Day One - 29 Dec 2009

Despite a few anxious phone calls after airports were fogged in, all members of the touring party arrived in Auckland as scheduled.

The first training run was successfully completed at Auckland University Rugby Club and everyone, including management, made it through in one piece.

In the interests of team bonding and getting to know the people you are going to be living with for the next two weeks, squad members and family attended a barbeque at Takapuna. The event was kindly hosted by John Webber. After some speeches by John and Jeff Wilson which were mildly disparaging of the coach, Jeff presented the players with their jerseys and training gear. Christmas came twice in 4 days.

A good evening was had by all and encouragingly for the manager the stated dose was not exceeded by anyone.


Henry Yortt, Jeff, Tyler Hammond, Nick Annear and Mitchell Graham after the presentations.

Harder Stadium

The venue for the two games v US under 20's:

UC Santa Barbara's Harder Stadium

Meet the Fooseballers Part Oh Oh Niner

NAME: Sam Hall
NICKNAME: Gootus
FAVOURITE SUPER HERO: Captain Planet
FAVOURITE REFRESHING BEVERAGE: Heiny
FAVOURITE FOOD: Steak and baked potatoes
STRANGEST PLACE EVER WOKE UP: The bushes outside the Cook
DREAM CAREER: Ski photographer
ELLE McPHERSON OR GISELE BUNDCHEN? Gisele
THREE PEOPLE YOU WOULD LIKE TO HAVE DINNER WITH (ALIVE OR DEAD): Jimmy Carr, Mohammed Ali, Tanner Hall
SOUTH PARK OR ANCHORMAN? South Park
BOOK NOT CONNECTED WITH STUDY YOU LAST READ: Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
IF YOU WON $25 MILLION IN LOTTO, FIRST PURCHASE WOULD BE: A house on the beach....like everyone.

NICKNAME: Drew
FAVOURITE SUPER HERO: Super Man
FAVOURITE REFRESHING BEVERAGE: Dr Pepper
FAVOURITE FOOD: Crayfish or Steak
STRANGEST PLACE EVER WOKE UP: Taupo
DREAM CAREER: Professional rugby player
ELLE McPHERSON OR GISELE BUNDCHEN? Gisele
THREE PEOPLE YOU WOULD LIKE TO HAVE DINNER WITH (ALIVE OR DEAD):Richie McCaw, Angelina Jolie, Muhammad Ali
SOUTH PARK OR ANCHORMAN? : Anchorman
BOOK NOT CONNECTED WITH STUDY YOU LAST READ: Crossfire
IF YOU WON $25 MILLION IN LOTTO, FIRST PURCHASE WOULD BE: First class ticket around the world.

NAME: Mathew Gordon
NICKNAME: Flash
FAVOURITE SUPER HERO: The Flash
FAVOURITE REFRESHING BEVERAGE: What ever goes down well at the time
FAVOURITE FOOD: Pizza
STRANGEST PLACE EVER WOKE UP: Been lucky to make it home always, wouldn't have a clue how sometimes though
DREAM CAREER: All Blacks conditioning coach
ELLE McPHERSON OR GISELE BUNDCHEN? Both but Gisele if only 1
THREE PEOPLE YOU WOULD LIKE TO HAVE DINNER WITH (ALIVE OR DEAD): Michal Jordon, Michal Jackson and Arnold Schwarzenegger
SOUTH PARK OR ANCHORMAN? South park
BOOK NOT CONNECTED WITH STUDY YOU LAST READ: Book? What's a book?
IF YOU WON $25 MILLION IN LOTTO, FIRST PURCHASE WOULD BE: Open bar at the bridge for a night

