Paraparaumu Junior Rugby Club hosted 48 students from the Keoi School in Japan this week. Chairman of the Junior Club, Steve Bargh said the visit has been very successful.
“We have had the kids in homestays all around the district. On Saturday night we took them all in to the Hurricanes game against the Sharks and they had a great time.”
Mr Bargh said the Paraparaumu Club sent teams over to Japan in 2007 and 2009. “This weekend is a festival of junior rugby as well as a reunion for many of the players.”
The visitors have played age grade teams from Ōtaki College, Kāpiti College, Feilding College and Wellington College and had gone through their tour unbeaten.
It was interesting to note all of the Japanese players wear protective head gear.
Paraparaumu Rugby Club committee member Tony Bailey, who is also Manager of the Paraparaumu College 1st XV said the junior club is in very good heart early in the season.
“This is the beginning of our season while it is the end of the season for the Keoi School teams so we expected them to be fitter and bigger, which they are. We have 350 kids registered for the season so we are looking forward to plenty of good quality junior rugby.
