From Hamilton to Lincoln-as hared rugby journey
They have become part of a sports scholarship system there, now in its 20th year, which has produced a multitude of All Blacks, Super Rugby and Mitre 10 Cup players.
Both are Hamilton Boys High school products but from different parts of the field. Rameka lights up the backline while Nic is buried in the front row at hooker.
Both have big futures, and have worn the red and black of Canterbury.
First XV captain Rameka made his debut for the Crusaders last year at second-five against the French Barbarians, stepping up from the 2018 Crusaders Knights squad.
He described it was a highlight of his career so far.
Nic debut for Canterbury against Otago in the Mitre 10 Cup last September.
“I never thought last year I would have been in that position.”
After playing predominantly at colts level for Lincoln University in 2017 Rameka joined the successful title chase in 2018 for
Lincoln in the Hawkins Trophy, the Christchurch rugby Division One championship, helping the University claim it’s fourth in a row.
Scoring in the final against New Brighton, he was also the leading scorer during the preliminary cup campaign.
Nic has played in two title-winning Lincoln teams, as well as the Chiefs 18s, Canterbury U19s and Crusader Knights.
Rameka hails from a small Bay Of Plenty town called Pukehina.
He made the Waikato age-grade teams from under 14s-16s, then Chiefs U18s in year 12 and 13 at school.
He chose Lincoln “because it has a really good rugby program, but it also allowed me to attend uni at the same time,” and is studying marketing.
“It was also a good opportunity for a change of scenery.”
Nic grew up in Paeroa, and attended Hamilton Boys High school as a boarder
He is studying for a master’s degree in commerce after completing a bachelor of commerce majoring in supply chain management and global business. Rugby drew him south. “I found out about the Lincoln scholarship through a cousin who had been through the programme, and so I did a bit more research.
“I’m not from a farming background so the rugby side was what really appealed to me.
The degree was also a stand-out. My dad and I flew down to the University’s open day and I was sold- the facilities, the
people and Christchurch had me convinced.” Both Rameka and Nic noticed the step up in rugby level coming from school “The thing I noticed the most coming from school to club rugby was just the physicality of the game itself. Obviously you're playing men now who on average are significantly bigger. too.” Rameka said. “I definitely noticed the speed and the physicality,” Nic added. “Against some teams the banter and the sledging was also a wake-up call- there are no cameras or TV screens in club rugby, so a lot of niggle. “I found I grew up very fast.” Rameka says it is “just a great culture at Lincoln rugby”. “Most of the people in your team are around your age, which makes it that much better. Great coaching staff and other experienced players who are always offering help and learnings.” Nic’s aim is to play rugby professionally, but he has options. “Lincoln has given me the tools to find employment in a very good sector- there lots of jobs available.
“Regardless of what happens with rugby I have put myself in a position (through Lincoln) to go out into the workforce where I can push myself and be competitive in an excellent area.”
He said Lincoln has opened him up to a network that has allowed his “rugby and personal and educational life to flourish”.
“I have been exposed to resources and groups of people that I firmly believe I would not have had the opportunities that I have had here if I had gone anywhere else.
“The best part about Lincoln is the people.
“At no point at all I have ever felt like I am not welcome. It doesn’t matter if it is a Crusaders player coming back to the club or a coach/trainer, or first year player. Everyone wants to see each other succeed so they are willing to help out where ever they can,” Nic said.
Both will be looking to add their names to an impressive honours board at Lincoln, one which features current All Blacks Sam Whitelock, Jack Goodhue, and Scott Barret, as well as claim another Division One title this season, something they can share as Hamilton Boys High old-boys who went the extra mile(s) to further their rugby.
Sports Scholarship manager Pete Magson said the sports scholarship programme which Nic and Rameka are part of has a wrap-around structure, and was not just catering for rugby, but included rowing, hockey, cricket, netball and basketball, as well as elite athletes from a diverse sporting range.
“It’s performance fundamentals combine athletic structure, academic instruction, skill acquisition and support services to help the development of successful student-athletes, ” he said.
The athletic programme is structured around three key areas: strength and conditioning, developing an ideal athlete mind-space and having good nutrition. It includes physical evaluation and testing, fundamental movement patterns and injury prevention, as well as a progressive method of athletic development.
“We also need to ensure students are able to combine study and sport. So we teach how to balance academic and athletic pursuits, by setting goals and staying organised, operating under pressure, and how to work as a team.”
To help students reach a high academic standard while also developing their sporting skills, the scholarship programme provides pastoral care and mentoring, support from academic supervisors and course planning and advice, among a host of services.
The breadth of support is huge because the scholars also benefit from the services the University offers, Pete said.
“They have access to sports medicine and physiotherapy, a careers advisor, club coaches and managers, the University’s Health Centre, the Recreation Centre, counsellors, massage treatments and the university library and its learning services.”
He stressed however while the pathways for athletes like Nic and Rameka were there and often led to higher honours, Lincoln University Rugby was an open club and supported all students who wished to play.
“We don’t want to lose that aspect. It’s there for everyone, whether they wish to be a professional player one day or simply enjoy social rugby with their mates. We cater for all.”