Head in the game
Big dreams and high expectations are on the scoreboard with New Zealand rugby drama series Head High.
Season 1 Mon-Thu (from 12 September) SABC3 (*193) 22:00
From the culture, patriotism and rugby’s ability to bring people from all walks of life together, the sport is our official 12th language, which is why a show like 2019’s Mzansi Magic series Grassroots captivated viewers. Now SABC3 introduces rugby drama series Head
High. Set in New Zealand, the show promises an All Blacks flavour (they even do the haka). The two-season series is centred on high school rugby brothers Mana (Jayden Daniels from New Zealand drama series Shortland Street ) and Tai Roberts (Lionel Wellington, Bully in New Zealand series Educators) and their lives trying to impress their coach stepdad Vince (Craig Hall, Jack in Aussie series A Place to Call Home) and cop mom Renee ( Miriam Mcdowell, Bunny in Kiwi drama series The Great Maiden’s Blush).
“Rugby has played an influential role in the identity of our country and has been the arena in which many of our nation’s central conflicts play out,” says writer and cocreator Tim Worrall. “Rugby continues to inspire hopes, dreams and disappointments of many boys and girls who aspire to rugby success.
I’ve seen first-hand how early the pressure of potential professional careers can impact young lives,” adds Tim, drawing parallels to Grassroots’ lead character Asanda Debeza (Lihleli Tini) having to choose between tradition and his love and aspirations for the game.
NOT JUST A BOYS’ GAME
Head High ensures the lens is also seen from a woman’s perspective highlighting matriarchs who uphold, help and support young men in their journeys on the field. “Renee reaches out to everyone, including a young mom and son who suffer a tragedy,” says Tim. “Our first storyline was built around a couple of mates of mine – a real couple who had put their family’s provincial lives on the line to move up to Auckland and follow their dreams,” says the show writer. “A couple of years later, their son is playing for a national team but my mate’s wife was the biggest success story: She bravely stepped up to become the main breadwinner.” But there’s more to the show than just family drama – it’s all about the way sport unites people. “The development went from the malecentric world of rugby and has now become a dynamic female-driven celebration that’s possible when we embrace what is vital in a genuinely collaborative way,” says Tim.
DRAMA ON AND OFF THE FIELD
Apart from the rivalry and competition on the field, there’s jealousy as Tai and Mana’s sister Aria
Roberts (newcomer Te Ao Hinepehinga Rauna) is forced to live in her brothers’ shadows even though she’s a star swimmer in her own right. “Aria is a real sweetheart.
The experiences she goes through in this show are so familiar to me because they are really similar to a lot of experiences a lot of girls go through,” says Te Ao, who says that she’s an avid rugby fan and tries to go to All Black matches in New Zealand whenever she can.