Meet the Fooseballers Part VIII

NAME: Matt Martin
NICKNAME:
FAVOURITE SUPER HERO: juggernaut (X-men)
FAVOURITE REFRESHING BEVERAGE: Mountain Dew
FAVOURITE FOOD: Red Thai Curry
STRANGEST PLACE EVER WOKE UP: Someone else’s tent (rhythm n vines)
DREAM CAREER: have own company, play rugby in Europe
ELLE McPHERSON OR GISELE BUNDCHEN? Gisele
THREE PEOPLE YOU WOULD LIKE TO HAVE DINNER WITH (ALIVE OR DEAD): Rhys Darby , Dai Henwood, Bob Marley
SOUTH PARK OR ANCHORMAN? Anchorman
BOOK NOT CONNECTED WITH STUDY YOU LAST READ: ZOO magazine
IF YOU WON $25 MILLION IN LOTTO, FIRST PURCHASE WOULD BE: Travel

NAME: Joshua Prendergast
NICKNAME: Joshie
FAVOURITE SUPER HERO: Bruce Wayne
FAVOURITE REFRESHING BEVERAGE:Peach sparkling water
FAVOURITE FOOD: Burgerfuel/ Malaysian
STRANGEST PLACE EVER WOKE UP:
DREAM CAREER: Global Brand Manager for Nike
ELLE McPHERSON OR GISELE BUNDCHEN? Elle McPherson
THREE PEOPLE YOU WOULD LIKE TO HAVE DINNER WITH (ALIVE OR DEAD): Ivanka Trump, Christian Bale(Batman), Lady Gaga
SOUTH PARK OR ANCHORMAN?Anchorman
BOOK NOT CONNECTED WITH STUDY YOU LAST READ: American Psycho
IF YOU WON $25 MILLION IN LOTTO, FIRST PURCHASE WOULD BE: Big wednesday hook up, as well as house in Greek islands

NAME: Peter Butterworth
NICKNAME: Butters
FAVOURITE SUPER HERO: Goku
FAVOURITE REFRESHING BEVERAGE: L&P
FAVOURITE FOOD: Steak
STRANGEST PLACE EVER WOKE UP: Nowhere exciting....probably just on the floor and not in a bed
DREAM CAREER: Professional rugby player
ELLE McPHERSON OR GISELE BUNDCHEN? Gisele
THREE PEOPLE YOU WOULD LIKE TO HAVE DINNER WITH (ALIVE OR DEAD):
Leonardo da Vinci, Megan Fox and my Grandfather I never had the chance to meet.
SOUTH PARK OR ANCHORMAN? Anchorman
BOOK NOT CONNECTED WITH STUDY YOU LAST READ: The Hungry Caterpillar.......im not much of a reader.
IF YOU WON $25 MILLION IN LOTTO, FIRST PURCHASE WOULD BE: A Car (Aston Martin)

Rugby Wisdom

"Rugby backs can be identified because they generally have clean shirts and identifiable partings in their hair. Forwards are gnarled and scarred creatures who have a propensity for running into and bleeding all over each other. Come the revolution the backs will be the first to be lined up against the wall and shot for living parasitically off the work of others. "

Front Row - Without a doubt the manliest men on the pitch. Large, often hairy, beer swilling carnivores that can and will smash anything in their path. Revelling in the violence inherent in the scrum, they are rarely considered "nice" people, and in fact to some they aren't even considered human's at all. Front rowers tolerate this attitude far and wide because they recognise their role at the top of the food chain and are used to suffering the fools that surround them. Accused by some of simply being dumb, I prefer to think of this group as "open to unconventional ways of thinking."

Locks - Slightly below the front row on the food chain. As with front row players it is inadvisable to put an appendage you wish to keep near this group's maw when they are in the feeding mode. This group of large, often foul smelling brutes is also more than willing to relish the finer points of stomping on a fallen opponent's body and will gleefully recount the tale ad infinitum. While they tend to take the tag "Powerhouse of the Scrum" a little too seriously, they can be useful if inured with the proper hatred of their fellow man. While members of this proud fraternity like to think of themselves as "open to unconventional ways of thinking" - they are usually just dumb.

Back Row - These are fine fit fellows who, like a bunch of hermaphrodites, are confused as to what their role in life should be. While they know they are undeniably linked to the forwards, there are those among them who long for the perfect hair and long flowing gowns that come with being a back. Some relish the forward role and will do anything to win the ball and there are others within this group that will break the prime directive of the forward and do anything to prance foolishly with the ball. Generally, these guys are not all bad, but I, personally, have to wonder about any forward who brings a hairbrush and a change of clothes to a game.

