The Rotorua Boys’ High School First XV squad are welcomed back to school after winning the Sanix World Youth Rugby Championship in Japan. Video / Ben Fraser, Kelly Makiha
Rotorua Boys’ High School head boy and First XV captain Te Ariki Rogers stood strong and proud as he led his champion rugby team across the school’s field carrying the world champs trophy.
In the words of acting principal Bruce Buckton, it was a ceremonial moment before theentire school that will count as one of those memories the boys will talk about in years to come.
It’s the third time in just over 20 years the school has won the title - having claimed victory in 2003 and 2004.
Staff, students, sponsors, Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell and other invited guests today officially welcomed the team back to school to celebrate their victory.
Their 46-19 win over fellow New Zealand side Feilding High School in the final has cemented the school in the winners’ corner after also taking out the Moascar Cup against Feilding last year.
Buckton made mention of Rogers not only leading his side to victory but celebrating his 50th game for Raukura while in Japan - an achievement not commonly accomplished. Rogers also captained the Raukura side last year as a Year 12 student.
Rogers told the crowd today they had one goal while in Japan - to make their people and community proud.
Rotorua Boys’ High School's First XV squad is welcomed back to school after winning the Sanix World Youth Rugby Championship in Japan. Photo / Ben Fraser
He said it wasn’t all about rugby or winning. It was about building relationships, learning from each other, spending quality time together, having a laugh and building connections that would last.
The inspirational leader, who scored two tries in the final, said the foundation of their success was built on a healthy team culture - a belief and mindset that had to be accepted by everyone.
Rotorua Boys’ High School's First XV squad is welcomed back to school after winning the Sanix World Youth Rugby Championship in Japan. Photo / Ben Fraser
The No 8 said as the rugby season in New Zealand was just starting, the team was “far from finished”.
Rotorua Boys’ High School students perform a haka for their winning First XV rugby squad. Photo / Ben Fraser
He reminded all of the students listening to enjoy every moment together and “cherish it like it’s your last”.
“Life moves fast and at the end of the day we are all just dust on a moon rock floating into space. So laugh often, back each other no matter what and make memories that last forever, one team, one dream, one heartbeat, nothing more, nothing less.”
Head boy and First XV captain Te Ariki Rogers addresses the school. Photo / Ben Fraser
Tapsell said it was a significant moment to welcome the team home to Rotorua as champions.
“The world knows now who is the best kura, and that is Raukura.”
Rotorua Boys’ High celebrate winning the Sanix World Youth Rugby Championship in Fukuoka, Japan.
Kelly Makiha is a senior journalist who has reported for the Rotorua Daily Post for more than 25 years, covering mainly police, court, human interest and social issues.
