Rugby: Family links key to Ross Shield success

FAMILY AFFAIR: Hastings East Ross Shield players: Ryan Ashman (front row, left), A-One Lolofie, Cooper Flanders, Dewald Botha, Samuel Halford and Troydyn Bird. PHOTO/Duncan Brown

IF TRADITION and family ties are key ingredients for a team to go back-to-back in the Ross Shield rugby tournament, expect Hastings East to go close.

The defending champions have truckloads in the countdown to the 114th edition of the Heinz-Wattie's-Pak'N Save Hastings-sponsored Hawke's Bay Primary Schools event to be played at Lindisfarne College from Tuesday until Saturday.

Top of the list is 12-year-old Hastings Intermediate School lock Samuel Halford. His brother, Matthew, was in last year's winning East side.

Halford's father, former Magpies loosie Simon Halford, and uncle, former Magpies captain and prop Greg Halford, were in the 1982 Dannevirke team that lifted the shield.

That team, which included the star of the tournament and future All Black and Kiwi John Timu, had Halford's grandfather, 1955 Ross Shield player Kit Halford, on the coaching staff. Surprisingly, Halford has received few tips or advice from his brother and father about the importance of helping East win the tournament again.

"Uncle Greg gives me the most advice," Halford said.

Eleven-year-old Hastings Intermediate School hooker A-One Lolofie is a brother of centre-winger Miracle Lolofie, one of the kingpins in the 2012 Hastings East team and now a Hawke's Bay under-16 rep.

"I remember watching Miracle at the 2012 tournament and I got the bug for it. I want to follow a similar career path to Miracle," Lolofie said.

Schoolmate, first five-eighth and vice-captain of the East side Cooper Flanders is a brother of fullback Devon Flanders who was also in the 2012 side, and has progressed to the Hawke's Bay under-16 team. Another brother, Ethan, is also a former East player.

Flanders was quick to reply when quizzed on what he believed was required the most for East to triumph again. "Determination."

Hastings Intermediate School winger Ryan Ashman is a brother of Dallas Ashman, who was in last year's team.

"There's been no pressure from Dallas. I just want to do it for myself and the team," Ashman said.

Havelock North Intermediate prop Dewald Botha is a brother of Wian Botha who was in last year's East team and another of the Hastings Intermediate contingent, Troydyn Bird, is a son of former Magpies lock Matt Bird who played Ross Shield for Wairoa.

Fullback Art Thompson is the only member of last year's team playing again. Six of this year's side will be eligible again next year providing they meet the 56kg weight limit.

In addition to the Ross Shield there are two other prestigious trophies up for grabs. The Taupo Trophy is for the player of the tournament and the Ron Pierce Trophy is for behaviour and sportsmanship on and off the field.