EVERY kid has his own dreams and aspirations to become the best in what they can become and with it comes a lot of challenges.
Former Marist Brothers High School student, Angelo Smith wants to be a professional rugby player, and what better way to learn from when you’re in a country where rugby is a religion.
Angelo was visiting his uncle Peter Elbourne in New Zealand when he was invited to attend a camp at Palmerston North.
“This is where players go through high intensity training, drills, fitness tests, agility test, endurance test, game situation drills and contact in front of potential coaches and recruiters. Coaches at the academy included former All Blacks legends Murray Mexted, Grant Fox, Eroni Clark, Rodney So’oialo, Ofisa Tonu’u and David Hewett,” said Elbourne a former national swimming rep.
In his first week Angelo impressed the coaches and was later selected by former national rep Alfie Uluinayau to the New Zealand Fiji Schoolboys team that will be playing in this week’s World School Sevens tournament.
The team is made up of former Fijian secondary school rugby players, some who were in New Zealand on scholarships.
“At the end of the second week the International Rugby Academy of New Zealand (IRANZ) called us to invite Angelo to a month-long course that develops players into the mould of a professional player. The director of the academy called to personally invite Angelo. Angelo’s presence, attitude, work ethics and skills in the three-day combine was enough to warrant a further invite to the next course offered,” added Elbourne.
“However he will need about $9000 to be able to join the academy.
“Unlike many young talents that come to NZ I haven’t gotten myself a scholarship unfortunately. My uncle invited me over to NZ after I had finished my exams to have a break in NZ,” Angelo said.
“Since arriving we have visited a lot of places here in NZ, and interest has started building in what I wanted to do with my rugby. International Rugby Academy of New Zealand held a player combine which I was invited to participate in recently and a few coaches were impressed with the workout.
“Since then it’s been an amazing journey –– people have shown interest in different rugby circles here in NZ but nothing promised or confirmed. Luckily for me another invitation to IRANZ in January 2019 means that I get to train with and be part of an elite rugby academy.
“There are only 32 spots given (two players per position) and the ratio is one player to one coach. The academy teaches the fundamentals skills, mental toughness, nutrition and self- belief, pretty much teaching promising players to be the full package on and off the field,” said Angelo.
IRANZ has been one of New Zealand’s most successful programs producing several All Blacks in Julian Savea, Israel Dagg, Aaron Cruden, Cory Jane, this is among others that have gone on to play for other national teams.
Tongan international Fetu’u Vainikolo and former national number eight Nemia Soqeta are products of the academy.
If there is something that Angelo has been taught during his short stint in NZ is not to give up and keep fighting.
For the Nananu, Tailevu lad who was born and raised in Lautoka, he will give his all in pursuing his dream.
“I must say that nana played a big part but my dad was the one who had a way with words. Even though I was with nana most of the time, dad mentored me through stern words of advice particularly when it came to work ethics and never backing down from a challenge.
“Whenever I would take the field in rugby union or league, dad would say ‘rua na yavana, rua na ligana, the same as you son go and just do your best’
“Nana always encouraged us to pray when faced with challenges. She is a very devoted Catholic so lots of candles and Hail Marys were shared. Her advice was always to have faith and belief in the power of prayer.
“When I was in primary school I really wanted to be a policeman. But the boys from the neighbourhood had different ideas and our childhood ways, adventures and ideas formed a different career path for me as rugby league and rugby union then became a huge part of my life. Every day I’d be playing touch rugby and every Saturday was spent hanging with the boys getting ready up for a hit out.
“I want to be a role model to many young boys and girls that anything is possible through hard work, good character, having faith and belief in something bigger than yourself and also having a good team of people behind you (family, friends, mentors, teachers , coaches and teammates). That’s my immediate goal right now outside of rugby being a young positive role model.
“But career wise I haven’t got big plans other than achieving one goal at a time for now it’s carving out a career in rugby making the right moves meeting the right people, mentors, coaches, experts and also players that can help me be better.
“Someone told me once that I didn’t need to have a “Plan B”. The logic being that if I really believed in Plan A and invested myself spiritually, mentally and emotionally things would work out even if Plan A didn’t. The network I’m building, the people I’m meeting, skills I’m learning and knowledge that’s shared already has given lots of tools.”
As Angelo pursues his dream, his family has opened a small account to fundraising and help him achieves his goal.
“We are fundraising for Angelo to be able to attend a course in January 2019 –– February 2019 that will give him the best chance of fulfilling his dream of becoming a professional rugby player in New Zealand. This course gives Angelo the best chance of developing as a fully prepared rugby player, mentally and physically.”
All donations can be forwarded to the link as follows: https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/angelo-smith-jnrs-journeyto-becoming-a-pro
At the moment they have managed to raise $780 out of the needed $9200.