Peter Fitzsimmons - Former Australian Test Player

Meet the Fooseballers Part 7

NAME: Andrew McWhirter
NICKNAME: Macca
FAVOURITE SUPER HERO: Wolverine
FAVOURITE REFRESHING BEVERAGE: Ginger beer
FAVOURITE FOOD: Roast chicken with the works
STRANGEST PLACE EVER WOKE UP: Footpath
DREAM CAREER: Industrial designer for adidas
ELLE McPHERSON OR GISELE BUNDCHEN? Elle McPherson
THREE PEOPLE YOU WOULD LIKE TO HAVE DINNER WITH (ALIVE OR DEAD): Michael Jordon, Jessica Alba, Leonardo di Vinci
SOUTH PARK OR ANCHORMAN? Anchorrman
BOOK NOT CONNECTED WITH STUDY YOU LAST READ: Anthony Kiedis scar tissue
IF YOU WON $25 MILLION IN LOTTO, FIRST PURCHASE WOULD BE? A very big bar tab.

NAME: Ben Koch
NICKNAME: Cookie
FAVOURITE SUPER HERO: Green Lantern
FAVOURITE REFRESHING BEVERAGE: Lipton Ice Tea
FAVOURITE FOOD: Steak
STRANGEST PLACE EVER WOKE UP: Boot of my hatchback car.
DREAM CAREER: All Blacks Manager
ELLE McPHERSON OR GISELE BUNDCHEN? Elle Mcpherson
THREE PEOPLE YOU WOULD LIKE TO HAVE DINNER WITH (ALIVE OR DEAD): Leigh Hart, Victor Matfield, Callum Gibbins
SOUTH PARK OR ANCHORMAN? Anchorman
BOOK NOT CONNECTED WITH STUDY YOU LAST READ: Marc Ellis Autobiography
IF YOU WON $25 MILLION IN LOTTO, FIRST PURCHASE WOULD BE. Helicopter

NAME: Jesse McLay
NICKNAME: Don't have one
FAVOURITE SUPER HERO: Ironman
FAVOURITE REFRESHING BEVERAGE: Bundaberg Peachee
FAVOURITE FOOD: Mum's roast
STRANGEST PLACE EVER WOKE UP: On a concrete floor in someone's garage!
DREAM CAREER: Professional rugby player
ELLE McPHERSON OR GISELE BUNDCHEN? Gisele
THREE PEOPLE YOU WOULD LIKE TO HAVE DINNER WITH (ALIVE OR DEAD): Jose Gonzalez, Bear Grylls and my family
SOUTH PARK OR ANCHORMAN? Anchorman
BOOK NOT CONNECTED WITH STUDY YOU LAST READ: To Kill a Mockingbird
IF YOU WON $25 MILLION IN LOTTO, FIRST PURCHASE WOULD BE: A new house in Europe somewhere

Meet the Fooseballers Part Six

NAME: Junior Manase
NICKNAME: -
FAVOURITE SUPER HERO: Wolverine
FAVOURITE REFRESHING BEVERAGE: Water haha
FAVOURITE FOOD: Anything barbequed
STRANGEST PLACE EVER WOKE UP: Work!
DREAM CAREER: Professional badminton player lol
ELLE McPHERSON OR GISELE BUNDCHEN? Bundchen? (No idea who this is?)
THREE PEOPLE YOU WOULD LIKE TO HAVE DINNER WITH (ALIVE OR DEAD):
Alicia Keys, past uso’s and 2Pac!
SOUTH PARK OR ANCHORMAN? Anchorman
BOOK NOT CONNECTED WITH STUDY YOU LAST READ:
………. I don’t think this apllies to me haha
IF YOU WON $25 MILLION IN LOTTO, FIRST PURCHASE WOULD BE: A house maybe?

