Youngsters' rugby camp on offer in January

Four young Marlborough sportspeople have joined forces to offer the province’s up-and-coming rugby talent a chance to hone their skills over summer.

Zac Harrison-Jones, Michael Dillon, Tessa-Jane Power and Ruairidh Swan are running a five-day summer rugby holiday camp for seven to 13-year-olds from January 11-15, 2021.

Zac said the quartet of facilitators were all experienced coaches/teachers and sports participants with a wide range of experience and qualifications to call on.

He played development-level rugby in both Otago and Tasman and has a Bachelor of Physical Education degree from Otago, majoring in sport and exercise sciences.

Michael has played premier rugby in Tasman, America and Otago. He has a Diploma in Sports Coaching from Otago Polytechnic.

Tessa-Jane is a former Marlborough and Tasman netballer and touch rep. The Renwick primary school teacher has a Bachelor of Education and Diploma for graduates in Maori Studies from Otago and is a qualified Ripper rugby and basketball coach.

Scotsman Ruairidh is part of the Tasman High Performance Group, having previously played rugby for the Caledonian Reds and in the Scottish premiership. As a skills coach he has headed up several rugby camps in his native country.

“We are looking to give back to the community by delivering a quality holiday programme to Marlborough boys and girls,” Zac explained.

“Although it’s a rugby camp, kids of all abilities, ambition and experience are encouraged to come along, even if they haven’t played before.

“There will be plenty of fun activities and educational workshops that will teach and develop rugby skills, rugby values and general health and wellbeing.

“Importantly, the camp will also involve a lot of activities that aren’t necessarily rugby-specific, to ensure all kids are able to engage fully and excel.

“There will be exciting competitions and prizes to be won throughout the week that other local businesses have kindly donated. The camp is sponsored by Blacklaws Firewood.”

More details, including costs, registration, dates, times can be found on the Facebook page “Summer Rugby Camp 2021” or via email at

SummerRugbyCamp2021@gmail.com

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Zac suggested those wanting to sign up should book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment as numbers were limited.