Rugby: Juniors receive experience of a lifetime

Blues players Steven Luatua (left), Sam Prattley, Tom Murday, Luke Braid and Jerome Kaino congratulate the juniors for their hard work at training. Photo/Supplied

Tomarata Rugby Club players between 9-11 years old received an experience-and-a-half thanks to the Blues and a PlaceMakers in-store competition.

Blues players Liaki Moli, Luke Braid, Jerome Kaino, Sam Prattley, Tom Murday, Albert Nikoro, Ma'a Nonu, Steven Luatua and Pita Ahki put the the Tomarata under-11 team through their paces in a rugby practice in Auckland.

The juniors practised their punts, passes and learned tips about the game from the Blues first hand at the Unitec campus in Auckland two weeks ago.

Moli, who was one of the coaches for the day, was in high spirits, having run the players through a series of drills.

"It's great to have a kick around with the kids and see the young talent coming through," he said.

"We are grateful to be able to give something back to our supporters by teaching these young guys a few skills."

Blues winger Nikoro said: "We are enjoy getting out and spending time with the younger members of the community, especially encouraging the next generation of rugby players. We had an awesome time and it seems as though the kids did too."

The Super Rugby Skills Training Day was made possible through PlaceMakers' official Community Partnership with the Blues.