Many may think hairdressing and rugby is an odd mix, but it works well for Manawatu's Aaron Smith.
He is a inventive playmaker on the field for his ITM Cup national provincial side Manawatu, and off the field, if you let him near a good head of hair at his workplace
Fielding Cut Loose, he will show you just how creative he can be.
The 1.68m and 80kg halfback has one year to go before qualifying as a fulltime hairdresser, and while time has become scarcer following his selection in the 2010 New Zealand Maori side to complete his studies, he is planning on finishing his course in the near future.
"The final year is the most intense - you have to work a minimum of 40 hours - and with rugby, I can really only fit in six hours a day max. But I will get it done when I can ... work are really lenient and they let me fit it in around my rugby.
The 21-year-old said he would most likely major in barbering, as opposed to ladies' hairdressing.
"It's pretty hard as it is to impress the ladies, let alone when you are cutting their hair ... they can be fussy," he quipped.
Smith had no trouble impressing NZ Maori selectors however. He was one of two non-Super 14 players picked for the side.
Although named on the bench ahead of Saturday's clash with the Barbarians, he said it was awesome to be given the opportunity to make his debut with the side.
"It's an exciting time. I hope to get a run, and be able to represent the family. We have learnt a lot about the history of Maori in the game and our heritage this week."
While Smith, whose family is from Hawke's Bay and is part of Ngati Kahungunu, did not have any direct connection with Northland, the Manawatu ITM Cup (National Provincial Rugby) player was looking forward to baptising the Northland Events Centre.
"I've heard all about the new stadium - and it looks impressive on TV. It will be pretty full-on playing the Barbarians there," he said.
