At just 25, Shaquille Stone has been able to attend three Touch World Cups - a feat that many in his sport do not get the chance to experience at all. This week, as part of our Behind the Name feature we find out more about Stone, a touch player who represents New Zealand in the Touch Blacks Men's team and the NZ Warriors Men's Touch Team. This feature focuses on the Bay of Plenty's talented athletes representing New Zealand internationally beyond their impressive career and today, Stone tells us which athlete he looks up to most and what advice he would give to his 16-year-old self today.
Do you have any nicknames and how did you get the name?
Shaq short for Shaquille and Shwak. When I was younger I had a best whack/side step and they (friends/team mates) put that and Shaq together, which created Shwak.
What is the first memory you have of touch and how has that had an impact on you in your life?
Attending touch tournaments when I was a young fella, following my parents and older siblings. That has had a huge impact on how much I love the sport - being brought up in and around it from a young age, it's just a way of life.
What is your sporting highlight to date and why?
Quite a few that stand out. Being named in my very first New Zealand Men's team, debuting alongside my older brother, winning the annual Whakatāne Touch Tournament with my Lock-N Touch Club and then finally being named in the very first Warriors Men's Touch Team.