Rugby: Enjoyment main goal for Sheild this season

Taradale Rugby and Sports halfback Humphrey Sheild on the job as an apprentice for Aaron Dodd Builders. Photo/Paul Taylor

Taradale Rugby and Sports halfback Humphrey Sheild reckoned he took his rugby too seriously last year.

The 2017 New Secondary Schools representative was in Canterbury where he played for the Varsity colts while studying sport and recreation management at Lincoln University. He had a couple of games for the Varsity premiers but injuries prevented him from playing for most of the season.

"It's good to be back home and enjoying my rugby in a supportive environment. I couldn't be more grateful for the environment the likes of Tim Combs and Paul Wise are creating here," Sheild said.

That enjoyment was easy to see as he produced a player-of-the-match performance when Taradale Rugby and Sports pipped WIT Napier Old Boys Marist 26-19 in a fifth round Tui Nash Cup fixture at Tareha Recreation Reserve to take the outright lead in the competition. This saw Sheild, 20, become the fifth weekly winner in the battle to become the McDonald's-Hawke's Bay Today Club Rugby Player of the Year award.

His distribution and option taking was top shelf. Sheild also defended well when required.
"I had good ball from the forwards. The backs were awesome on defence and attack and that made my role easier," Sheild said.

"I was stoked afterwards and all the boys were happy."

Like fellow members of the Hawke's Bay Rugby Academy squad, Sheild, was on duty at the union's fundraising dinner on Friday night where Ireland coach Joe Schmidt was the guest speaker. This meant he got to bed later than he would normally on the night before a match.

"It was a bit of a late night but I enjoyed the talk ... it was quite interesting," Sheild said.

A 2016 and '17 Napier Boys' High School 1st XV player, former Hurricanes under-18, Hawke's Bay under-16 and 2012 Hawke's Bay Ross Shield and Hastings East Ross Shield rep, Sheild, agreed Saturday's win had set the Mighty Maroons up for a good season.

"The best thing about our side is the healthy competition for all positions. I haven't set any big goals for the season ... I just want to try and enjoy my rugby."

An apprentice with Aaron Dodd Builders, Sheild, pointed out he is learning plenty from Dodd.

"Aaron sets high standards and requires a good work ethic. He's understanding about my rugby commitments which gives me less stress."

When Sheild isn't working or playing or training for rugby he enjoys hunting, fishing and waterskiing - pursuits which help keep him fit for rugby.
Best & fairest
Taradale v NOBM: 3, Humphrey Sheild (Taradale); 2, Matt Gardner (NOBM); 1, Nathan Ramsay (Taradale).
Central v Havelock North: 3, Tomo Fogarty (Central); 2, Jacob Stephenson (Haveock); 1, Devan Flanders (Havelock).
Pirate v MAC: 3, Hayden Hann (Pirate); 2, Sean Morrison (Pirate); 1, Matt Murtha (Pirate).
Hastings v Tamatea: 3, Shamara Brooks (Hastings); 2, Joe Taafi (Hastings); 1, Ngaiwi Hepi (Tamatea).
Clive v Tech: 3, Duff Penitito (Clive); 2, Elijah Martin (Tech); 1, Donovan Mataira (Clive).
Leaderboard: 5pts: Jordan Kupa, Jacob Baker (both Taradale), Liam Edwards, Matt Gardner (both NOBM), Jacob Stephenson (Havelock North), Shamara Brooks (Hastings), Elijah Martin (Tech), Pouri Rakete-Stones (Pirate), Tom Iosefo (MAC). 4pts: Donovan Mataira (Clive).