Brodie Wood bags under-19 Bay of Plenty Rugby Academy contract

Western Heights High School student Brodie Wood has recently secured a contract with Bay of Plenty Rugby. Photo/ Stephen Parker

When a 10-year-old Brodie Wood first started playing rugby he loved it immediately and knew he wanted a bright future in the sport.

Skip forward seven years and the Western Heights High School student has made huge strides in making his rugby dreams a reality by securing an under-19 Bay of Plenty Rugby academy contract.

The ambitious 17-year-old is currently captaining his school's 1st XV while finishing his final year of study.

Last week he signed a full academy contract to develop in the fullback and wing position with the Bay of Plenty next season while playing for a premier Bay of Plenty side.

Wood said he was "over the moon" on receiving the news and was eager to start the next stage of his rugby adventure in February.

"It was such a good feeling to find out," he said.

"It did come as a bit of a surprise, I felt I had been doing well with school so it's nice that I've caught the eye."

He wanted to thank his school sports co-ordinator, Carleen James.

"Carleen has been very influential - she puts so much in and we've had some amazing opportunities through school.

"I feel ready to take the next step up the ladder with rugby."

Wood was part of the Western Heights High School 1st XV that took part in a 10s tournament in Malaysia earlier in the year, where he was named player of the tournament.

He has also recently returned from an eight-day trip to Japan with the school's 1st XV which included beating the Beepu Allstar side 36-12.

"It was a great cultural experience," he said.

"The Japanese side were very tight and tactical and played with a lot of pace. We took away a lot from the game.

"Being overseas made me realise that this is the career I want."

Captain Brodie Wood dives over for his school's 1st XV side earlier this season. Photo/Ben Fraser

Wood, who first picked up a rugby at the age of 4 before trying out football, has full support from his family - including parents Michael and Danya and younger brother Logan,14.

"My parents have always encouraged me to play sport. My dad comes from a soccer background and my mum was a keen netballer," he said.

"I gave football a go when I was really young but at the end of primary school I first started playing rugby properly and I enjoyed it a lot more."

For the summer Wood has turned his attention to focusing on playing sevens for his school, with the first big tournament taking place this weekend in Rotorua.

Next year he will play for Ngongotaha and in the future aspires to represent his country.

"I know it will be a big step up for me next year - some of the guys are huge. The main difference will be the physical side of the game.

"I am aiming to work hard at the academy, hopefully make it into the Chiefs side and then the All Blacks in the future.

"It will be really hard work but I'm ready for it."