NZ call to face Aussies has teen pumped

TOUCH TEST: Chavez Purcell-Broughton is really looking forward to playing the Aussies but knows he has to start raising funds. PHOTO/CATHERINE IRVING CHAVEZ_PURCELL-BROUGHTON2

SOUTH Taranaki teenager Chavez Purcell-Broughton has finally broken through to the big time at his fourth attempt.

The 14-year-old Patea Area Year 10 student was selected for the New Zealand Under-15 Mixed Touch team to play Australia on the Gold Coast this year.

A key player for his school in the Taranaki touch competition, Purcell-Broughton and three of his school mates, including one girl, made the Taranaki rep side to compete at the 2015 Junior National Touch Championships at Bruce Pulman Park in Papakura, Auckland, two weeks ago.

"We came second to Te Tai Tukerau in the finals and that was the best Taranaki has ever done at the junior nationals," Purcell-Broughton said yesterday.

"There were 14 teams at the nationals, so it was a pretty good effort. I just found out last week I got selected for the New Zealand team along with one other Taranaki player from Hawera and I'm really proud of myself.

"We play Australia on the Gold Coast later this year, but they haven't told us when we go into training camp yet."

Purcell-Broughton began playing touch when he was little. He is the only one of his family to play, let alone make a New Zealand side.

"I'm really looking forward to it, although I'll need to start fundraising to help pay for the trip."

Patea Area School teacher Catherine Irving said the entire school was proud of Purcell-Broughton, who would be in the starting line-up at an inter-secondary school touch tournament in New Plymouth on Sunday.

"We will be really pleased to have a New Zealand rep in our team on Sunday. Everyone is really proud of Chavez and he will help encourage the other kids and give them something to aim for," Irving said.