Former All Black Tanerau Latimer gives a halftime team talk during Rangiuru's win over Te Puna at the weekend. Photo / Andrew Warner
Former All Black Tanerau Latimer gives a halftime team talk during Rangiuru's win over Te Puna at the weekend. Photo / Andrew Warner
Baywide club rugby is brimming with young stars eager to make a name for themselves.
However, talent and potential can only get you so far. The best thing any young player can do is learn from those who have been there, done that.
Luckily for some Baywide clubs, 2019 has been the year of returning veterans. Some of the Bay's best players from the last few decades have returned to their old clubs and are doing wonders for the grassroots game.
While Rotoiti are struggling with player numbers at present, those who are there could not ask for a better mentor than Wayne Ormond who has stepped out of retirement to play for and coach the side.
Ormond played 65 games for the Steamers from 1999-2005, scoring 11 tries and is the only Bay of Plenty Steamers captain to lift the Ranfurly Shield in triumph. He also played for the Māori All Blacks. He played his last games for the Steamers in 2004 before going to play in Japan.
Now in his mid-40s, he may not be quite as fleet of foot but there is no doubt he still hits just as hard. More importantly, playing in the loose forwards is a science. There are nuances that take years of playing at the highest level to master. It is that sort of knowledge which will be priceless to his Rotoiti teammates this season.
Rotoiti legend Wayne Ormond is back in his old colours this year as player/coach. Photo / Ben Fraser
Another legend of the game taking up the role of player/coach is Rangiuru's Tanerau Latimer, who retired from professional rugby in 2018.
On Saturday, I watched the five-time All Blacks and Commonwealth Games gold medal-winning sevens player lead Rangiuru to an emphatic victory over last year's beaten finalists Te Puna. The effect Latimer has had on his side was clear as he led his forward pack around the field with energy and enthusiasm.
Rangiuru won the Baywide Premier 2 title in 2018 and secured promotion to the Baywide Premier division for this year. Rather than struggle with the step up, they have flourished under Latimer and are unbeaten in five games so far, sitting second behind defending champions and neighbours Te Puke.
Speaking to Rangiuru players after that game against Te Puna, the respect they have for their inspirational leader is obvious. He has brought a professionalism and enthusiasm to the side that only the best players can - a key factor in their meteoric rise this season.
Welshman Ruari O'Flynn (left), coach and former All Black Hika Reid and Englishman Rory Marsh brought their talents to Ngongotahā this season. Photo / File
Meanwhile former All Black Hika Reid, born and bred in Ngongotahā, has returned to coach the club's top side.
In his playing career the hooker, who is now 60 and has spent time coaching overseas, played 85 games for Bay of Plenty, 25 games for Wellington and 40 games for the All Blacks including nine internationals. He was named Tom French Memorial Māori Player of the Year in 1980 and 1983.
In previous years, Ngongotahā have flirted with establishing themselves as a Premier side and Reid's experience may be just what they need to make that step up.
His presence certainly seems to be having an effect so far, Ngongotahā are thriving in Division 1. An 81-5 win over Poroporo at the weekend was their fifth victory on the trot and sees them sitting comfortably on top of the table.
If Baywide legends returning to their former clubs is set to become a recurring theme, rugby in the region will thrive.
