Latest news with #1stXV
The Citizen
16-07-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Ferdies Rugby stars invited to Dubai Sevens
Two top rugby players from Ferdinand Postma have been selected by Blue Running Sports International to represent a team taking part in the Dubai sevens later this year. Kennedy Chinyama and Kagiso Serobatse, both Grade 12 learners, have been offered a unique opportunity to showcase their talents on an international stage. According to their 1st XV coach, Donnavan Serfontein, they are both exceptional players. 'Kennedy has strong leadership qualities on and off the field. He proved this year that he can carry a team, someone with many talents, he has power, and pace. Kagiso is known for his ability to sidestep opponents. He also scored our winning try against Gimmies last year after using his pace to run around his opponents,' Serfontein said. The cost of this tour is R65 990. The two players need help from the community to give them a chance at sporting excellence through international exposure. If anyone can assist these two athletes, email [email protected] for more details. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Herald Scotland
08-07-2025
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Local rugby volunteer 'honoured' by national award recognition
Such an impressive contribution saw Hall get selected as a national finalist in the Unsung Hero category from over 1,000 nominations, which celebrates those who have gone above and beyond to provide positive experiences. 'I was really surprised and feel quite honoured [to be selected],' said Hall. 'It's just something that I do, and I feel that it has to be done. I'm really proud that people have acknowledged what I've done. 'We've got such a good team in M&J, and with the development of women's rugby, I can't really describe how impressed I am and how honoured I am [to see the growth]. I get quite moved by it. 'It's fantastic to know that these girls that I see on a daily basis are not going to have to stop playing and have to find a different sport to fill that gap.' (Image: Photo supplied by Nat Hall)Hall first started playing rugby in school but had to give it up due to a lack of provision in secondary school before finding MRC when she was 16. After playing for the club for 14 years, Hall became a mother and subsequently started coaching when her first son reached the under-8s and wanted to start playing. 'Within two years, I was Chair of M&J basically. First there was a need for me to coach, and then there was a need for me to help with the fundraising,' she explained. 'When I was asked to be the chair of the section, it was a no-brainer because I understood how the club worked and the things that could be implemented to make a real difference.' Since then, Hall has had a remarkable impact in Manchester. She has fostered community through initiatives like getting the 1st XV involved in coaching the younger age groups and lending her expertise to help Sale Sharks engage local clubs. Throughout her role she employs a personal tagline 'dedicated2development', inspired to keep the club at a level that can help churn out more players in the mould of Harriet Millar-Mills, a 66 cap England international who began life at MRC. 'Making sure that we've got the coaches who are able to coach to that standard is really, really important,' Hall said. 'It's making sure that we've got a programme in place where we can share that information, and where people are honest, open and confident enough to be able to ask for help.' It is an attitude that has paid dividends as Hall recently coached the first all-girls under-10 game at the club alongside her son. 'It was just brilliant. It was a really lovely thing to watch. They all absolutely loved it, both teams,' she said. 'Some of the women's team came down to watch as well. I was really proud of all the effort that the coaching team for that age group have put in as well. 'To keep all these girls coming through and to have that many girls playing for a mixed team is fantastic.' Volunteers are the backbone of grassroots rugby in England. If you'd like to get involved and make a difference at your community club, visit:
Perth Now
04-07-2025
- Perth Now
Ex-private schoolboy's ‘risky role' in drug deal
A former rugby player from a high profile eastern suburbs private school has pleaded guilty to his 'risky role' in a commercial supply of more than 10kg of cocaine. Jake Michael Prindiville, 28. a former young gun for the 1st XV at the exclusive Scots College in Bellevue Hill, attended the Downing Centre District Court on Friday for a sentencing hearing, flanked by his family. Jake Michael Prindiville has pleaded guilty to his role in the drug supply of more than 10kg of cocaine. Christian Gilles / NewsWire Credit: News Corp Australia He pleaded guilty to taking part in supplying a prohibited drug in a large commercial quantity, over his involvement in a substantial cocaine supply in Ashfield, in Sydney's inner west in October 2023. The charge carries a maximum potential term of life imprisonment. Defence barrister Phillip Boulten SC told the court his client was offered money to play 'a risky role in someone else's supply of a large commercial quantity of cocaine to someone else'. 'His job was to take possession of the sports bag in which the drugs were located and to be the mechanism by which the intended purchaser would take possession of the drugs,' he said. Mr Boulten said Prindiville only became 'much more aware of the significance of what he was doing' when he 'picked up the bag and could feel that it was a heavy bag'. 