Future Stags? Six national champions we could hear more about
SBHS first XV coach Jason Dermody says there will probably be two or three players that will go on to play professional rugby. Who might they be?
The Southland Boys’ High School first XV’s 2023 national title has created some excitement amongst many in Southland rugby circles as to what that could mean for the future of the Stags.
SBHS first XV coach Jason Dermody says there will probably be two or three players that will go on to play professional rugby. For most Sunday’s remarkable triumph may well be their ceiling. Some will go on to be good club players - that’s fine.
Although Logan Savory hovers the spotlight over six players from the national champion team who just might pop up in a Stags jersey at some stage in the future.
(Of course - it’s not limited to just these six players that we’ve pointed out here. All aboard we say. #Antlersup).
Kiseki Fifita (wing)
Kiseki Fifita has been immense in 2023 on the wing for the Southland Boys’ High School first XV. Not surprisingly has attracted some interest from national selectors.
The Year 13 pupil scored three first-half tries in the 29-28 South Island final win over Christchurch Boys’ High School.
He also produced a stunning individual try early in the semifinal against Palmerston North.
Fifita has provided cover at centre this year but it’s probably on the wing where he is best suited.
He comes from a talented family that also includes Teneisha Fifita, who has played for Southern Steel, and Losa Fifita who made the New Zealand Secondary School’s netball team.
Gregor Rutledge (loose forward)
His father Jason played 100 games for Southland and at Super Rugby level. His grandfather also played 100 games for Southland and was an All Black.
There’s a thought that Gregor is just as much the player of the two generations gone before him.
Rutledge Jr is a hard-working loose forward who is more than prepared to take the tough carries in games. He has a bit more height to him than his father and grandfather making him a useful lineout option.
While Rutledge is in his final year at school he is young for his age and will also be in the under 18 age-group next year.
Gregor’s a smart kid academically as well so while rugby will play a big part in the next few years so will his university studies.
Mika Muliana (first five-eighth)
When long-term SBHS coach Peter Skelt points to Mika - a young first five-eighth - as one of the most talented he’s seen you stand up and take notice.
The nephew of former All Black Mils Muliaina has plenty of skill, time with the ball, and a strong kicking game.
He’s already attracted some interest from the Highlanders and probably beyond.
Although at 16, and only in Year 12 at Southland Boys’, Muliaina has plenty of time on his side.
Muliaina will be back for another go in the Southland Boys’ High School first XV in 2024.
Unfortunately for Mika he missed the national semifinal and final in Palmerston North as the weekend. Although his older brother Rico stepped into the No 10 jersey in his absence and did a fine job.
Justin Shaw (No 8)
Shaw’s rise to national champion in 2023 was a bit of a masterstroke. Remarkably this year was his first playing in the forwards after previously playing in the backs.
As it turned out Shaw was probably Southland Boys’ High School’s best in the 32-29 national final win over Westlake Boys’ High School.
His athletic ability as a former back shone through with ball in hand in the open. On top of that, he has made big strides with the physical demands of playing as a forward.
The rangy loose forward will only improve in those stakes with more time playing upfront.
Jimmy Taylor (fullback)
At 15-years-old Taylor has already racked up a ridiculous highlights reel of key plays in pressure moments.
Taylor kicked a sideline conversion to lift Southland Boys’ High School to the South Island title with a 29-28 win over Christchurch Boys’ High School.
The bother of Stags hooker Jack Taylor also kicked a penalty from out wide to put Southland Boys’ in front at 20-19 in the semifinal win over Palmerston North Boys’ High School.
Then in the final against Westlake Boys’ High School, he calmly banged over a long-range dropped goal.
While much of the focus has been on Taylor’s boot, for a slight guy he more than holds his own in attack and defence.
After saying all of that, remarkably Taylor still has two more school years at school in front of him and plenty of development still ahead of him.
He played much of this season on the wing, and also covered first five, although it seems fullback might be his position where he lined up in the national final.
Presley McHugh (prop)
Like Taylor, Presley McHugh is in Year 11 and still has another two years as part of the SBHS first XV ahead of him.
But the young prop has impressed coming off the bench this year as part of Southland Boys’ High School’s impressive run to a national title.
Even in Year 11 McHugh more than physically holds his own and with more time will become an even stronger presence.
