Editorial: Talent pool of college eye-catching

Sam Cane.

Tauranga Boys' College is fast-building a reputation for producing serious sporting talent.

This week, it was announced that former pupil Sam Cane would captain the All Blacks against Namibia.

Cane, 23, moved to Tauranga Boys' College for Year 13 in 2010, joining the 1st XV to enhance his rugby career. He had previously attended Reporoa College, between Rotorua and Taupo, where his parents, Malcolm and Kathy, have a deer farm. The young loosie made the 1st XV as a No 8 in Year 10.

College principal Robert Mangan recalled: "He came to us and he was a well-rounded young man and totally committed to his rugby, but also enjoyed the culture of Tauranga Boys' and mixing in with his mates.

"He was always very passionate, outstanding on the rugby field - so at that stage it was clear he had something special, that real x-factor."

Cane and 2015 All Blacks hooker Nathan Harris played in the Tauranga Boys' 1st XV together in 2010.

It is not the first time the school has produced an international-level captain. Black Cap Kane Williamson - "an exceptional young man", Mr Mangan said - was a pupil. His mother, Sandra, works there.

The "next big thing" label was first draped around Williamson's shoulders when he was a primary school prodigy in the Bay of Plenty. He made his first-class debut while still at college and, aged 20, scored a century in India on his test debut - not long after becoming our youngest centurion, in a one-day international.

Sailor Peter Burling, silver medallist at the 2012 London Olympics in the 49er class alongside Blair Tuke, is another old boy. He is now at the helm of Team NZ.

Williamson and Burling were in the same year at Tauranga Boys' and battled each other for sporting achievement awards at every prize-giving.

Russell Coutts, who steered Team NZ to America's Cup victory for the first time, says that in Burling, Team NZ has "a tremendous asset. He's just an amazing talent. Quite possibly the best sailing talent in the world right now." It is an impressive list and no doubt the example set by these three will inspire students at the school well into the future.

Of course, it is too simplistic to attribute this amazing run of success to the school alone. Ultimately, these sporting stars have shown the discipline, vision and commitment to carve out their own path in the world.

Their families too will have played a huge role in supporting and guiding their path to success as will have coaches and sports administrators in the region.

Cane, Williamson and Burling are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to sportspeople achieving amazing things in the region.

The Bay has an amazing depth of talent and much to be proud of.