21/09/2026
I had the privilege of coaching the Kerikeri U10s at the Global Games Junior Rugby Tournament in Taupō this weekend. The boys represented our community incredibly well, competing with courage, determination and a genuine commitment to each other.
Our final game was against the tournament's undefeated team. The boys threw everything at it and only went down by one try. While the result didn't go our way, what happened afterwards meant even more.
With an eight-hour journey home ahead of us, we couldn't stay for prizegiving. Partway through the trip, the tournament manager called to let us know the team had been awarded the Referee's Choice Award out of 138 teams.
To me, that says everything.
We absolutely wanted to win. We competed hard all weekend, and there were games where we built sizeable leads. In those moments, we took players off and played short, challenging ourselves to defend under pressure while keeping the contest enjoyable and competitive for everyone involved.
Just as importantly, when results didn't go our way, the boys learned how to respond with resilience and respect. And when things did go our way, they learned the importance of staying humble.
That's what this award recognised.
It recognised a group of young players who supported each other, respected officials and opponents, represented Kerikeri proudly, and understood that character is just as important as performance.
As coaches, that's the culture we're trying to build.
I'm incredibly proud of every one of these boys. They gave everything they had, looked after each other, and showed what great team culture looks like in action.
A huge thank you to Roger, Justin, Sheree, the parents, supporters, volunteers and tournament organisers who made the weekend possible.
Referee's Choice Award. 138 teams. One very proud group of Kerikeri U10s.