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Mitch Hunt: From Nelson College first XV to the BNZ Crusaders squad

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Published: Wednesday, 13 July 2016 21:21

Mitchell Hunt spent his formative rugby years representing the Nelson College first XV in the Crusaders region secondary schools competition, now known as the UC Championship. The versatile first five-eighth and fullback has gone on to represent Auckland at provincial level and the New Zealand Under 20 side. Now a member of the 2016 BNZ Crusaders squad, Hunt provides insight to other young players on how his time in the schools’ competition has influenced his progression through to professional rugby.

After earning selection for the Nelson College first XV as a Year 11 student, Hunt went on to feature in more than 50 matches across three seasons between 2011-13. During his tenure, the school made two finals and one semi-final appearance in the competition. Coupled with his education, it was a role that required high levels of commitment and discipline from the outset, but an experience the young Crusader now reflects on as aiding his development through the professional rugby ranks: “The management and organisation that is required when you play for the school first XV does help prepare you for that step up to professional rugby. It’s something you don’t realise at the time but the ability to balance school work, travel almost every second week and still play rugby at the highest level, are key skills you bring with you into this environment.”

Hunt set himself specific rugby goals throughout his time at Nelson College, the first being to make first XV selection by the time he was in fifth form. Upon achieving that in 2011, his focus turned to developing as a leader and he was made captain in his final year of school in 2013.  A member of the Crusaders schools’ camp during his time in the side, Hunt says he always aspired to play professional rugby and is excited to now be involved with a team that features a number of players he knows from his early rugby days: “It was great to be able to learn from players such as Mitch Drummond and David Havili who were also in the Nelson College team while I was at school. Players like Richie Mo’unga, Jack Goodhue and Leon Fukofuka were also making their mark for other schools and in representative rugby, so it is testament to their work ethic that they are now in the BNZ Crusaders and it is awesome to now be playing alongside them.” The UC Championship continues to provide an important platform for young players to move on to higher honours, and has highlighted a wealth of talent within the Crusaders region since its inception.  

In terms of advice for current contenders of the UC Championship, hard work is important but enjoyment is paramount, according to Hunt: “Some of my best rugby memories are from my time playing for Nelson College. The enjoyment factor is crucial so my advice would be to work hard but to really appreciate the time you have playing rugby for your school with your best mates. When you look back, you realise why you started to play the game in the first place.”

Mitch's Picks

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Published: Thursday, 07 July 2016 22:02

Mitchell Hunt is a former Nelson College representative who spent three years in this competition and is now a member of the 2016 BNZ Crusaders squad. We asked Mitch to give us his picks for Round 12 of the UC Championship: