Rugby: Harbour up-and-comer won't lay down the law - for now

One of North Harbour's most promising players is going against the modern trend by putting university studies ahead of his professional rugby aspirations.

Chris Smith, a national age group representative at several levels and a North Harbour lock or flanker in 2007-09, confirmed yesterday he was putting his first-class career on hold for this season and focusing on gaining his law degree.

"I figure that, at 22, if I can break the back of my degree I will still be able to give top rugby a crack again," he said.

He will play club rugby for Takapuna and help coach his old school Westlake Boys' 5As.

His decision will make Takapuna, the perennial Harbour champions, formidable again when the premier competition starts today with a field day at Helensville.

Takapuna, who have most of last year's side back plus their young coaches Blair Urlich and Jerome Smith, meet the always dangerous Massey, while Northcote, who ran Takapuna close last year, will meet another useful side, Marist.

With most of last year's side back, plus gaining some talented young backs from Auckland, Northcote coach Ian Selwyn believes his side may be even stronger. But one big loss after the first three games will be prop James Afoa, brother of All Black John, who will pursue his international option with Manu Samoa.

In today's other matches Silverdale meet East Coast Bays and Glenfield clash with Mahurangi, both at 1pm. North Shore, coached by Buck Shelford, the recently installed union president, meet host club Helensville at 4pm.

Several Harbour clubs will field Blues squad members not required for the Waratahs match. Anthony Tuitavake and George Pisi will play for Massey, Luke McAlister for Silverdale and Tom Chamberlain for Marist.