Withy glad to follow his brothers’ lead
“It’s definitely a highlight for me to lead the team and it’s a nice way to end my time here at the school.”
Taine Withy is honoured to join his older brothers in illustrious company leading a special team.
He has been named as captain of the Southland Boys’ High School first XV for the 2024 season and his appointment is a very rare achievement for his family and at the school as there’s never been three brothers to lead the team before in different seasons.
The 17-year-old, who is in year 13, will have nine of his 2023 team-mates join him in 2024, but otherwise it’s a largely new squad.
Oldest brother Sean Withy captained the side in 2018, while middle brother Aaron Withy captained the side in 2021 and now three years later, it’s Taine’s turn to take the reins.
It’s a challenge and opportunity that he’s excited to take on.
“It’s definitely a highlight for me to lead the team and it’s a nice way to end my time here at the school.”
The hard-running midfielder is excited about the squad that has been assembled this year.
“There’s a group of us back from last year but most of the boys are new to the squad. We’re eager to get stuck in and play, and once we play a few games
Taine Withy
together and start to gel, it’s going to be an exciting team.”
Withy has taken a different rugby route to his brothers, opting to make it as a back rather than follow his siblings, who are openside flankers. “We can’t all be 7s,” he said with a laugh.
His first chance to lead the side is against Wakatipu in Queenstown tomorrow, in what will be a good first hit-out for the team.
Following that, they face Kings College in Invercargill before heading to Japan later this month to compete in the Sanix World Rugby Youth Invitational Tournament.
“There’s a great buzz around the group. The boys are fizzing for Wakatipu and Kings, and everyone is looking forward to Japan.”
His brothers had given him a few words of wisdom about leading the squad.
“It’s pretty cool. I have been talking to them about it. It’s a pretty special thing for three brothers to have been the captain. Pretty excited about it.
“They have talked about it a bit. It’s a unique year to be part of with the trip away. They said just be myself and do your thing. You will have lots of support around you with the other players and the coaches. Coming home from the top four and just the buzz at the school and the excitement from everyone around what we had achieved makes this season an exciting one.”
Withy said his parents were “pretty chuffed” for him when he passed on the news. “They are really proud.”
The positive is he doesn’t have go far for tips or advice about leadership, with his brothers only a message away. Once the team returns from Japan, the players will begin their Southern Schools Rugby Championship campaign with a clash against traditional rivals Otago Boys’ High School at Littlebourne.
Southland Boys’ High School coach Jason Dermody said Taine was the perfect choice for a leader. “Taine just demonstrates what we are about – hard working, leads by example something that obviously comes from his upbringing as it runs in the family.”