By Peter Grigg
While COVID has obviously had a huge impact on New Zealand there were still several Nelson College Old Boys who got a small taste of NPC Rugby when it temporarily kicked off in August.
First five eighth Fletcher Smith followed up his Super time representing the Chiefs with the usual selection for Waikato.
All Black Mitchell Drummond was rewarded for his excellent season with the Crusaders by being named captain of the Canterbury outfit.
Tima Fainga’anuku is plying his wares in Palmerston North with the Manawatu Turbo.
The playing through champion Tasman Mako team have Old Boys Andrew Goodman (Head Coach) and James Marshall (backs skills) at the helm.
Predictably they did not stray too far away from the Nelson College Front Field when selecting their squad.
Former New Zealand Schools Sevens representative Tom Marshall has finally returned from an extensive stint in Europe.
Those who have not seen him play (Tom was a member of the 1st XV in the champion cohort of 2007) will realise quickly what our country has missed out on.
He would certainly have been an All Black had he not gone overseas and has had a stellar career in England.
He will be off to Japan after the NPC.
The Mako named co-captains for the season, and both are College Old Boys.
Consistent first five eighth Mitchell Hunt and 2020 All Black Quinten Strange are the men making the calls on the paddock.
Half Back Jack Grooby was a key member of the 1st XV who successfully challenged for the Moascar Cup in 2016.
The Murchison native, who was a Fell House boarder, made his NPC debut this year.
Another youngster, and former boarder, Taine Robinson from Collingwood also marked his first game off the bench early on in the season.
Leicester Fainga’anuku will continue his rise.
He had a fantastic Super season with the Crusaders (again coached by Goodman) and he is an All Black in waiting.
Selected in his preferred position of centre his skills alone are worth the price of admission.
2019 1st XV Captain and New Zealand Schools representative Anton Segner has also been given a further stage on which to showcase his talents.
With 2012/13 1st XV prop Isaac Salmon they will provide real steel to the backbone of the Mako forward pack.
Selected for the Mako, but unavailable because of All Black commitments, are a brace of Nelson College boarders.
David Havili is going from strength to strength on the world stage and has become the natural successor to Ryan Crotty at second five eighth.
His versality make the Fell House Old Boy an automatic selection in the test line up.
Ethan Blackadder was obviously well mentored by then Housemaster John Gully in Rutherford House.
Ethan’s hardnosed attitude and untiring work ethic saw him justifiably emulating his father with All Black selection.
Also, of note 1999 1st XV Captain Rowan (Grubby) O’Gorman celebrated his 300th Premier Grade appearance with the Marist/Albion club in Christchurch this year.
Irish representative James Lowe continued his exploits with Leinster and Ireland while Internationals Ratu Vugakota (Fiji) and Sac Taulafo (Samoa) both performed admirably in the newly formed USA league.
Another Old Boy and former All Black, Tabai Matson continued his rise through the coaching ranks with his appointment at Leicester Tigers in England.
