T Minus 3 Days and Counting

The final weekend of club rugby prior to departure has come and gone. Thankfully there have been no serious injuries to the squad. We have had a few replacements since the original squad was announced due to selection in representative squads, injury and work commitments but the time for departure is near.
The full squad is:
Forwards:
Sonny Ali’ifa’agolo - Waikato University
Mike Allardice - Canterbury University
Shay Ashworth - Lincoln University
Whetu Douglas - Waikato University
Jamie Hern - Auckland University
Jack Higgins - Canterbury University
Sam Henwood - Auckland University
Brad Kilgour - Massey University
Travis Larsen - Marist North Harbour
James Lentjes - Canterbury University
Adam Lill - Canterbury University
Junior Manase - Auckland University
Beniah Taumaoe - - Waikato University
Matt Vellekoop - Marist North Harbour
Backs:
Harry Corkill - Otago University
Luke Fiso - Old Boys-University
Conrad Goodhew - Massey University
Sam Hall - Otago University
Jesse Johnson - Old Boys-University
Bampino Mulipola - Waikato University
David Neilson - Napier Pirates
Hamish Northcott - Massey University
Michael Ruru - Napier Pirates
Liam Steel - Auckland University
Te Wehi Wilson - Old Boys-University
Management:
Paul Downes - Strength and Conditioning Trainer
Rodney Ford - Physiotherapist
John Furlong - Coach
Stephen Kidd - Manager
Ian Tulloch - Coach

The Five Wise Men

Messrs Kidd (in hat at rear), Downes, Ford, Tulloch and Furlong (partially obscured) taking in a game prior to the departure of the NZU under 21 team to warmer climes.....

Dr Teeth and the Electric Mayhem

NZ Universities Rugby would like to extend our thanks to Dr. Monroe Elkin of Custmbite, the creator of the Custmbite MVP Athletic Mouthguard, for his kind sponsorship of the NZU under 21 team. On arrival in San Diego, each of the players will be supplied a Custmbite mouthguard for the tour. For more information, check out the Custmbite website at http://www.custmbite.com/ or click on the link to the right

Suits You Sir

Suzuki Rugby has been an extremely generous sponsor of NZU and is once again supplying the training and playing gear for the under 21 tour of the US.

Once More Unto the Breach Dear Friends

The New Zealand Universities under 21 team rides again. US Rugby has kindly invited NZU to tour the States again. This time we will be playing the US Collegiate All-Americans in a 3 test series. Fixtures are:
Game 1: 09/07/11 at The Little Q Field, San Diego
Game 2: 13/07/11 at Harder Stadium, University of California Santa Barbara
Game 3: 15/07/11 at Steuber Stadium, Stanford University

The Squad is:

Marist North Harbour:
Travis Larsen
Matt Vellekoop

Auckland University:
Jamie Hern
Sam Henwood
Junior Manase
Liam Steel

Waikato University:
Sonny Ali’ifa’agolo
Whetu Douglas
Bampino Mulipola
Beniah Taumaoe

Napier Pirates:
David Neilson
Michael Ruru

Massey University;
Conrad Goodhew
Brad Kilgour
Hamish Northcott

Old Boys-University:
Luke Fiso
Jesse Johnson
Alex Ritchie

Canterbury University;
Mike Allardice
Jack Higgins
James Lentjes
Adam Lill

Lincoln University:
Shay Ashworth

Otago University:
Harry Corkill
Sam Hall

Management:
Steve Kidd - Manager
John Furlong - Coach
Ian Tulloch - Coach
Paul Downes - Strength and Conditioning Coach
Rodney Ford - Physiotherapist

A Few More Photos

An old fashioned aftermatch at San Francisco Golden Gate Rugby Club
The Boys
The Bay Bridge
The view of San Francisco from Treasure Island

More Photos

Teddy Taylor showing perfect form
Junior Manase shows a clean pair of heels
Mat Gordon scythes through the SFGG defence on his way to a hatrick of tries
Bauro Kairaoi attempts a conversion
Butters is happy with the result