18 team in 2019 and will be an asset for the Coastal team this season.

Over the past few seasons, Mairenga Laapo has been a mainstay of FDMC’s 1st XV.  Mairenga brings physicality to every game, and he is a tough and versatile player.  In 2018 and 2019 Mairenga represented both the First Gas Taranaki Under 18 team and the Chiefs at Under 18 level.  He is looking forward to his first season of premier rugby with the Tukapa club.

Halfback Ethan Seed was an instrumental link between the forwards and the backs in the FDMC 1st XV. He is skilled at controlling the tempo of the game. Ethan is known for his aggression and commitment on the field. In 2019 he played for both the First Gas Taranaki Under 18 team and the NZ Maori Under 18 team. This season Ethan will be turning out for the Tukapa club.

FDMC’s 2019 1st XV co-captain Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens has already achieved national honours playing for both the NZ Secondary Schools and NZ Sevens representative sides. He is a point-scoring machine who uses his Fijian flair to decimate his opponents defense. Jacob’s ability on the field is matched only by the work he puts in off the field, his rugby future is very bright. This season Jacob joins his two brothers at the Tukapa club.

Connor Mitchell is a hard-working prop from Whenuakura who over the past few seasons has been a huge asset for the FDMC 1st XV. Connor is a committed player who studies the game and always strives to improve. He is a strong scrummager, a product of the long hours he spends in the gym. This season Connor will begin his premier rugby journey at the Coastal club.

JJ Pokai is a nuggety hooker in the mould of current Taranaki hooker Ricky Riccitelli. Has a massive engine on him winning the Yo-Yo test for the forwards at last year’s Chiefs U18s camp. He will be representing New Plymouth Old Boys this season.

Niwa Barlow is an outstanding athlete with speed to burn, winning the 100m for NPBHS last year. He was also selected for the U18s Chiefs camp. Great kid with a diverse background including kickboxing and chess. He will be representing Stratford/Eltham this season.

One of the youngest members in the academy, Perry Lawrence has outstanding training ethic for a young man. He has picked up an apprenticeship with a local building company and will be representing New Plymouth Old Boys this season.

Another talent out of Rotorua Boys High, Hemopo Cunningham is a versatile player who covers lock and all loose forward positions. He loves the rough and tumble but also has the skill and speed to link with the backs. He will be representing Stratford/Eltham this season.

Rocky Olsen has moved down from Northland. He can cover both first-five eighth and fullback with skills to burn. Has just come back from a fractured wrist and will be representing Stratford/Eltham this season.

Jordan McFarlane is a massive prop from Gisborne Boys’ High School where he captained the 1st XV for a couple of years. Has also been involved in Hurricanes U18 squads. He will be representing Southern this season.

Bayleys Taranaki are proud supporters of Taranaki Rugby and the Bayleys Bulls Academy. It is great to see these young players come through the academy system and get an amazing opportunity to enhance their sporting careers. Bayleys are a team of passionate and professional property experts. Their team cover the region from their offices in New Plymouth and Hawera. Bayleys specialise across all sectors including residential, lifestyle, rural and commercial with agents who have knowledge and experience. Plus, they have an exceptional property management team with a high level of respect by local landlords and tenants. 

Article added: Monday 15 June 2020