Rugby Academy

Term 1 Wrap Up

It’s been a busy and productive term for the HPSC Rugby Academy Students. We have competed in multiple gala days, programs and training sessions with the Rugby Victoria coaches.

LEADERSHIP GROUP

After the first few weeks of getting to know each other, students held a vote to elect 6 leaders who best live and role model The Rugby Academy Values. These students are Waka Hammond, Toefiliga Lokeni, Ela Gelik De Silva, Eman Jonassen-Hammond, Mystique Metuatini-Tetevano and Jakim Ngatoko. They have commenced meeting to discuss a variety of topics and have developed their public speaking skills during Sub School Assemblies. They are currently reading the book ‘Legacy’ which goes into detail about how the All Blacks developed their much-vaunted culture. 

IN LEAGUE IN HARMONY

In the first six weeks of term 1, NRL Vic came to HPSC to run the ‘In League In Harmony’ Program. We were given the opportunity to investigate topics such as “Knowing your team”, “Dreams & Goals”, “All Stars”, “My Support Team”, “Game Changer”, “Our Legacy” & “Similarities & Differences”. We developed trademark values of Respect, Integrity, Support and Effort and set SMART goals to improve our performance. On Wednesday 17th of March, the Rugby Academy students came together with students from other schools such as The Grange, Hume Central and Sunbury to compete in a tag round robin, receive certificates and celebrate their achievements in the programme.

- Toefiliga Lokeni

NRL 9s GALA DAY

We entered three teams in the NRL 9 a-side gala day. Our under 16 girls, many of whom were playing tackle rugby for the first time, were competitive in their three games against Narre P12. The girls learnt a lot about the NRL rules and strategies and had lots of fun along the way. Our Under 18 boys team came up against Narre P12 first and had a tight win, followed by a competitive showing against Hallam. Unfortunately, after being up at half time in the final, injuries and fatigue took their toll, and we were overrun in the 2nd half. Our U16s played a three-game series against Narre P12 and won the first two games comfortably to book their place in the State Finals. This will be held on the 29th of April at Jacanda Reserve, Broadmeadows against the best NRL teams in Victorian school rugby. 

RUGBY VIC/MELBOURNE REBELS SESSIONS

Our wonderful partners at Rugby Victoria have provided expert coaching during Tuesday after school sessions and Friday in-class sessions throughout term 1. We have been fortunate to work with many excellent coaches including Greg Fergus (Coach Education manager), Patrick Hausman (Development officer), Meretiana Robinson (Development officer and Rebels women’s co-captain), Mel Kawa (Development officer and Rebels women’s co – captain) and Wallaroo scrumhalf Georgia Cormick. These sessions will continue in term 2 on Tuesdays after school from 3:30-4:30 (meet on the oval). We encourage all students to take up this fantastic opportunity to work with expert coaches and players as we prepare for the Rugby 7s gala days on the 25th May (U18 Girls and Boys) and June 2nd (Under 14/16 Girls and Boys). 

HEALTHY BODY, HEALTHY MIND

During term 1, Rugby Academy students have been learning about fitness components in the first of several workshops to be undertaken this year. The term 1 focus was aerobic fitness. Students have developed an understand of how this fitness component is utilised and why it is important in the game of Rugby. They have participated in a series of activities to improve aerobic fitness and completed the two lap 1km challenge to assess their improvement during the term. Future focus areas will be around strength, mental fitness and nutrition.

TOUCH FOOTBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

We entered teams in the under 14, 16 and 18 boys and under 16 girls Touch Football Victoria State Championships. Our under 16 boys and girls performed strongly, winning and coming runner up in the plate competitions respectively. Our under 18 boys had an excellent day, holding their own in draws against two Fountain Gate teams and defeating all other teams with the exception of a very strong Caulfield Grammar side to finish up 3rd, led expertly by Kaiya Kaiwai-Rangikauhata.

The highlight was undoubtedly the under 14 boys who won the state final. After a slow start, losing to Haileybury in the first round, the boys continued to learn during the day and grow as a team. This saw them hold out Haileybury 4-3 in the final. Waka Hammond was immense and was well supported by Farid Rezaei, Taunuu Taunuu, Leon Lameko and all the entire team who made solid contributions during the day. 

NRL YOUTH ADVOCATES

On Monday the 29th of March, nine students from our HPSC Rugby Academy went to AAMI Park as we were selected for our leadership by NRL Victoria. When we arrived we introduced ourselves to the other leaders from Grange SC, Sunbury and Hume SC who have all taken part in the In league program during term 1. We brainstormed a few activities that we will run for our 2 day Youth Advocate Event days we are holding next term. We got to watch the Melbourne Storm train, eat where the players eat and enjoy lunch with other schools, getting to know each other and having a laugh. It was a great day because we got to practice collaborating with new people and working toward a common goal that will benefit our community. We finished off with a walk through the botanic gardens and it was awesome! 

- Eman Jonassen-Hammond

WHATS ON IN TERM 2

On the 29th of April, our under 16 boys will be competing in the NRL 9s state finals.

The under 18s Rugby 7s gala day will be held on the 25th of May.

The under 14s & 16s gala day will be held on the 2nd of June.

Academy students are reminded that payments for the program are now overdue. Payments must be made to ensure students can continue in the program and uniform can be ordered. Payment plans can be set up, please contact the front office.

Cameron Christiansen