As part of the Heroes in the Making programme conducted by Rugby Sevens legend Karl Te Nana, two Singaporean schoolboys have been given the chance of a lifetime – to spend two dream weeks in Wellington, New Zealand – home of Super Rugby side Hurricane.

SRU technical director Inoke Afeaki with William & Nurhidayat.

Gives outstanding local youths the chance to undergo intensive rugby training programmes

Te Nana’s Heroes in the Making programme gives outstanding local youths in Singapore, the chance to undergo intensive training programmes under rugby legends and world renowned coaches with the long term view of developing them into future Singapore national players.

The two students chosen this year, Muhammad Nurhidayat and Miguel Erwin Besoro William, both aged 15, will be heading to New Zealand in June next year and have the chance to experience world class coaching at the Wellington Academy, as well as taking part in competitive matches against top New Zealand youth sides and witness the All Blacks team training behind closed doors.

Said Muhammad, who plays stand-off for Damai Secondary, “I am really excited about my first trip to New Zealand. I hope to watch the All Blacks there and learn new skills to become a better player. It will be an experience playing against New Zealand youths as well.”

Added Miguel, “I am grateful to be selected for the New Zealand stint as this will allow me to develop further as a player. It would not have been possible without the support of my coaches, teachers, team mates and family.”

Nurhidayat & William shares common dream to play in SG7S one day.

Students had learnt a lot from Karl Te Nana

As part of the Heroes in the Making programme, the two students had learnt a lot from Karl Te Nana – a Sevens legend who won the 2001 Rugby World Cup Sevens and the 2002 Commonwealth Games gold medal.

Said Muhammad, “Coach Te Nana is a big name in sevens rugby but he is also a great motivator and very approachable. I picked up a few skills that will be useful for sevens rugby like for instance, how to deliver the ball quickly once you get it. One important lesson Te Nana taught me was not to exaggerate any pain felt during the game. He said that if you feel pain, just shake it off and continue to play.”

Singapore should aim to qualify for the HSBC World Rugby Sevens 

During his visit to Singapore, Te Nana had expressed the view that Singapore should aim to qualify for the HSBC World Rugby Sevens and to play in the HSBC Singapore Sevens one day and this goal struck a chord with Muhammad and Miguel.

Said Miguel, “My ambition in rugby is to represent Singapore in both sevens and 15s. To represent Singapore in the Olympics and to play in the World Sevens Series will be a dream come true.”

A key activity of the 2017 HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens 

Heroes in the Making is a key ancillary activity of the 2017 HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens, which will take place at the National Stadium on 15 and 16 April next year.

Said Inoki Afaeki, Singapore Rugby Union Technical Director, “The programme picks out youth talent with tangible reward for their dedication, time and effort. As Karl Te Nana has said, the talent and skills of some of our local players are world class and we should aim to get entry into the World Sevens Series. I have no doubt in my mind that this is possible but it requires careful attention to make sure that our best players make gains every year.”

Nurhidayat & William with SRU technical director Inoke Afeaki.

Tickets for the HSBC Singapore Sevens are now available 

Tickets to the 2017 HSBC Singapore Sevens are on sale at 20 per cent off its regular price. Two-day passes for Category One (free seating) are just SGD 120, while family packages (2 adults 2 children under 18 years old) are only SGD 260.

All prices include GST and exclude booking fees. So if you are looking for a great Christmas gift for your friends, family, colleagues, buy them tickets to watch next year’s HSBC Singapore Sevens.

Visit www.singapore7s.sg for more ticketing options and VIP hospitality packages.

Photos are courtesy of Singapore Rugby.

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