YOUNG PLAYERS GET CAREER HEAD STARTS

It’s never too young to start making good choices – that was the message to rising professionals at the adidassponsored NZRPA Young Player Educational Programme camps around New Zealand. All Black openside Sam Cane, recently retired Highlanders star Buxton Popoalii and young upcoming Waikato player Brodie McCurran were among the current players freely distributing advice at the five camps, held in each Super rugby franchise. “A lot of the young players who attended the camps will be heading into the professional ranks in the next 6- 12 months and guys like Sam Cane were keen to point out that elevation to higher honours can happen a lot quicker than you think,” NZRPA player services manager David Gibson explained. “We distributed more information this year, particularly in the player conduct and integrity areas. All the players received top tips and protocols on such things as supplement use, anti- doping, betting and prescription medication. “Gibson goes on to stress “It is crucial that the next generation of players are educated in these areas, understand the possible effects ( good and bad) to them as players and know who to call if they need help. Poor decision making now can cost them heavily in the future.” The camps are designed to educate young players and their families on issues they need to be aware of, as they prepare for or embark on a professional rugby playing career. The core themes in the programme provide advice, guidance and support on the NZRPA Agents Charter and NZRPA Accredited Agents, the Personal Development Programme, and risk awareness education. All the advice is designed to be used by both young players and their families, with Gibson recognising that family support is a crucial tool for the success of aspiring professionals. The support of adidas showed their commitment to helping foster all levels of the game and Gibson said the impact is already noticeably throughout the professional ranks. “At that level, players are really responding to the messages about personal development, being well- organised off the field and getting balance in their lives. They’re a lot more advanced than players have been in the past.”