Steamers reach out to Kaleb (+video)

Rotorua Boys' High School student Kaleb Trask is aiming to make it big in the world of rugby after securing a contract for the Bay of Plenty Steamers' academy.

The talented 17-year-old is currently enjoying playing for the school 1st XV team while completing his final year of study.

But last month he signed a full academy contract to develop in a first-five position with the Steamers next season whilst playing in a Premier 1 Bay of Plenty side.

Trask admitted he was "surprised" on receiving the news but said he was excited for his rugby adventure.

"It did come as a bit of a shock," he said.

"The mention of a contract has been floating around for a while but I'm relieved I can finally agree and sign to them.

"At the school they always encourage you to reach the best level you can and it is time for me to take that next step.

"It's going to be a big change for me next year and I imagine the physicality of the game will be on a completely different scale.

"However I'm ready for it and this season I've really been encouraged to become a leader on the field."

Trask, who first started playing rugby at the age of 3, has full backing from his family - especially from father Richard who used to play the sport.

"Rugby is in my blood and my dad got me into the game very early," he said.

"I loved it straight away and just wanted to keep playing.

"All of my family have been incredibly supportive and I hope I'll make them proud."

Trask had his first taste of travelling overseas with the game as part of the Rotorua Boys' High School 1st XV squad who finished third at the Sanix World Rugby Youth Tournament in Japan earlier this year.

"It really opened my eyes playing over there," he said.

"The standard of rugby was very high and when I was out over there I knew it was a career choice I wanted to pursue."

Next year Trask is hoping to move to Tauranga to be nearer to the Bay of Plenty Steamers academy training facilities but hasn't yet decided which Premier side to join.

"Whilst developing I also have to join a prem team. I'm not sure which one I'll go for at the moment," he said.

"I've considered joining the Mount but everything is still up in the air."

Trask's school is no stranger to producing rugby stars, with the likes of All Blacks Mike Delany and Tom Donnelly and England internationals Teimana Harrison and Dylan Hartley all playing for the school.

And coming from such a successful history Trask has a dream of one day pulling on the coveted black jersey for his country.

"Of course it is going to be very difficult trying to make a name for myself," he said.

"But I'm willing to get my head down and put in that hard work.

"It would be a dream to play for New Zealand one day. I've given myself the best possible opportunity to get there though.

"The best rugby is played in the world here."