Gents. I will post this on the Australian Schoolboy thread and Scholarship Thread but I thought this might be of interest to any of you on the thread. Since 09/10, Newington had reignited with its Brother School in Topou College in Tonga. Since then, The relationship has blossomed to where over 10 Tongan boys have had the opportunity to learn, engage and experience an Australian education and life at Newington College.
Since the 09/10 relationship has blossomed with Newington, it has seen 2 boys being Vunipola Teaupa-Fifita (14') and Tevita (David) Vea (ON 12'), that have risen through the ranks of Australian Schoolboy Rugby to represent NSW and Australia respectively. Tevita also represented the Australian U20s in the recent World Cup whilst Vunipola has represented the Australian Schoolboy team for both 2013 and 2014.
In noticing this, it shows many things about selections and the uniqueness of these boys and there rise to the Australian Schoolboy jersey.
My discussion point from these two boys is that:
1. Are we looking to Islander boys as the "go-to" men when it comes to schoolboy rugby and not looking into the long term when they may decide to play in there respective country later on in there playing careers.
2. Is it a coincedence that in 2012 and 2014, both Tevita and Vuni are classed as the best in there position, for there age, in Australia? They had only been in Australia for merely 3 years and had risen to the peaks of Australian schoolboy rugby. Did they have close competition?
3. Is it conclusive that Tonga would be a powerhouse of Rugby if it had equal funding to Australian rugby? By the small talent coming from Tonga to Newington and then flourishing in NSW and Australian Schoolboy teams, surely it shows.
4. Should we be encouraging other schools to set up relationships and bonds with other schools in Tonga, Somoa and Fiji and giving boys from these nations an education and also gifted with an opportunity that will hopefully see them flourish academically or on the sports field?
Food for thought gents!
Please do not take anything I have said out of context and turn it into a distasteful argument. I want opinions, ideas and thoughts.
Inb4spellingandgrammar.