St Kevin’s College loose forward Siu Fisipuna and Waitaki Boys’ High School halfback Billy Wilson were selected for the Highlanders schools camp in Dunedin last week.
More than 40 players from across 12 southern schools took part in the camp which was coached by Highlanders and All Blacks XV head coach Jamie Joseph, as well as assistant coaches Ben Smith, David Kidwell, Clarke Dermody and Kane Jury.
The four-day camp, held at John McGlashan College, culminated in an intra-squad match last Saturday.
Fisipuna was stoked to be involved in the camp.
"It was a goal of mine this season," he said.
He enjoyed learning from some great rugby minds.
Wilson, who captained Waitaki Boys’ First XV this season, said it was a proud moment to be selected.
"Hearing your name get called, it’s pretty cool."
His biggest take away was "learning how to play on top of teams, keeping the momentum with you and just how the game is played".
When asked for his favourite part of the camp, Wilson had an easy answer.
"It’d have to be the game.
"It was obviously pretty wet, but still an awesome game."
Wilson and "Team Nuggy" got the win over Fisipuna and "Team Nacho" 26-19 — the teams being named after Highlanders greats Aaron Smith and Nasi Manu.
Both Wilson and Fisipuna intend to play club rugby down in Dunedin in 2026.
