Poaching is out of control

Poaching of talented secondary school rugby players has been going on for decades. Mostly in private and Catholic schools. I recall in the 1980s, as Kaitaia College 1st XV coach, when scouts from St Stephens and Wesley College were seen in Kaitaia.

In Auckland, especially at the well known schools, poaching has become out of control. Incentives like scholarships, free education, accommodation and even money was the norm. Never mind the education, it was all about winning the premier schools competition. This is unfortunately where St Kentigern have caused the rumpus, offering the world to win a championship. One can say that the days of playing rugby for passion and the lure of the sport is now gone.

I was a bit guilty of this. In 1986, I tried to coax Panguru Area School player Joseph Pomare to Kaitaia College to play in the much anticipated match against world secondary schools champions St Stephens. But pressure from the school and the community of Panguru meant it never eventuated. This was a pity. Joseph had the class to go on and represent New Zealand at all grades.

Last Monday, Wallaby coach Michael Cheika faced up to the Australian Rugby Board to decide his future. It doesn’t look good for the guy. Nine defeats from 13 tests; the worst in 60 years. Cheika’s future will depend on the comments of his players and the culture they live in. A multi-millionaire, Cheika means well. He is dedicated to seeing Wallaby rugby at the top.

Flamboyant, he does get a hard time from international referees. Rumour is the board is looking for a quick exit and to bring in a New Zealander. Both South Islanders, the names of Dave Rennie and Scott Robertson have been tossed around. As Australian pundit Greg Growden said, “It’s not a bad job because the Wallabies can’t get much worse.”

The New Zealand rugby awards being held tonight will see a contest between the All Blacks and the Black Ferns Sevens, Commonwealth Games gold medallists, and back-to-back world champions. The Ferns have to be favourites. They haven’t lost a game, whereas the All Blacks crashed twice. It’s going to be a night where the women could easily take the individual and team trophies. Imagine All Black coach Steve Hansen hiding in the background.

And that’s how Mat sees it.

" Never mind the education, it was all about winning the premier schools competition."