Rugby: Hard work earns Acton rep spot

New Steamers' player Jesse Acton with his partner Alana Stevenson and their three sons, all named after All Blacks, Ali, 5 months, Israel, 2, and Taine 4.

Relief. Then excitement. Two emotions that Jesse Acton felt after being named in the Steamers squad to contest the ITM Cup.

It should have been the same last year, but for a broken leg in a trial game.

The 25-year-old loose-forward, who works at Alpha Interiors at Mount Maunganui and plays for his boyhood club Rotoiti, had months off rugby and work, and time to ponder if he would ever reclaim his best form.

Acton was in the 2012 Steamers and was hopeful of regaining his position last year before he was injured.

This year Bay of Plenty Rugby invited all trialists to a special function where the players who made the cut were revealed.

"I was pretty rapt, I was relieved more than anything," he said. "It's taken a lot of hard work and there's been a lot of sacrifice for my partner as I've been away a lot with training and matches. We have three young boys. It was a relief to make the team."

Taine 4, Israel 2 and Ali, 5 months - and mum Alana Stevenson - will have to get used to Acton being away from home. The ITM Cup campaign will mean plenty of nights away as the team travel up and down the country trying to secure points.

"It's going to be tough juggling family and work but Kevin Schuler [head coach] has five kids of his own so he's pretty understanding. I guess I'm lucky that my partner supports me to help me achieve my goal but I still have to work to put bread and butter on the table."

Bay of Plenty Rugby Union chief executive Mike Rogers said Acton was a "classic example of club-level players whose performances demanded they be picked".

"His last season was ruined by injury but his work ethic has been outstanding. He's been incredible. Being able to reward him was a great thing and we know he's going to be incredibly proud to represent the Bay."