Howick College has launched this week its new boys’ rugby academy that kicks off next year.
“Our rugby academy is dedicated to identifying and developing talent in our Year 9 and 10 boys through a sustainable, two-period-a-week programme that complements their academic studies,” Howick College principal Dale Burden says.
“The academy is focussed on building skills and fostering pathways in rugby, including playing, coaching, and refereeing.
“This initiative provides students with structured opportunities to excel in the sport while gaining valuable life skills.
“With a strong emphasis on community connection, our academy nurtures pride and engagement, helping students connect to their school and community while preparing them for lifelong involvement in rugby,” Burden says.
Trials for the academy started on Wednesday, with Year 9 boys playing for Year 10 spots in 2025.
Year 8 boys will trial for next year’s Year 9 places on Saturday, November 23.
Rugby academy programme sponsor and active Howick College alumnus, local businessman Barry Walker, of Barry Walker Homes, is excited to be involved.
“Howick College consistently over-performs in its achievements, maximising their available resources,” he says.
“My conversations with Dale Burden have left me deeply impressed by his vision and determination to make Howick College the number one public school in east Auckland, not just in sports but in every aspect.
“His dedication to fostering a culture of excellence, building school pride, and strengthening community connections, is inspiring.
“I believe that with this focus, Howick College can make it to the 1A grade in rugby and win the competition within the next few years.
“That’s why I’m behind the school 100 per cent. I would like to encourage other businesses and past students to lend their support in developing the many other sports and programmes on offer at the school,” Walker says.
Howick College has also announced that experienced and respected coach John Paul Faamausili is joining its ranks for 2025.
Known in Auckland rugby circles as “JP”, Faamausili has coached for more than two decades in roles at Mt Wellington-Te Papapa, Auckland Rugby development, Auckland International Academy, talent scouting for the Blues and New Zealand Secondary Schools, Auckland Storm, Counties Manukau’s women and under-19s, and most recently at St Paul’s College in Richmond, Auckland.
“I know depth and continuity are key to a programme that delivers and performs to a standard year after year,” says Faamausili.
“This won’t be a fast process but from what I’ve heard about what’s happened with the Howick College girls, if we build it and build it well, they will come.”
Howick College says: “The opportunity to team up with our current rugby coach Waisake Sotutu was pivotal to JP’s decision to join, and both have worked together in the New Zealand Rugby Talent ID space and also Auckland Rugby development scene for years.”
Walker says he spent the final 18 months of his schooling at Howick College, after immigrating from Howick, in South Africa.
“As many know, South Africans share the same deep passion for rugby as New Zealanders, and joining the school’s rugby programme not only allowed me to connect with others, but also offered the incredible camaraderie that young men often experience through the sport.
“After finishing school, I followed my passion for sports into the fitness and coaching industry.
“In 2001, I returned to Howick College to coach the fifth-grade rugby team,” Walker says.
“In 2003, I took on the role of trainer for the First XV, with both teams reaching the finals.
“My coaching journey then continued at Pakuranga United Rugby Club, where I played a part in leading the team to two finals and winning the Auckland championship.
“I later pursued a career in property development and construction, entering the industry in 2007.
“I founded my own company, Walker Homes Ltd, in 2021, which focuses on new developments in the east Auckland area,” he says.
“Unlike other developers, we put our name on each development to ensure we deliver a high-quality, architecturally designed product that protects the surrounding streetscape.
“Walker Homes Ltd predominantly builds homes for downsizers and owner-occupiers seeking good quality housing.
“Our construction and development teams are entirely local, which helps us maintain our high standards across all projects.”
Walker adds he has “a passion for coaching”.
“I truly believe that you can teach anyone to play sports and be successful if they have the will and discipline to succeed.
“I believe that sport has the power to transform lives, offering camaraderie, self-discipline, and confidence.
“We’ve been fortunate to be successful in our industry. I want to use that success to give back to Howick College rugby, offering students the opportunity to learn from talented coaches and players.”
