A new look for the 3rd XV
All Blacks and Crusaders lock Luke Romano gave several pairs of size 16 rugby boots to Linwood College student and Christ’s College Third XV prop Adonai Schwenke.
Luke’s heart-warming gesture came in response to a call from his former high school coach, Stephen Dods. Rugby is like that, a strong community bonded by a shared passion for the game, which is how Adonai and three of his fellow Linwood students, prop Mahalo Lui and backs Cassander Sua and Leaana Lefua, came to join the College team. The Christ’s College Third XV was short on players for the front row, while Linwood College did not have the numbers to field a senior team. In a win–win for both schools they got together. The only problem was
that Adonai had trouble finding big enough boots. Fortunately, Stephen knew the right man – and thanks to Luke, Adonai is now able to enjoy some game time. They may not be seven league boots, but they are big boots to fill and have meant a fairytale start to the new season. The Linwood boys now don a College rugby jersey and the combined team plays in the Metro Schools Age Group competition on Saturdays.
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College Issue 31 2016
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