NAME: Mitchell Graham
NICKNAME: Fridge
FAVOURITE SUPER HERO: samurai pizza cats
FAVOURITE REFRESHING BEVERAGE: L&P
FAVOURITE FOOD: chicken caserole
STRANGEST PLACE EVER WOKE UP: trampoline
DREAM CAREER: CEO of a big corporate
ELLE McPHERSON OR GISELE BUNDCHEN? elle macpherson
THREE PEOPLE YOU WOULD LIKE TO HAVE DINNER WITH (ALIVE OR DEAD): Johnny Cash, Will Ferrell, William Wallace
SOUTH PARK OR ANCHORMAN? No competition for Anchorman.
BOOK NOT CONNECTED WITH STUDY YOU LAST READ: the da vinci code
IF YOU WON $25 MILLION IN LOTTO, FIRST PURCHASE WOULD BE: celebratory drinks and a house to celebrate in

NAME: Henry Yortt
NICKNAME: Frame
FAVOURITE SUPER HERO: Batman
FAVOURITE REFRESHING BEVERAGE: Powerade
FAVOURITE FOOD: A good curry or Steak
STRANGEST PLACE EVER WOKE UP: A rubbish skip bin
DREAM CAREER: Professional Sportsman or Venture Capitalist
ELLE McPHERSON OR GISELE BUNDCHEN? Gisele
THREE PEOPLE YOU WOULD LIKE TO HAVE DINNER WITH (ALIVE OR DEAD): Ricky
Gervais, Jeremy Clarkson and Marc Ellis
SOUTH PARK OR ANCHORMAN? Anchorman
BOOK NOT CONNECTED WITH STUDY YOU LAST READ: Norm Hewitt Gladiator
IF YOU WON $25 MILLION IN LOTTO, FIRST PURCHASE WOULD BE: A house on the
beach

Meet the Fooseballers Part V

NAME: Sam Kilgour
NICKNAME: Kilgs
FAVOURITE SUPER HERO:Batman
FAVOURITE REFRESHING BEVERAGE: Apple Juice
FAVOURITE FOOD: Burger King
STRANGEST PLACE EVER WOKE UP: Not disclosed
DREAM CAREER: Guitarist of a rock band
ELLE McPHERSON OR GISELE BUNDCHEN? Both
THREE PEOPLE YOU WOULD LIKE TO HAVE DINNER WITH (ALIVE OR DEAD):
Ben Lacey, Ricky Gervais and Michael Jordan
SOUTH PARK OR ANCHORMAN? Anchorman
BOOK NOT CONNECTED WITH STUDY YOU LAST READ: Kane and Abel by Jeffrey Archer
IF YOU WON $25 MILLION IN LOTTO, FIRST PURCHASE WOULD BE: House on the beach

NAME: Guy Schwikkard
NICKNAME: Schwiks
FAVOURITE SUPER HERO: Batman
FAVOURITE REFRESHING BEVERAGE: Waikato Draught (Wakatoomba, Wakachang)
FAVOURITE FOOD: Potato chips
STRANGEST PLACE EVER WOKE UP: random as garage in Sumner, Christchurch
DREAM CAREER: Sports comentater
ELLE McPHERSON OR GISELE BUNDCHEN? Gisele Bundchen
THREE PEOPLE YOU WOULD LIKE TO HAVE DINNER WITH (ALIVE OR DEAD): Steve Waugh, Mahummad Ali, Richard Branson
SOUTH PARK OR ANCHORMAN? Anchorman!!!!
BOOK NOT CONNECTED WITH STUDY YOU LAST READ: Ian Botham biography
IF YOU WON $25 MILLION IN LOTTO, FIRST PURCHASE WOULD BE: A house on the beach, filled with tantilising beverages (kegs) for all the boys for a massive as night!!!

