Courage Cup feedback encouraging

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

It has fast become important to rugby.

Week 4 games of the inaugural Gisborne Boys' High School Courage Cup competition, now based at Barry Park, will be played at 3.15pm today.

The players are thriving.

“I love being able to play rugby again, with mixed ages, sizes and abilities,” 13-year-old Team Hosea Gear halfback George Gillies said.

Big factors in his enjoyment of the competition were the positive attitudes of fellow players and the feedback from his coaches, Dwayne Russell and Matt Mackle.

Former Poverty Bay Heartland assistant coach Russell talked about the ethos of the initiative.

“Some of our boys have shown real courage to front for the first time at this level and play high school rugby,” he said.

“Team members like Max Lundon, James Warner, Rocky Smyth, Tyrese Nikola and Kyle Smith have persevered and been loyal to their teammates, earning their respect and that of the opposition. That's a win-win for Matt and me: win or lose, these players show character and never give up.”

Today, competition leaders and new Courage Cup holders Team Charlie Ngatai (11 points) play Team Rico Gear (5pts), on Barry Park 3. Team Brendon O'Connor (10pts) play Team Hosea Gear (5pts) on BP2 and Team Whetukamokamo Douglas (9pts) play Team Toa Halafihi (1point) on BP1.