On May 25, the Mark Jefferson-coached Gisborne team begin their Super 8 campaign at home against Palmerston North. They have a weekend off and then play Napier and Rotorua in Gisborne on consecutive Saturdays before travelling first to Hastings and, on June 29, to New Plymouth.
Gisborne Boys’ High return to the Rectory for a game against Sacred Heart College on July 4 before games against St Peter’s College in Auckland on July 20, Hamilton Boys’ High in Gisborne on July 27 and Tauranga Boys’ College in Tauranga on August 3.
Eleven members of the 2018 side are in this year’s 26-man squad and, while a captain has yet to be named, the returning players form a solid core. The new blood is skilful and keen.
“We’ve had a massive off-season, starting in November,” Jefferson said.
“All the boys have made excellent gains in the gym, and their aerobic condition is through the roof for this time of year.
“We have focused on correcting technique, especially defensive technique. The boys and the coaching staff now can’t wait to get into the grind of playing rugby.”
Jefferson will have the coaching support of new Poverty Bay Heartland coach Tom Cairns, assistant coach Ryan Tapsell, forwards coach Kahu Falaoa and trainer Jamie Swift.
2019 GBHS first 15 squad: Tiaan Barbara-Hei, Poumana Gemmell, Braedyn Grant, Campbell Hall, Nathaniel Hauiti, Tyla Keelan-Phillips, Whetu King-Taufa, Niko Lauti, Lochi Mead, Jordan McFarlane, Nikau Maxwell, Sione Mafileo, Kirk Ngatai, Anaru Paenga-Morgan, Ricardo Patricio, Matthew Proffit, Nicolas Proffit, Te Korewha Reihana, Amos Roddick, Kitini Taihuka, Ofa Tauatevalu, Amanaki Tonga, Setefano Tolu, Kauri Waitoa, Khian Westrupp.
