Rugby: Waikato union signs up young rugby blood

Waikato Rugby Union.

The Waikato Rugby Union is on a recruitment drive, bolstering its ranks with the next generation of top secondary school players - and one of the names should be familiar.

The Waikato Rugby Union is on a recruitment drive, bolstering its ranks with the next generation of top secondary school players - and one of the names should be familiar.

Damian McKenzie, a first-five eighth at Christ's College in Christchurch, has been signed on a two-year contract.

The first year is a provincial union development contract followed by a second year where he will graduate to a general provincial union contract.

Waikato is also negotiating with Hamilton Boys High No 10 Bryn Gatland as they look to boost their stocks at pivot.

Gatland, son of Waikato stalwart and Wales coach Warren, recently dropped a late goal to help his school win the national secondary schools crown 12-10 over St Kentigern, breaking that school's 52-match winning streak. It means HBHS will represent New Zealand at the Sanix world rugby youth tournament in Japan next year.

Both first-five eighths were named in the New Zealand secondary schools team this week.

Waikato chief executive Graham Bowen - who will watch on anxiously as Waikato try to prise the Shield from Counties Manukau in Pukekohe today - has been impressed by their maturity. "Damian is a tough kid, a stand out first-five among his peers who is capable of driving a team around the paddock with his skill set.

"It would also be great to recruit Bryn to his local union. Both players have the necessary skills, character and IQ to master their position. They're bright boys who played extremely well this season.

"I think the success of the Chiefs has also helped in our recent recruitment drive for young fellas. The combination [of playing for Waikato and the Chiefs] is attractive."

Bowen says they have also signed flanker Mitch Jacobson from Cambridge High School, halfback Harrison Levien from HBHS and Atu Moli, a prop, from Marlborough Boys College. The trio are in the NZSS side.