Rotorua rugby sensation Isaac Te Aute is aiming to inspire the next generations of players at the 2017 Bayleys National Sevens.
Te Aute, a former Rotorua Boys' High School student, is part of the 12-man lineup for the Bay of Plenty team coached by Paul Tietjens, who are looking to challenge for the top title at the Rotorua International Stadium this weekend.
The 20-year-old has had a rapid rise since he captained the Rotorua Boys' High School 1st XV to the national secondary schools title in 2015, where he played at first-five and fullback.
Former Rotorua Boys' High School student Isaac Te Aute during training with the Bay of Plenty men's side ahead of the 2017 Bayleys National Sevens. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER
Te Aute, appearing at his second National Sevens, said he was looking forward to performing in front of a home crowd and aimed to set an example for younger players.
"It's always good to play in front of a home crowd and it feels good to be back here," Te Aute said. "Each and every player is a role model on the pitch and I hope myself and the others inspire younger players into the game."
Bay of Plenty, captained by the experienced Matt Clutterbuck, have yet to win a National Sevens tournament and are drawn in a challenging Pool C - with Taranaki, Tasman and Canterbury, with an on-form Waikato also ones to watch.
But Te Aute, originally from Te Puke, said he was happy with preparation. This included reaching the plate semifinal of the Bay of Plenty Provincial Sevens last weekend before being knocked out by Auckland 33-21.
The Bay of Plenty men's team take time out to focus during training. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER
"We've never taken this title out so we all are aiming to change that," he said. "Everyone comes to nationals wanting to win so you've always got to be confident. I'm backing myself and feel strong right now and know I can bring a lot to the team.
"Paul [Tietjens] hasbeen a great coach for us and over the last week I've felt we've gelled very well - we've got a tight group here."
Te Aute has had experience at the top level - being part of the National Sevens squad since late 2015, and was nominated for the Vodafone Junior Sportsman of the Year at the 2016 Bay of Plenty Sports Awards.
Te Aute, who plays for Baywide Premiership 1 side Mount Maunganui, also accumulated the most playing minutes of any player in the Bay of Plenty's Mitre 10 Cup Championship last season.
A New Zealand Sevens contracted player straight out of high school, he said he "must" impress new All Blacks Sevens head coach Clark Laidlaw, who will be travelling from the UK to attend the event.
Places are still up for grabs for the 2016-2017 HSBC World Sevens Series, with Te Aute eyeing selection for the Wellington leg of the tournament at the end of this month.
"I want to be in Wellington and a big part of the rest of the World Series," he said. "This is the perfect chance to show selectors what you've got. I want to bring my top game with me."
Entry: $15 for adults, $5 for children under 15, free for children 5 years and under.
Bay of Plenty Blue men's side:
1. Scott Curry 2. Matt Clutterbuck (Captain) 3. Jesse Parete 4. Elijah Nicholas 5. Regan Ware 6. Adam McGarvey 7. Lalakai Foketi 8. Marnus Hanley 9. Akira Mako 10. Dan Hollinshead 11. Danny Kayes 12. Isaac Te Aute
Coach: Paul Tietjens Manager: Courtney Barrow-Fraser Trainer: Aiden Butterworth Physio: Scott Illingworth