Meet the Fooseballers Part Cuatro

NAME: Viliami (William) Tuikolovatu
NICKNAME: Willie
FAVOURITE SUPER HERO: Superman
FAVOURITE REFRESHING BEVERAGE: Mango juice
FAVOURITE FOOD: Mums Cooking
STRANGEST PLACE EVER WOKE UP: NZ?
DREAM CAREER: To be an Architect and a professional rugby player
ELLE McPHERSON OR GISELE BUNDCHEN? Gisele Bundchen
THREE PEOPLE YOU WOULD LIKE TO HAVE DINNER WITH (ALIVE OR DEAD):
Micheal Jackson, Dan Carter and Richie McCaw
SOUTH PARK OR ANCHORMAN? Anchorman
BOOK NOT CONNECTED WITH STUDY YOU LAST READ: Harry Potter
IF YOU WON $25 MILLION IN LOTTO, FIRST PURCHASE WOULD BE:
another lotto ticket!

NAME: Gareth Pottinger
NICKNAME: Potts, Potty
FAVOURITE SUPER HERO: He-man
FAVOURITE REFRESHING BEVERAGE: Fresh up
FAVOURITE FOOD: Chinese
STRANGEST PLACE EVER WOKE UP: Under cricket covers
DREAM CAREER: NFL Quaterback
ELLE McPHERSON OR GISELE BUNDCHEN?: Gisele
THREE PEOPLE YOU WOULD LIKE TO HAVE DINNER WITH (ALIVE OR DEAD): Jamarcus Russel, Howie from hunting aeotearoa and biggie smalls
SOUTH PARK OR ANCHORMAN?: South Park
BOOK NOT CONNECTED WITH STUDY YOU LAST READ: Marc Ellises book
IF YOU WON $25 MILLION IN LOTTO, FIRST PURCHASE WOULD BE: Apple bottom jeans and some boots with the fur

NAME: Nick Annear
NICKNAME: Junior, Dennis
FAVOURITE SUPER HERO: Batman
FAVOURITE REFRESHING BEVERAGE: Cold Beer
FAVOURITE FOOD: Lamb Rack
STRANGEST PLACE EVER WOKE UP: Hay Barn
DREAM CAREER: Being paid to do nothing / rugby player
ELLE McPHERSON OR GISELE BUNDCHEN? GISELE BUNDCHEN
THREE PEOPLE YOU WOULD LIKE TO HAVE DINNER WITH (ALIVE OR DEAD): Nelson Mandela, Kelly Slater,
SOUTH PARK OR ANCHORMAN? Anchorman
BOOK NOT CONNECTED WITH STUDY YOU LAST READ: Lance Armstrong's book
IF YOU WON $25 MILLION IN LOTTO, FIRST PURCHASE WOULD BE: A party for family and friends

Snakey's Jersey

NZ Universities player (oh and All Black too) Conrad Smith has kindly donated his 2009 Tri Nations training jersey to be auctioned on Trade Me to raise funds for the NZU under 21 tour to the US.
Link to the auction is:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Sports/Rugby-league/Apparel/Jerseys/auction-251777775.htm

Make a bid and support the team.

Meet the Fooseballers Part Trois

NAME: Sione Filila Taufa
NICKNAME: Quiet Lion
FAVOURITE SUPER HERO: Superman!! (I say that with passion)
FAVOURITE REFRESHING BEVERAGE: A cool sprite!!
FAVOURITE FOOD: Burger Fuel!! (Its good for the health lad's) Haha
STRANGEST PLACE EVER WOKE UP: Bedroom floor
DREAM CAREER: Professional Architect!
ELLE McPHERSON OR GISELE BUNDCHEN? Gisele Bundchen
THREE PEOPLE YOU WOULD LIKE TO HAVE DINNER WITH (ALIVE OR DEAD): My family
SOUTH PARK OR ANCHORMAN? Anchorman! Ron Burgundy: ....'I want to be on you'.
BOOK NOT CONNECTED WITH STUDY YOU LAST READ: A kava book i took from my best friend. But don't remember if i gave it back or not.
IF YOU WON $25 MILLION IN LOTTO, FIRST PURCHASE WOULD BE: My driver's license!! Its been 20 years and still have not gotten around to it.

