Rugby: 'Maori Pom' staking his claim

Havelock North rugby prop Miles Anderson on the job as a builder for Brittin Builders. Photo/Glenn Taylor

Meet Miles Anderson, the "Maori Pom" at the Havelock North Rugby Club.

Anderson's Progressive Meats Havelock North premier teammates gave him the "Maori Pom" nickname when they learnt about his whakapapa. Born and bred in England, Anderson, 23, has an English mother and his father is a Maori from Patea in Taranaki who has been in England for 30 years.

While his teammates joke about his nickname, they certainly haven't been joking about his form. Anderson has made massive progress as a loosehead prop during the 12 weeks he has been in the Bay.

His powerful scrummaging and courage displayed after collecting an ankle injury during a player-of-the-match performance as the villagers handed Carters Frame and Truss Taradale their first loss of the season, 21-18 - at an appropriately named Anderson Park - on Saturday saw Anderson become the 14th weekly winner as the tussle for the Tui-Hawke's Bay Today Club Rugby Player of the Year award continued.

"Especially after the 37-15 loss to Taradale earlier in the season, we needed to front up. Everyone turned up on Saturday and it was a good performance," Anderson said as he reflected on the top-of-the-table clash.

Although he prefers loosehead, Anderson can also play the tighthead role. He said propping against Taradale's Magpies prop Jody Allen was a good test for him.

"Jody is the toughest prop I've marked since I've been in the Bay.."

It wasn't a surprise to see Magpies head coach Craig Philpott chatting to Anderson after the final whistle.

"Craig asked me about my plans for the rest of this year as well as next year. He asked if I wanted to be part of the Magpies development programme and I said definitely," Anderson explained.

"I told Craig I will be returning home to play during the Kiwi summer and hopefully return with my girlfriend as this visit is a bit of a scouting mission for the both of us. Craig said he will be keeping an eye on me."

Anderson has had four years of senior rugby for the Shelford Cambridgeshire team in Britain which plays in the National Two club competition. His oldest brother Warrick is a mate of Havelock North supporter Jason Brittin who mentioned the villagers were keen to secure a prop this winter to provide cover for Magpie Brendon Edmonds when he is on Hurricanes duty as was the case at the weekend.

"It was the perfect opportunity. Gaining experience by playing in New Zealand is something I've always wanted to do," Anderson said.

"I like the standard over here. The games are a lot more closer than back home and it's a faster style of play."

A qualified carpenter, Anderson works for Brittin and said the physical aspect of the job helps keep him in shape for rugby. He is also a keen clay target shooter and it won't be a surprise if he gains a reputation at the Hawke's Bay club similar to the one he is fostering on the province's rugby field.

Expect to hear more about this "Maori Pom" in the future.