Rugby: Schoolboys get taste of life as top professionals

The reps were back, Jessie Williams (left), Jone Lasaganibau, Ngarohi McGarvey-Black, Viliame Tosi, Jesse Mason Grant and Nerehana Tarei. Front, Isaac Te Aute, Kaine Lewis and Latu Vaeno. Photo/Supplied

Some Rotorua Boys' High School 1st XV members have been given a valuable glimpse of life as a professional rugby player.

Nine members of the Chiefs Cup champions travelled to Cambridge to take part in the Chiefs Region Schools Development Camp featuring 60 of the franchise's best young players.

The camp included an intensive programme on and off the field over five days, with players split into two squads for the camp - team Messam and team Latimer.

Loosehead prop Jessie Williams said the mental preparation off the field was an "excellent learning curve" and was proud to have pulled on a Chiefs jersey.

"It has definitely inspired me to pursue a professional career in rugby," he said.

The camp concluded with two games against the Blues franchise in Auckland, with Williams facing YouTube sensation Taniela Tupou, who was nicknamed the Tongan Thor for his deeds at Auckland's Sacred Heart College.

The Messam team were in contention with an 8-7 scoreline at halftime, before the Blues pulled away late to win 25-7.

The Latimer team faced the top Blues side and were hammered 62-0.

Chiefs player development manager Dave Dillion said the players would be better for the opportunity.

"It is good for these boys to get game time at this level so they know what to expect when they come into high performance rugby."