Four former students from Francis Douglas Memorial College in New Plymouth have been selected for the All Blacks tour squad.
Along with the three Barrett brothers, Beauden, Scott and Jordie, Liam Coltman had been named as a hooker on the tour.
Martin Chamberlain, the principal of Francis Douglas Memorial College, said they were not only proud of their rugby achievements, but that they had grown into well-rounded young men.
Tim Stuck, who coached the three Barrett brothers at Francis Douglas said they had all shown potential and each had “special qualities”.
As the first 15 coach, Stuck had watched all 3 boys play and see their skills develop.
While Beauden showed attributes of a professional rugby player early on and demonstrated skills that would allow him to be influential in a game, it was Scott who he knew would definitely be an All Black.
“As a coach to be honest, I actually thought he would kick on to be an All Black. I thought this guy has an amazing skill set.”
“For a lock, kicking goals, footwork, everything. I thought he could certainly go on and play for his country if not for his province.”
Jordie, the youngest of the Barrett boys and just 19, had only been away from the school for two years but progressed quickly, Stuck said.
“Jordie grew really quick at secondary school, he was a very, very able rugby player and again skill set, ability to read a game, very tough – he’s progressed as well. ”
Other notable sportsmen who attended Francis Douglas include:
- John Mitchell – All Black, former All Blacks coach, Western Force Super Rugby team coach
- Conrad Smith – former Hurricanes captain and former All Black
- Frank van Hattum – New Zealand football (soccer) international
- Deacon Manu – New Zealand Maori Rugby and Fijian International.
- Scott Fuglistaller – Wellington Lion, Melbourne Rebel. (Rugby Union)
- Leon Power – Taranaki rugby Bay of Plenty rugby ACT Brumbies Super rugby.
- Carl Carmichael – Taranaki rugby, King Country Rugby, Tasman Rugby and NZ Heartland Rugby Team.
- Teihorangi Walden represented New Zealand Under-20 during the 2013 IRB Junior World Championship in France.
- Ricky Riccitelli hooker for the Hurricanes at the tender age of 21.
- Kane Barrett Captain Taranaki in the ITM Cup. Blues squad 2013 and 2014. New Zealand Secondary Schools.
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