Rugby: 'Cracker' to chalk up century

Napier Technical prop Mark Braidwood during his day job as a plumber and drainlayer for Tech Group of Companies. Photo / Paul Taylor

Noticed how much fitter Napier Technical premier rugby team prop Mark Braidwood is this season?

"It's thanks to the work I've been putting in with the Magpies wider training group since November last year," Braidwood explained.

Those high fitness levels saw Braidwood, 28, produce a player-of-the-match performance in Tech's 50-20 win against Central last weekend and become the second weekly winner in the battle for the Tui-Hawke's Bay Today Club Rugby Player of the Year award. He is equal second on the leaderboard.

Naturally "Cracker" (Braidwood's nickname) is eager to continue this form when Tech host Clive in the feature match of their club day at Whitmore Park on Saturday. It will be Braidwood's 100th premier outing for the Texans.

A product of the Colchester and Southend teams back in the United Kingdom, Braidwood, had two seasons with Tech in 2007 and '08 before leaving the Bay and returning in time for the 2011 season. He has proved to be a fast learner since switching from a loose forward role to the front row in 2013.

The Tech Group of Companies plumber and drainlayer got called into the Magpies wider training group after shining for the Saracens last season. Braidwood is looking forward to former Wellington prop Tolu Fahamokioa linking up with the Tech club next week.

"We will be able to push each other. I also want to master the tighthead role this season so I am competent on both sides of the scrum," Braidwood said.

"My first aim is to secure a berth in the Magpies squad for the three early Ranfurly Shield defences. If I can pick up an ITM Cup contract after those games I'll be happy."

If the feedback he is getting from Magpies head coach Craig Philpott and fitness trainer Grant Dearns is any indication, he should be able to tick off the first goal come July.

"Everything has been pretty positive. Craig has told me to keep doing what I've been doing and work on my awareness of what's going on around me. Dearnsey is happy with my gym work."

Braidwood tasted Maddison Trophy glory in 2013 and is confident Tech have the depth to repeat that feat this season.

"We've got the depth in crucial positions which we didn't have last year and the boys have been training hard."

It's obvious Braidwood is enjoying his seventh and fifth consecutive season in the Bay and has no intention of returning to the United Kingdom where he took up rugby as a 12-year-old after playing football from the age of 4.

"I married a Kiwi girl and I'm here for the long haul," Braidwood added before heading off to another training session last night.