Trask Seeking More Success

Kaleb Trask - Rotorua Boys High (Photo Supplied)

During his time at Rotorua Boys’ High School  Kaleb Trask has won four National titles – two in touch, the 2014 Condor Sevens and the 2015 National Top Four Rugby crown. The New Zealand Barbarians selection is hungry for more.


“It’s kind of wired going back to school after we have finished exams, but it’s good to play with the boys again. We have good teams for touch and sevens this year,” Trask enthuses.
The Bay of Plenty Condor qualifier is held on October 29. Rotorua (semi-finalists in 2015)  should reach the final, a prerequisite for Nationals entry.
“I think it will be between us and Tauranga Boys.’ We are in a bit of a rebuilding year, but we still have some good players like Te Ra Whata, Hayze Perham, James Tofa and Jayden Sargent,” Trask believes.
This group of five will also anchor Rotorua’s defence of their National touch title in December. A fierce rivalry with Hamilton BHS is expected to continue.
“Every battle with Hamilton is intense. We have won the last two touch Nationals which puts a bit of a target on our backs,” Trask admits.
Hamilton ended Rotorua’s First XV season a match prior to the National Top Four.
“It was disappointing not to achieve our goal which was to make the Top Four. It was a really close game and a couple of mistakes cost us. I think we had a good season, but some young players and a bit of lost form mid-season wasn’t good,” Trask reflects.
Trask’s rugby season didn’t end with Rotorua. He was selected for the New Zealand Barbarians who enjoyed two wins against Australia (28-17) and Fiji (46-20). Trask scored 20 points (two tries) in the later win.



“The Barbarians was an awesome experience. The culture and coaching was really good. I was surprised to be playing fullback in the first game, but I enjoyed it. In the second game we did well to keep our discipline, the Fijians got a bit carried away,” Trask laughs. Fiji was reduced to 12 players at one stage.
Trask hasn’t reduced his standards all year and this week was voted Bay of Plenty Rugby Union Sports Person of the year.
Trask has recently secured a spot in the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union Steamers Academy for 2017 and 2018.
“I was a bit surprised to win that, but it was great. I am really looking forward to 2017,” Trask concludes.


Bay Of Plenty Rugby Award Winners

• Secondary School Programme of the Year: Rotorua Boys High School – Rukura Rugby
• Secondary Schools Schools Coach of the Year: Jeff Robb and Leo Scott – Tauranga Girls College
• Bay of Plenty Under 16’s Player of the Year: Taitua Woller
• Bay of Plenty U18 Secondary School Girls’ Player of the Year: Tynealle Fitzgerald
• Bay of Plenty Under 18’s Player of the Year: Matt Leppard
• Bay of Plenty Under 19’s Player of the Year: Angus McDonald
• Bay of Plenty Development Player of the Year: Nick Evemy
• WASPS Emerging Representative Player of the Year: Tynealle Fitzgerald

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