Two friends that met at teachers college 35 years ago have managed to forge a friendship between their respective schools through a shared love of rugby.
Four years ago former Te Aute College’s Dr James Graham and Horowhenua College’s Chris Wilton organised a rugby exchange between their two schools, to be played on a home and away basis for the Keretana Trophy.
At the time, participation in rugby at Horowhenua College had waned. The early season fixture had proven to be the genesis for a rugby renaissance at the school, with a U15 team now playing too.

Wilton said it was as much about reviving schoolboy rugby and forging a connection between the two schools as it was celebrating what rugby can do for young people.