Waikato sign schoolboy star
Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:02
The Waikato Rugby Union (WRU) has signed talented schoolboy scrumhalf Tawera Kerr-Barlow until the end of 2011.
At 17, Kerr-Barlow is the youngest player ever to be signed by the union.
The Hamilton Boys' High School student is currently part of the Union's pre-Academy programme and is set to join the WRU High Performance Academy from next year, after he has finished his seventh form year.
WRU's High Performance Manager Paul Hodder said: "The signing of Tawera is a prime example of the Union continuing to develop and identify young, talented players and keep them in our province.
"Tawera is an up and coming player and has been identified as a player with great potential. We had to fight off strong interest from a couple of other Super 14 franchises who were very interested in Tawera's talents."
In 2007 Kerr-Barlow was a member of the New Zealand Under-17, the New Zealand Secondary Schools Sevens, and the New Zealand Secondary Schools teams.
He has also represented Waikato at Under-14 and Under-16 levels.
Hodder said Kerr-Barlow is currently training hard with the Hamilton Boys' High School First XV, who are aiming to compete in the New Zealand Secondary Schools Top Four competition in September. He will also be working on gaining selection in the New Zealand Secondary Schools squad which will be chosen later that same month.
In the coming weeks Kerr-Barlow will spend some time training with the Waikato Air New Zealand Cup squad and the Elite Academy Players.
"While school is a priority for Tawera at the moment, we are also giving him plenty of opportunities to be immersed in and exposed to the professional rugby scene. He has a great attitude and we're sure he will be a great asset for Waikato Rugby in the future."
