While his season may have been cut short by a disappointing premier rugby semifinal loss to Ratana, Marist fullback Matt Neilson has found some consolation.
On Friday he joins the New Zealand Marist colts squad as they set off on a four-game North Island tour.
Neilson, who showed his attacking flair ina free-running Marist backline this season, was nominated by his club, following a tradition that each Marist rugby club - and there are 29 in New Zealand, Australia, Samoa, Fiji and Tonga - put forward one player for the side.
But the 20-year-old won't be without familiar company when he links with the under-23 party - his club coach, Karl Hoskin, has been chosen as this year's NZ Marist coach.
"I'm stoked to have been picked. It will be a good experience and I'll meet a lot of new fellas," said Neilson.
He is also looking forward to some "professional" training - the squad's first stop is Mount Maunganui where New Zealand sevens guru Gordon Tietjens, a former Marist man, will put them through their paces.
And Tietjens will also be doing some work with the coaching staff, said Hoskin.
Neilson, who has had three years in Marist's first team, started with the club as a 5-year-old, only taking a break when he played for Wanganui High School.
The 10-day trip will also give him a break from his work as a shearer for a Turakina contractor - and that won't be unwelcome.
"I only started shearing this year and there are some pretty long days ... you can get really sore."
