Rugby: Lock at the top of his game

Havelock North lock-loosie Veteange Latu completes some pruning while on the job at Mr Apple's Blyth Orchard at Clive. Photo / Paul Taylor

Veteange Latu's grasp of the English language may be limited but his rugby actions speak for him.

Those actions saw the Progressive Meats Havelock North lock-loosie produce a player of the match performance in the weekend's 29-23 ninth round Nash Cup victory against Ansin & Monteith Hastings Rugby and Sports at Elwood Park. This resulted in Latu, 33, becoming the ninth weekly winner as the tussle for the Tui-Hawke's Bay Today Club Rugby Player of the Year award continued.

The fact Latu played his first full game at premier level in miserable weather conditions, a sharp contrast to what he plays in on his home island of Eua in Tonga, added to the significance of the feat.

"I played hard to keep warm. There have been other times when I've played hard to help me forget about being homesick," the RSE (Recognised Seasonal Employer) orchard worker for Mr Apple's Blyth Orchard at Clive explained with assistance from his boss, Havelock North club co-club captain and life member Tony Waites.

Although Latu is in his fifth year working on the orchard he is only in his third with the club. In the past his work commitments have prevented him from playing but in recent years he has arrived in the Bay in February so he can work until September and play rugby at the same time.

"I had a couple of games for the prems last year but this is my first full season with the side. I'm enjoying it ... it's not as hard as back home where I captain my island side which once recorded a top four finish in the Tongan club comp," Latu said.

The fourth of six children in his family, three brothers and three sisters, Latu, is one of five RSE workers from his orchard who play for the villagers. Two play for the colts and the other two for the development grade team. While he doesn't mind locking, flanker is his preferred position. Latu is full of admiration for the style of play Magpies loosie Tony Lamborn and former Northland and Hawke's Bay loosie Luke Ottley bring to the villagers.

"Richie is my main hero of all the rugby players I have seen," Latu said referring to All Blacks captain Richie McCaw.

He was quick to reply when asked which team is the hardest he has faced in the Bay, and the toughest player.

"That has to be Tech and Trent Boswell-Wakefield."

As long as his wife Pepe continues to give him the thumbs up Latu will continue to return to the Bay to work and play for the villagers. "When I'm home I fish with my father. Pepe thinks the money from the orchard here is pretty good."

Latu is confident Havelock North will be more of a force in the Maddison Trophy comp than they were when finishing seventh in the Nash Cup. "We've got a lot of new players this year. We ... are confident in the approach we all want to take."