Kaua conceded WCC was not known for its strong rugby performances in recent years, but this possibly unprecedented achievement was more a product of the school's junior rugby academy, introduced years ago, combined with a programme to attract Pacific Islands students with academic and sporting talents. "We had a great junior rugby programme that many of these guys came though during their time here," Kaua said.
"The problem we had was other schools poaching many of our more talented players and to a degree that is still happening. But having six former students playing at the same RWC is not bad for a decile two school with around 400 pupils. I suspect few other schools can make the same claim."
WCC teacher Grant Wilsher was international dean at the time the six joined WCC. He actively marketed the school throughout the Pacific.
"WCC has a long history of catering for international students and, in fact, we were probably one of the first," Wilsher said. "My job at the time involved marketing the school in the islands to attract students with good academic and sporting skills. In the heyday when most of these guys were here there were about 48 international pupils - it was a golden era for the school and having six of ours playing in the same RWC is a product of that golden era."
Wilsher said this particular school programme began in 2003 when Qera was at the school. Then in 2005 Perez, Tikoirotuma and Vunisa enrolled, while Cavubati arrived in 2006 and the youngest of the set, Naholo, came a year later in 2007.
Kaua said the programme involved finding sponsorships and benefactors to help suitable applicants attend WCC.
"We no longer run the programme, preferring to use any additional funds for local students," Kaua said.
However, WCC still has a number of rising stars including 1st XV captain Bobby Lambert who is also an Under-18 Wanganui rep and Peceli Nareki, the younger brother of Jona Nareki who is now at Feilding High and is in the Hurricanes Under-18 team.
"All six in the RWC stood out as players here at City, but there could be more to come yet."
Kaua, a former Waikato representative player himself, is also tipping 14-year-old Wanganui lad Jamie-Lee Robertson as a future star. His older brother, Corey-Lee Robertson, a Year 12 student, is an Under-17 Kiwi rugby league player poised for a Warriors contract. The younger Robertson has played both codes, but prefers union to league.
