A brand new tradition at Hauraki Plains College is set to strengthen passion and pride for the sport of rugby.
College First XV captain for 2025 Andy Rogers told The Profile something that always remained “in the back of our minds” was the act of capping.
First XV players will now be recognised with a special cap after playing 20 games – “the highest honour in school boy rugby”.
“We thought it would be a cool legacy to start and will carry on as a tradition,” he said.
The 18-year-old also said it was cool to be the first team in the Thames Valley to kick it off, with the first capping ceremony held at their game on August 9.
Andy, alongside fellow teammate Charles Pompey, 16, who instigated the idea of the capping at the college, said the new tradition was recognition for all the “blood, sweat and tears we have put into the jersey”.
The presentation involved team members and family coming together before the game on the day of the recognised player’s milestone 20th game.
“The parents of the player are then given the cap to present to their son, because without our parents we would not be playing,” they said.
The new tradition added more pride and motivation because “it makes you want to play the games and train harder” to secure a jersey and achieve the 20th cap, Charles said.
“No jersey is promised, you have [to] earn it.”
It was clear the sport was important to Charles.
“Seeing my team run out on to the field representing my school, not just wearing the jersey, but the caps made me feel so proud with starting a tradition,” he said.
One thing he said the sport showed him was that “if you try your best and work hard, you will achieve your best self”.
Meanwhile, Andy said it has changed him into the young man he was today.
“It’s given me dreams to chase and goals to achieve.”
He said he made his rugby debut in year 11 and finished with more than 40 games up his sleeve.
“It was a dream come true and I am honoured to receive the first cap of this legacy,” he said.
“It is something I hold close to my heart as all the years and effort I have put into the jersey was a great way to sign off my time with the First XV.”
