Carson Fletcher knows what it means to face adversity.
“In 2024, I faced one of my biggest challenges when I broke my collarbone,” the 16-year-old rugby player from Thames High School told The Profile.
“This was a really tough period for me as I had to spend a long time recovering and watching from the sidelines instead of being able to play.”
Through the frustration, the young athlete said he tried to stay involved and helped manage and support his team wherever he could.
It taught him a lot about resilience, patience, and the importance of being a team player “even when I couldn’t contribute on the field”, he said.
By the time the next season rolled around, Carson said he was “fully motivated” to head back stronger and “pushed myself even harder” in training.
He used the setback as motivation to “grow and become a better player”, he said.
It is what makes his recent achievement one to truly celebrate.
The promising rugby talent was selected to attend the International Rugby Academy of New Zealand in Wellington for an advanced training programme starting this week.
He said he felt proud of himself and what made the moment “even more special” was to know his efforts paid off. His goal was to “push myself outside my comfort zone” on his quest to improve and refine his rugby skills.
“Most importantly, I want to use this opportunity to grow as both a player and a person, and to learn how to take my rugby further in the future.”
The rugby star, who is also a sports leader at Thames High, said the role allowed him to encourage others to get involved in sport and help them build confidence.
He also represented Thames Valley in the Under 14s in Taupō and the Thames Valley Rugby Under 16s Skulls development programme, he said.
The experiences strengthened his desire to continue to improve and “reach my goals in rugby”, he said.
He was excited and inspired to train with coaches who were former All Blacks such as Rodney So’oialo, he said.
“It’s a great opportunity to learn from some of the best in the game, and to gain insight into what it takes to perform at an elite level,” he said.
Carson believes he “always gives 100 per cent” in every rugby training session or game.
It’s what gives him an edge.
“What I believe makes me stand out is my strong work ethic and determination.
“I also think my rugby smarts set me apart, as I have a good understanding of the game, can read situations well, and make smart decisions under pressure.”
The way he stayed motivated when faced with challenges was to picture himself as though he had already achieved his goals, he said.
“I use this as a way to keep pushing forward, even when things get difficult, as it reminds me of what I am working towards,” he said.
“This mindset helps me stay focused, positive, and determined to improve, no matter the obstacles I face.”
By DAVIDDA HIKATANGATA
