Rotorua Boys' High School U14 team heading to Gold Coast

Rotorua Boys' High School students Kahura Cameron (left), Wharepapa Mahaki-Lake, Tamakaimoana Whareaorere and their teammates will compete at the Gold Coast Rugby Carnival. Photo / David Beck

Rotorua Boys' High School is looking to make it three from three on the Gold Coast.

The school is sending an under-14 team to the Gold Coast Rugby Carnival next week, having won the last two editions of the annual tournament.

Acting assistant director of rugby and Rotorua Boys' High School old boy Sam Cameron said the tournament was a great opportunity for the 30 boys in the squad to grow as people and as players.

"We see it as a real development tour for the school; previously there weren't any opportunities for the juniors to get away and represent the school.

"Eight of the boys in our current First XV went on this trip when they were juniors, and there are a few more in the Colts and Second XV.

"Both years we've won it, but I wouldn't say we're going to retain it - we're going to try and win it," Cameron said.

Rugby would be played over four days on the Gold Coast, the first day being a tens tournament, and in previous years the temperature had reached more than 20C.

"That's usually a bit of a shock for the boys, but they get used to it.

"It's always a tough level of competition."

He said all the players were excited about the opportunity to go overseas and play rugby.

"For some of them, this will be their first time going on a plane.

"We're staying at the Sea World Resort and, through the tournament organisers, we have the opportunity to visit most of the theme parks while we're over there."

The players had to come up with the money for the trip themselves, which Cameron said was a good learning experience for the boys.

"Hopefully they get out there and help their parents - the All Blacks mantra is 'good people make good All Blacks', and that's what we want from our boys.

"When they return, we want them to have the spirit of Raukura (RBHS), and they understand the history of Raukura rugby.

"When we go over there, not everyone knows each other - connecting culturally is one of our big goals.

"We get great support from all the parents; this trip wouldn't be possible without them helping out."

The team flies out on Tuesday and returns on July 14.