Year 12 student Carson Hepi has recently returned from the Touch World Cup in Kuala Lumpur with a Silver medal. Carson played in the under 18 boys team, one of six New Zealand teams competing at the World Cup. The team had a hectic schedule of 11 games in four days – three per day over the first three days and the semi-final and final on the last day. In the final, the New Zealand team was beaten 7 – 12 by a very slick Australian side. Carson explained that the conditions were very hot and humid, meaning that the games were played in quarters. Even with this modification, the team for the final was depleted with three players suffering from the heat, one of whom required hospital treatment.
Carson was honoured to be named as a co-captain of the New Zealand team. He explained that when they had their jersey presentation he was expecting to receive his first as number one is his playing number. Instead, he was one of the last two to have their playing singlets presented as he had been selected into the leadership role.
As well as competing in the World Cup, Carson also had the opportunity to look around Kuala Lumpur. He commented that the city was incredibly busy, in particular the traffic, which was a “nightmare”. He was struck by the stark difference between the wealthy and the poor, both the people they saw and the various parts of the city he visited. Armed security guards were a frequent sight.
Well done Carson, on both your selection into the team and subsequent naming as co-captain – deserved reward for your hard work and a reflection of your character and integrity. #PNBHSpeople