NAME: Richard Taylor
NICKNAME: Teddy
FAVOURITE SUPER HERO: Batman
FAVOURITE REFRESHING BEVERAGE: Raspberry and coke
FAVOURITE FOOD: Steak and chips
STRANGEST PLACE EVER WOKE UP: The back of a random persons truck
DREAM CAREER: Pro Rugby player
ELLE McPHERSON OR GISELE BUNDCHEN? Elle Mcpherson
THREE PEOPLE YOU WOULD LIKE TO HAVE DINNER WITH (ALIVE OR DEAD): Andrew Hore, Shania Twain and Nick Annear
SOUTH PARK OR ANCHORMAN? Anchorman
BOOK NOT CONNECTED WITH STUDY YOU LAST READ: Clifford the big red dog
IF YOU WON $25 MILLION IN LOTTO, FIRST PURCHASE WOULD BE: Buy a house on Stewart Island

Meet the Fooseballers Part 2

NAME: Bauro Kairaoi
NICKNAME: Bordz or B
FAVOURITE SUPER HERO:Spiderman
FAVOURITE REFRESHING BEVERAGE:
FAVOURITE FOOD: Takeaways
STRANGEST PLACE EVER WOKE UP: Outside
DREAM CAREER: Own a business and be rich
ELLE McPHERSON OR GISELE BUNDCHEN? Don't know them
THREE PEOPLE YOU WOULD LIKE TO HAVE DINNER WITH (ALIVE OR DEAD):
Beyonce, Pamela and maybe another hot chick.lol.
SOUTH PARK OR ANCHORMAN? Anchorman
BOOK NOT CONNECTED WITH STUDY YOU LAST READ:
IF YOU WON $25 MILLION IN LOTTO, FIRST PURCHASE WOULD BE: A massive house by the beach


NAME:Niki Dow
NICKNAME: Barrel
FAVOURITE SUPER HERO: Chuck Norris
FAVOURITE REFRESHING BEVERAGE: Vanilla Coke
FAVOURITE FOOD: BBQ meat
STRANGEST PLACE EVER WOKE UP: On a boat with a fishing rod and a fish on my line
DREAM CAREER: Professional sportsman and top wine maker
ELLE McPHERSON OR GISELE BUNDCHEN? ELLE McPHERSON
THREE PEOPLE YOU WOULD LIKE TO HAVE DINNER WITH (ALIVE OR DEAD): Morgan Freeman, Eric Clapton, Cristiano Ronaldo
SOUTH PARK OR ANCHORMAN? ANCHORMAN
BOOK NOT CONNECTED WITH STUDY YOU LAST READ: The Broker
IF YOU WON $25 MILLION IN LOTTO, FIRST PURCHASE WOULD BE: House for Mum and Dad

Men in Black

"All Black - the very name sends a shiver up your spine. There's something about the blackness of the All Blacks jersey which sends a shudder through your heart..." Phil Bennett - Welsh Rugby Great

Congratulations to the university club players selected for the All Blacks tour of Japan, Italy and the UK in November/December 2009

Anthony Boric - Marist North Harbour
Tony Woodcock - Marist North Harbour
John Afoa - Auckland University
Jerome Kaino - Auckland University
Stephen Donald - Waikato University
Conrad Smith - Old Boys-University
Andy Ellis - Canterbury University
Keiran Read - Canterbury University
Tom Donnolly - Otago University
Adam Thompson - Otago University

Meet the Fooseballers Part 1

First of a the series introducing the members of the NZU under 21 touring party.

NAME: Sam Miller
NICKNAME: None that im aware of
FAVOURITE SUPER HERO: Teenage mutant ninja turle, michelangelo to be specific.
FAVOURITE REFRESHING BEVERAGE: Coke
FAVOURITE FOOD: Steak, macaroni and cheese
STRANGEST PLACE EVER WOKE UP: A basement at some guys house the first time I went there
DREAM CAREER: Profesional Rugby Player
ELLE McPHERSON OR GISELE BUNDCHEN? Gisele Bundchen
THREE PEOPLE YOU WOULD LIKE TO HAVE DINNER WITH (ALIVE OR DEAD): James Hetfield, Richie McCaw, Albert Einstien
SOUTH PARK OR ANCHORMAN? Anchorman
BOOK NOT CONNECTED WITH STUDY YOU LAST READ: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows...
IF YOU WON $25 MILLION IN LOTTO, FIRST PURCHASE WOULD BE: A farm


