What's New

5 May, 2021

Rippa start for first peninsula ‘World Cup’

Flagstaff Team

All Black power… Under-11 New Zealand players (from left) Lily McLean (9), Ema Wilson (10), both of Stanley Bay School, and Micah McClintock (9) of Takapuna Primary

More than 180 peninsula school kids became international rugby players at the Rippa World Cup hosted during the school holidays at North Shore Rugby Club.

Competing over two days, they played seven- a-side games, split into teams across three age groups: under-9s, under-11s, and under-13s.

The teams, coached and refereed by rugby players from Takapuna Grammar School, com- prised a mixture of boys and girls with varying abilities and skills.

Just like the annual cricket ‘World Cup’ run locally, each of the teams represented a different country. Sides included New Zealand, Australia, Scotland, England, Ireland, France, South Africa, and Argentina.

“The Rippa World Cup was all about sportsmanship and having some friendly competition,” says organiser Brad Westgate. “We wanted to create something fun that would keep kids active and it also takes some pressure off parents for the school holidays.”

Australia won the under-9s, South Africa the under-11s, and England the under-13s. South Africa led overall, with top-three placings in all age groups.

The tournament helped raise funds for the club’s Leavers’ Tour, an annual farewell to its junior Year 8 players.

Camaraderie… England under-9s players (from left) Seb Peacock (8), Tom Congdon (7) and Hunter Bruce (7), all from Belmont Primary School.
Post-match congratulations for the trans-Tasman rivals.
Hoist it… Charlie Richardson (9) of Belmont Primary launches a kick for the England under-11 side
Ball in hand… Scarlett Westgate (9) of Vauxhall School in the Ireland under-11s
Almost… Action from the Australia versus England under-11s under-11s match
Team building… The Ireland under-11s in celebration mode
Talking strategy… Australia’s under-11s in a huddle with coach Noah Tu’isila from Takapuna Grammar

Please consider supporting The Devonport Flagstaff by clicking here: