When third-year Hurricane Renton took the field it was an ideal form of reward for a bloke who was patient but at the same time meticulous as he fought his way back from two Super seasons on the sideline with injury. It was the perfect lesson for any youngster contemplating a comeback from serious injury . . . it can be done.
Four years ago Renton's right arm was paralysed. For 18 months he couldn't use the arm to brush his teeth or talk on the cellphone.
Last year he started his comeback with five games for his Old Boys University club in Wellington before making his first class debut in the Magpies Mitre 10 Cup opener against the Lions, the first of four games he would play for the Bay last year.
"It was good to finally get out there for the Canes. Hopefully I can get some more minutes. When the coaching staff congratulated me on my debut they told me to try and compete for a spot every week and I will continue to do that," Renton said.
"The speed and tempo was really high compared with Mitre 10 Cup but the body felt good."
Renton only found out last Thursday he would be in the Canes 23 for the Cheetahs match after Manawatu flanker Callum Gibbins withdrew with an injury.
"When the coaching staff first mentioned it I was pretty excited."
"It's been a pleasure working with all the coaches . . . Chris Boyd, John Plumtree, Jason Holland and Richard Watt. I've learned heaps off the other loosies, Brad [Shields], Ardie Savea, Callum and Reed Prinsep," Renton said.
The 12 players who didn't leave the country in the party of 26 for tomorrow morning's game against the Bulls in Pretoria and next weekend's game against the Force in Perth trained hard this week.
"It's been like pre-season all over again it was that tough. I also had a test at uni and it was good to get back into that buzz again," Renton, who is completing a Bachelor of Science degree and majoring in psychology, said.
Today he will play for Old Boys University against Hutt Old Boys Marist in the Hutt. He hopes to have as many minutes as possible for OBU today and next week.
"I'm confident in how my body feels. I just have to keep letting it do the work now. I don't know if I'm ever happy with the way I'm playing . . . I just want to keep improving in all aspects of play," Renton explained.
When quizzed if the Canes were confident about going back-to-back Renton replied:
"We are tracking very well with only two slip ups. But the boys are confident we are getting better. If we can continue to attack and score tries like we've been doing anything can happen."
Renton's work ethic was always top shelf as he progressed through the Hawke's Bay age group system. The parental support he received from father and former Magpies loosie Paul Renton and mother Marie couldn't be faulted.
His father was last month crowned Silver Fern Farms Hawke's Bay Farmer of the Year.
"I continue to be inspired by Mum and Dad. I know they are doing the business back home so I try and do it down here," Renton added.
