Samoa International 7's Training Camp (Mount Maunganui)
The day started for Tyler with him meeting the Samoan team manager, Mr Ramsey Tokokino, who made everyone feel very welcome and also introduced him to the head coach of Japan, Mr Damien Karuna. Sir Gordon Tietjens then arrived and Tyler was taken though to the team meeting.
Sir Gordon has brought 18 players into the squad who are all being put through their paces to hopefully make the final 12 players to play in the upcoming Wellington HSBC 7s World Series.
Tyler was placed into the Blue Team. The morning session involved a skills session focusing on using the width of the field and making accurate passes. Tyler certainly didn't disappoint; he made the most of his time on the pitch by producing consistent and accurate passes. It was pleasing to hear praise from the Master Coach himself. The second session involved a weights workout in the modern sevens training facility opposite Blake Park. At the conclusion of the morning session the players headed back to the hotel to refuel on healthy wraps and salads before being given a couple of hours of down time.
The afternoon session was about game preparation as the squad looked to prepare for playing Japan on Thursday morning. It gave Tyler some insight into the clear decision making that is required at the top level of 7's rugby. At the completion of the day Tyler was presented his own playing strip.
Once again, a special thanks must go to Sir Gordon Tietjens for his ongoing support and development of the game. We will host the PNBHS & Sir Gordon Tietjens Rugby 7's Tournament on Friday 3rd March & Saturday 4th March at the Massey University Sport and Rugby Institute.
