PNL Proud to be backing our future talent

The Tasman Rugby Union's Nelson Rugby Academy is to be sponsored by Port Nelson, and chief executive Martin Byrne says investing in the future of the region is a core part of the company's philosophy.

"The port company and the port community are an integral part of this region. We are proud to be investing in the development of these young players," he said.

"We're continually planning for the future, so we fully understand the importance of the academy and the difference it will make."

Nelson Rugby Academy manager Leon MacDonald said the sponsorship would make a real difference to the future of the game in the region.

"This will give us the resources we need to work with the academy players, who could be the next Makos, the next generation of Super 14 players, and who knows? Some could even become All Blacks."

MacDonald said the academy's vision was that over the next two years, those who graduated would be ready to take the next step towards selection for the Makos.

The Tasman Rugby Union's academy operates in both Nelson and Marlborough, and its aim is to identify those players who have the natural talents to be the Makos of the future, and start them on a training programme that focuses on discipline, attitude and professionalism.

The academy managers work with rugby coaches at varying levels of the sport to identify players who can be invited into the academy.

The average age of recruits is between 18 and 21. There are 12 players in the Nelson academy and 10 in the Marlborough academy.

 

 

 

 

HMNZS Canterbury

HMNZS Canterbury will be visiting Nelson from 1000 Friday 6 August to 1000 Monday 9 August.  She is under the command of Commander J L (Jim) Gilmour and has a complement of 149.  This is the ship’s first real visit to Nelson (apart from twice when she has sat off in the Bay).  The ship will be berthed at McGlashen Quay, which is inside the port’s secure area. Hence, free access to and from the ship is not available.
 
The ship will however be open to the public on Sunday 8 August, 1330 – 1600.  Buses will be provided to take visitors from the main gate at Carkeek Street through to the ship and back.