For the Love of the Game Scholarship Recipients wrap up New Zealand Trip

The guys were able to watch a few Crusaders matches, including their quarter-final match against the Sharks.  At half-time, Brock caught a ball that was kicked out as time expired which won him three months of free sausages!  Which he decided to pass on to their billets.

Read below for recaps from Brock, Tyler and the IHPU Manager.

After the Final Game
Update from Grant Keenan, IHPU Manager:

"The boys won their final 28-6 and have they have done very well!

Brock played the full 80 minutes and scored an outstanding individual try late in the game.  Tyler was brought in during the final 25 minutes and played extremely well.  I know their New Brighton crew was extremely happy with both boys.

Tyler and Brock have been outstanding young men and are credit to their families and to the people who have invested time in their rugby careers.  Well done on selecting these boys to come to the IHPU."
 
Update from Brock:

"The trip was fantastic and was most definitely a great step in the development of my rugby career. From being part of a professional training environment to watching the Crusaders dominate their opponents, the trip was very eye-opening. 

It was good to be a part of such a high rugby culture being in New Zealand of course. It gave me a sense of what is needed out of my personal development in order to achieve my goals of playing at higher levels. 

Our club New Brighton was a delight as well. Being very welcoming and teaching us more about the game, New Brighton was a dream come true as we got to play in New Zealand club competition. Winning the bowl final for the club was a memory I won't ever forget! 

Our billets were greater than I could've ever asked for. Taking us to Twizel for the weekend, to taxing us around at times, our homestay was always making sure we had the best stay in Christchurch.

Overall, I can guarantee that this trip made me a better and definitely more experienced rugby player. I will take away so many memories of meeting new friends, All Blacks, Crusaders and teachings of the game. I hope to one day go back to New Zealand and reconnect with all my new friends there. 

Thank you, Dave and everyone who is part of the For The Love Of The Game Fund. Your support and contributions truly changing the lives of young players like Tyler and I!"
 
Update from Tyler:

"First, a huge thank you to the For the Love of the Game.

The trip was great and the learning environment was outstanding. Being part of the IHPU has taught me so much about being a professional athlete and what it takes to be the best. Our training group was made up of 22 players from all over the world, someday I hope to wear the Maple Leaf again and see some of them standing across from me. I have made many lasting friendships. 

Brock and I were placed together with a great family. Nicki, Lachlan and Ashton welcomed us into their home and treated us like family. They took us to the mountains for the weekend, showed us around Christchurch and to Sumner Beach to see the cliffs. 

We joined the New Brighton Premier Colts team for their last five games. The club was outstanding making sure we felt like part of the team and the New Brighton family. I learned lots and quickly adjusted to the fast pace of the game in New Zealand. 

Overall, this trip has made me a better player and person. This experience has made me realize that my dream of playing at the highest level is achievable with hard work and determination. 

Next week, I am headed to the U20 Canada camp at Shawnigan Lake. And in the fall I am off to the University of Alberta. 

Thank you to Dave and all those who contributed to the For the Love of the Game Fund. I thank you again for your generous support in making this experience a reality to players like myself and Brock."

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Thank you to all of you for your support and for being an integral part of their journey and what has clearly been a life-changing experience.  We look forward to another year of fun and supporting the next generation of athletes!

For the Love of the Game,

Dave Lougheed