Rugby stars start young

More than 720 players braved cool and windy conditions during the Hastings primary and intermediate schools rippa rugby tournament at Flaxmere’s Ron Giorgi Park on Friday.

Hawke’s Bay Rugby Football Union development officer Dan Somerville said hosting a tournament of this magnitude was made possible with support from Jo Tapine of Sport Hawke’s Bay, Hawke’s Bay representative players who did it as a practical assignment as part of their EIT Sport and Recreation course, and 30 Hastings Boys’ High School players who ‘‘did a fantastic job as referees’’.

While a Hastings Year 5 and 6 tournament has been held for the past two years, Friday’s Tremain Real Estate-sponsored tournament was the first time Years 3 and 4 and Years 7 and 8 divisions have been added.

Somerville said it will become an annual event.

Parkvale School won the Years 3 and 4 division, Frimley School the Years 5 and 6 division and Irongate School the Years 7 and 8 division.

PHOTOS/PAUL TAYLOR RAVEN’SGONE: Raven Kemp of Te Kura Kaupapa MaoriONgati Kahungunu Ki Heretaunga bursts away from the defence and looks for his support.

HBT122771-09 BRADLEY’SAWAY: Mahora School’s Bradley Hughes heads for the tryline.