NAME: Brendon O’Connor
NICKNAME: None (at this stage - ed)
FAVOURITE SUPER HERO: Batman
FAVOURITE REFRESHING BEVERAGE: Water
FAVOURITE FOOD: Steak
STRANGEST PLACE EVER WOKE UP: Not disclosed
DREAM CAREER: Rugby player
ELLE McPHERSON OR GISELE BUNDCHEN? Gisele
THREE PEOPLE YOU WOULD LIKE TO HAVE DINNER WITH (ALIVE OR DEAD): Family
SOUTH PARK OR ANCHORMAN? Anchorman
BOOK NOT CONNECTED WITH STUDY YOU LAST READ: Deception Point (did not finish)
IF YOU WON $25 MILLION IN LOTTO, FIRST PURCHASE WOULD BE: New car

Clothes Maketh The Man

A big thank you to Suzuki Rugby who have continued their generous support of New Zealand Universities Rugby by supplying the team with training and playing gear for their tour of the United States.

Here are the jerseys that the team will be wearing during matches on tour:

Here are the training jerseys:


To see the 2009 NZU team that toured Asia in action wearing Suzuki Rugby gear, check out:

http://www.suzukirugby.com/topics/nzu.html

In The Beginning

Welcome to the blog of the New Zealand Universities Under 21 Rugby Tour of the United States from 30 December 2009 to 12 January 2010.

TOURING PARTY:

PROPS
Mitchell GRAHAM - Canterbury University
Andrew HILL - Massey University
Junior MANASE - Auckland University
Matthew MARTIN - Napier Pirates

HOOKERS
Henry YORTT - Canterbury University
Richard TAYLOR - Lincoln University

LOCKS
Sam KILGOUR - Old Boys-University
Ben KOCH - Massey University

LOOSE FORWARDS
Peter BUTTERWORTH - Otago University
Andrew McWHIRTER - Old Boys-University
Sam MILLER - Marist North Harbour
Brendon O’CONNOR - Canterbury University
Willie TUIKOLOVATU - Auckland University
Sione TAUFA - Waikato University

HALFBACKS
Nick ANNEAR - Canterbury University
Michael RURU - Napier Pirates

INSIDE BACKS
Nikolas DOW - Lincoln University
Sam HALL - Otago University
Guy SCKWIKKARD - Otago University
Alexander TUALA - Auckland University

OUTSIDE BACKS
Matt GORDON - Old Boys-University
Bauro KAIRAOI - Waikato University
Gareth POTTINGER - Massey University
Josh PREDERGAST - Marist North Harbour
Jesse McLAY - Lincoln University

MANAGEMENT:

Stu MATHER - Manager
John FURLONG - Coach
Ian TULLOCH - Coach
Paul DOWNES - Strength and Fitness Trainer
Rodney FORD - Physio

ITINERARY

29 Dec 2009
Assemble Auckland

30 Dec 2009
Leave Auckland
Arrive LAX
Bus to San Diego

31 Dec 2009
Training at Chula Vista Olympic Training Centre

01 Jan 2010
Play USA under 20 at Chula Vista Olympic Training Centre

02 Jan 2010
Training at Chula Vista Olympic Training Centre

03 Jan 2010
Day off
Go to San Diego Chargers v Washington Redskins NFL game at Qualcomm Stadium

04 Jan 2010
Play USA under 20 at Chula Vista Olympic Training Centre

05 Jan 2010
Training at Chula Vista Olympic Training Centre

06 Jan 2010
Play Canada under 20 at Chula Vista Olympic Training Centre

07 Jan 2010
To San Francisco

08 Jan 2010
Training at San Francisco Golden Gate Rugby Club, Treasure Island, San Francisco

09 Jan 2010
Play San Francisco Golden Gate Rugby Club, Treasure Island, San Francisco

10 Jan 2010
Depart San Francisco

11 Jan 2010
In Transit

12 Jan 2010
Arrive Auckland