More than 40 youngsters representing 12 southern schools have gathered at John McGlashan College for the annual Highlanders schools camp.
Alumni of the camp include current Highlanders players Cameron Millar, Finn Hurley, Josh Whaanga, Oliver Haig and Sean Withy, so the pathway is proven.
Camp participants are this year getting training guidance from Highlanders and All Blacks XV coach Jamie Joseph as well as assistants David Kidwell, Ben Smith, Clarke Dermody and Kane Jury. They also have sessions on mental skills, nutrition, physical performance and the transition into professional rugby.
The week ends with a full game between squads labelled Team Nuggy and Team Nacho after Highlanders greats Aaron Smith and Nasi Manu.
"The days are pretty full with a lot of engagement from our staff at the Highlanders," Jury said.
"It’s all go."
Jury said the Highlanders gained a lot of value out of the annual camp.
"For us, it’s getting to know the player, but also helping them understand our club and the standards we have and the behaviours that are really important to being a Highlander.
"We want to get a really good insight into the person they are and what they’re trying to do as a rugby player."
While South Island champions Southland Boys’ and high-flying King’s predictably supply the most — 11 each — players at the camp, there are also lads from smaller schools like Taieri College (Charlie Such), Cromwell College (Lachie Morton) and Waitaki Boys’ (Billy Wilson).
Jury said there were definitely future Highlanders at the camp.
"The ones who make the most of the opportunity to learn about the game and about themselves are usually the ones who come through."
The young men tend to take the camp-ending game quite seriously.
"It’s one apiece for Team Nuggy and Team Nacho, so one of those teams will get their nose ahead."
