Rookie in Barbarians
Two local rugby players will be lining up for a New Zealand Barbarians team in next month’s Tag Rugby World Cup in Auckland.
Sonny McBride and Sean Duseigneur have made the 30- plus Barbarians side, while playing for Porirua team Valiants in a Wellington regional league.
The pair, who played for Paraparaumu’s senior A team this year, have represented Horowhenua-Kapiti in the Heartland Championship; McBride a member of this year’s team.
McBride, a first five-eighth, and Duseigneur, a winger, have taken their knowledge of each other’s games and used it on the tag rugby field.
Tag rugby is an eight-a-side game blending elements of rugby league, Rippa rugby and touch.
Players rip a tag from the belt of the opposing player for a tackle. After six tackles, possession changes to the other team, and the ball can be kicked anytime but not over waist height.
McBride has been playing since high school, and got Duseigneur involved this year.
‘‘ We train twice a week, on Saturday and Sunday, in Porirua and play on Wednesday nights. It’s a pretty good game. It’s similar to rugby league, and they use it in pre season and stuff, but it’s great for keeping you fit.’’
McBride had represented New Zealand in the sport previously, but did not attend the nationals this year and was asked to trial for the Barbarians. Duseigneur also trialled, and both were selected for the world cup in December.
‘‘It’s only my first year, and to be playing in a world cup is pretty amazing,’’ Duseigneur said.
His build-up to the cup will be interrupted by a wedding in his native Samoa, where he flew on Saturday to be a groomsman.
‘‘It will be pretty hectic. I just have to make sure I don’t drink too much, or lie on a beach too much,’’ he said.
The tournament is at North Harbour Stadium on December 6 to 8.