Without Napier Boys’ High School, Brad Weber believes he would not have achieved what he has in his rugby career.
Named in the All Blacks squad recently, Weber returned to his former school and surprised the Under 14 rugby team – many of whom aspire to get to where he is.
He recalls former students and rugby players visiting the school during his time to pass on inspiration and felt he should do the same.
“I was very lucky to have a few successful years here and I wouldn’t be a professional rugby player if I didn’t come to Napier Boys’ and go through the rugby and school system here,” Weber says.
Off the field, he also credits his teachers with enabling him to get an education and study at the University of Otago.
During his time at NBHS from 2004-2009, Weber went from playing in the F grade to spending his last three years in the First XV squad.
He says the key is knowing that if you work hard enough, “you will definitely get there”.
Aside from the All Blacks, Weber now plays for the Chiefs and Hawke’s Bay Magpies.
Earlier this month, he played for Hawke’s Bay in the Mitre 10 Cup Championship.
While he does not get to spend as much time in the region as he used to, Weber says he pops into the school “every now and again”, and last spoke to the First XV a few years ago.
Last Thursday’s visit proved extra special for the U14 team who have had a disrupted season due to Covid-19.
There were cheers of excitement as the boys crossed the rugby field to their last training session for the season.
Napier Boys’ High School’s Under 14 rugby team with All Black and former student Brad Weber.
Weber spent time playing with them and gave them some encouragement and pointers.
His advice to a young halfback was to “get as fit as he possibly can”.
“The game is easier as a halfback when you’re the fittest on the field. Whenever I’ve played my best rugby is when I’ve got myself in the best shape.”
Captain George Hancy was rendered “speechless” by Weber’s presence.
Halfback Kyle Halliwell said he has always looked up to Weber, along with TJ Perenara and was grateful to spend a training with him.
U14 forwards coach Billy Te Hiko coached Weber during his formative years alongside his sons, and together with manager and wife Delwyn Te Hiko, have a long-standing relationship with his family.
Backs coach and Head of Mathematics Stu Gourdie also taught a young Weber.
Mr Te Hiko said he hoped Weber’s appearance showed the boys that there is a “pathway” for them in rugby if they choose.
“Hopefully somewhere the seed might be planted, and they will end up getting into the big time if they put their mind to it.”
As the Under 14 team is a tournament team, players come from seven different teams over three grades and don’t regularly play together.
Covid-19 and the alert levels had disrupted all but one of the scheduled tournaments. The Super 8 U14 Rugby Tournament held in Palmerston North earlier this month ended up being the only tournament this year.
“It was a pretty tough tournament for the boys, and it presented a few challenges because they weren’t used to playing different types of rugby against different types of teams,” Mr Te Hiko said.
However, he says it was a “learning curve” for the team.
