The 2019 Teys Australia Rugby Union program had a week-long cultural and competitive tour of New Zealand.
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For a lot of the U13 squad this was their first flight and first experience outside of Australia.
With rugby union returning to the NIAS programming after a year's hiatus, it was imperative that the program had strong competitive opportunities, and that it did.
In the build up to the tour the Teys Australia Rugby Union program held trials against St Joseph's College in Sydney, one of the strongest rugby union schools in NSW. The squads also had a game as the curtain raiser to the 2019 Central North Rugby Union Grand Final.
With these competitive games under their belts, the U13 squads were ready to test their metal against their Kiwi counterparts in Christchurch.
The first rival for the Northern Inland boys was the Christchurch Rugby Club, which has produced over 30 All Blacks including Richie McCaw. The boys played hard across two games, but the Kiwi talent was too much.
Co-coach Jason Lincoln says he was impressed with what he saw from the young men. "They were clearly up against a very talented side, but our boys never gave up the fight, they played to the end in both games and could really hold their heads up high after that showing."
The international tours that NIAS offer aren't just about improving the athletes on the field, but also off the field.
Helping them to develop as mature, young adults. On the tour they had presentations from former All Blacks, toured the Christchurch Crusaders facilities, took part in some adventures and a Maori cultural experience.
The second game on tour for the Teys Australia squads was against Burnside U13s. The boys took a lot away from their first game and were ready to show they had improved. The A grade team suffered a narrow 2-point loss to the Burnside A-team while the second team from NIAS achieved a 4-point victory.
"It was impressive to see how the boys really lifted for this second game," Lincoln said. "They played out of their skins and really took it to the Burnside boys. They were great games and I hope the boys will really take something away from it."
ATHLETE PROFILE: Lilli Johns
Sport: Glen Innes Services Netball Program
Hometown: Armidale
How long have you been involved with NIAS? This is my third year in the Netball program
Age: 16
Ambition: My first step, I'd like to earn selection into the State team, after that I'll just take any opportunities as they appear.
Hero: Paige Hadley, she plays for the NSW Swifts and Australia and also plays wingattack, my favourite position.
Biggest influence: My first coach when I was eight, Teagan.
She taught me to firstly enjoy playing and to let the rest follow.
Coaches since have reinforced this and encouraged me to be a good sportsperson on and off the court.