J8 White introduced 10 new players to rugby for the 2023 season. The team was a mixture of 5-year-old boys and girls who were eager to have some fun and learn some new skills. The first game of the year was a fun learning experience for everyone where we quickly learnt starting from the basics was going to be the key to success, running in the right direction and placing the ball over the try line. Once we got that sorted, we were away. If we had a dedicated goalkicker in the team, they would be more than pleased with the obsessive amount of tries scored right under the posts.

The team grew in confidence as the year progressed, with all players improving their rip techniques, passing, catching and running straight. Trainings were always well attended with a mixture of some skills and drills and fun games. As the season progressed and all members of the team developed solid rip techniques, growing in confidence to run and pass the ball, trainings mostly consisted of fun games. Monster being a team favourite.

The highlight for the year was a standout performance under lights at Northcote vs Takapuna. This seemed to be the game that everything clicked into place for the team. It was a fantastic team performance with all players showing how much they had improved during the year. The night was filled with some outstanding individual and team tries. Also, some solid defence with many try-saving rips.

All players in the team were an absolute pleasure to coach and I’d like to say a big thank you to all the parents who were always happy to help with trainings, games, half-time oranges and encouraging words from the sidelines. Thanks also to the coaching and management staff - Team Manager Charlotte for all the admin and team updates throughout the year and our Speed & Agility Coach Mike for getting our athletes to peak at the business end of the season. See you all next year!