Upton's dreams realised at Chiefs

Chiefs lock Bernie Upton is a poster boy for those who refuse to give up on sporting dreams.

Upton played for Wellington secondary schools and under-19s, but his home province didn't see him in star terms.

However, longtime Wellington lock Dion Waller thought differently and alerted friends in Bay of Plenty, who did some homework.

As Bay of Plenty puts it, Wellington only showed real interest in Upton when the Steamers moved for his services. But after a brief inter-union scuffle, Upton was loaned to the Bay for 2003 and signed up last year.

The 23-year-old, who lives in Mt Maunganui, is a key figure in the marvellous rise of the Steamers, the 2004 NPC semifinalists who thrive on giving unheralded characters a chance.

Upton played once for the Chiefs last year, the precursor to coaches Ian Foster and Farrell Temata naming him in the 2005 squad.

With Keith Robinson sidelined and Jono Gibbes struggling, the 114kg Upton - who followed Chiefs demands to put on extra weight - could become a frontline soldier.

It is a rapid rise for someone who was once chasing a marketing and management degree - while looking slightly enviously at the rugby success enjoyed by St Pat's Silverstream schoolmates Tim Fairbrother and the Waldrom brothers.

Upton says: "I hoped something like this might happen but didn't think it was realistic.

"The Bay played promotion-relegation in 2002 and a lot of people in Wellington said it was a pretty stupid move. But I didn't have the credentials to pick and choose. Sometimes to chase a goal you have to go at it from left field. I didn't want to wake up when I was 30 and regret never having a crack.

"There are a few of us at the Bay who had to prove ourselves, who could take nothing for granted."

Upton is a mid-lineout jumper who must adjust to the front role with the Chiefs, but it is around the field where the major questions will be asked.

Foster said: "With Robbo out, we must work hard on our physical presence and that is the big challenge for our second rowers this season."

* Bay of Plenty will announce a $611,000 profit for 2004 which wipes out the union's debt. It lost $550,000 over the previous two seasons. Chief executive Paul Abbot credited the Ranfurly Shield effect, holding costs - and a $200,000 Chiefs dividend.