Following the footsteps of their heroes

Thanks to PlaceMakers Super Footy skills competition, five lucky teams have been given the opportunity to train with their heroes

Hundreds of school and club rugby teams entered the competition, hoping to win a one-hour training session with players from their regional Investec Super Rugby team.

PlaceMakers general manager of operations and marketing Gary Woodhouse says the opportunity to leverage PlaceMakers Investec Super Rugby sponsorship in a way that benefits local communities is a vital part of the partnership.

“As a business, we’re very proud of the strong relationships we have with the communities our stores are based in. The chance to connect everyday rugby players from local schools and clubs with some of the best players in the country, if not the world, is terrific.”

Hit like a Hurricane

One of the competition’s first beneficiaries was the Wanganui Pirates Under-8 side, which won a training session with the Wellington Hurricanes.

Hurricanes players took the Pirates through off-ball positioning, kicking, try scoring and, most importantly, tackling drills – all of which have helped make them fearsome contenders in their local competition.

Team manager Rob Roy said his players were over the moon with the news that they would be learning from their heroes.

“Their eyes just popped out of their heads when we told them the good news,” said Rob. “This is their first year being allowed to tackle, so learning how to do it right and practice the drills that the Hurricanes use will really boost their confidence.”

Championship touch

Further south, Dunedin’s Green Island Under-9 team will be hoping that the Highlanders’ winning touch will rub off on them.

A squad of 15 young players will get the chance to train with the Investec Super Rugby defending champions, and manager Tony Burton says the kids can’t wait.

“They’re fizzing at the opportunity to get out on the field with these guys – it will be a once in a lifetime experience and will help shape their playing skills enormously,” said Tony.