'His participation and his knowledge of taking part in supply can be measured in minutes not hours or days,' he said. The court was told Prindiville was in communications with a contact that went by the name of 'Mickey Mouse' in the hours prior to the supply. Jake Michael Prindiville will be sentenced before the District Court on Tuesday, 8 July. Instagram Credit: Supplied Following a stint at Connect Global, a rehabilitation centre north of Newcastle, his bail was varied in August 2024 to allow him to reside at home, under a strict curfew. These conditions were suspended in April 2025, to allow him to travel to employment. The court was told the young man has struggled with childhood dysfunction, ongoing drug use, and post traumatic stress disorder, making him 'vulnerable'. 'It's made it very difficult for him to lead a stable life,' Mr Boulten said. 'Jail will be quite hard … he's still vulnerable.' While struggling through high school, Prindiville experienced 'vile, disgusting abuse' for which he would eventually receive compensation in early adulthood. 'There is little wonder … hardly any wonder that the offender was an early starter in consuming alcohol and illegal drugs when he was still at school. Like his father, he was smoking cannabis … and as a teenager became much more aware of his mother's family and, therefore, his Aboriginality,' Mr Boulten said. 'Any attempts that he made to make significant inroads into his community from Brewarina were not really assisted by his mother who was his only contact in that community.' Mr Boulten added Prindiville had 'achieved a lot' since his arrest and has 'reasonable prospects' for rehabilitation. The Crown Prosecution conceded the 'exceptional' nature of Prindiville's case. 'There's not much I can say against what Mr Boulten has already said.' Judge Michael Smith stood the matter over to next Tuesday for sentencing.
Scoop
29-06-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
Liti And Patolo Named NZ Team Flag Bearers
Press Release – New Zealand Olympic Committee Weightlifters David Liti and Tui-Alofa Patolo are part of a nine-strong weightlifting contingent at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games Games, with five members set to make their New Zealand Team debut. Weightlifters David Liti and Tui-Alofa Patolo have been named flag bearers for the New Zealand Team at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games starting today in Palau. The pair are part of a nine-strong weightlifting contingent at the Games, with five members set to make their New Zealand Team debut. Patolo, who will compete in the Women's +86kg category, is one of those athletes making her debut and admits the call up to carry the flag came as a surprise. 'When I got the call, I was shocked, I was not expecting it at all, it's such a huge honour and I'm so grateful,' said Patolo. 'My coach was telling me to make sure I picked up a call from an unknown number, because usually I would've just ignored it…but I'm glad I picked it up!' 'I've spoken to a few of the others making their debut and we're all excited. We're training hard to make ourselves and the people we're representing proud, our families, our coaches, our clubs and of course our country,' she said. Patolo is joined by experienced weightlifter, David Liti, who has been New Zealand Team flag bearer previously at both the 2019 and 2023 Pacific Games. 'Honestly as an athlete it's probably one of the biggest highlights,' Liti said. 'It's like being the captain of the 1st XV or the Prime Minister of New Zealand…you're the team leader at these events. I'm super proud and super pumped – it's one of the best feelings,' he said. Liti, who will compete in the Men's +110kg category, said his motivation to compete in the black singlet has never been stronger. 'We come from a country where competing against each other is the norm, I've adapted to that, and I just want to be the best. Until I get what I want from weightlifting, I'll still be motivated,' he said. Liti admitted it feels a bit 'weird' being seen as a senior member of the team, despite his young years. 'I feel like a veteran – I'm 28 at the moment but feel like I'm 50!' 'I still feel like just another athlete in the team. I'm always happy to share my knowledge and be there for those just starting out. I hope when we get to Palau, they can trust me and I'm there if they need my help,' he said. Patolo is likely to be one of those athletes seeking out Liti's experience at the Games and expects it will be an emotional and exciting time when she leads the team out at the opening ceremony. 'I feel like every time I even start to think about it, I'll start crying. I'm just grateful for the opportunity and to do it alongside someone like David is special as well.' The Palau 2025 Pacific Mini Games go from June 29 to July 9 with New Zealand Team athletes competing from July 2. Updates and some live streamed events available on The New Zealand Team for Palau 2025 Pacific Mini Games (in alphabetical order, *denotes New Zealand Team debut): Hannah Close* (26 years old, Women's U58kg), Holly Drain (26 years old, Women's U77kg), Sienna Fesolai (19 years old, Women's U69kg), David Liti (28 years old, Men's +110kg), Tui-Alofa Patolo* (34 years old, Women's +86kg category), Louise Richards* (27 years old, Women's U63kg), Monica Saili-Hiakita* (27 years old, Women's U77kg), Judy Soloai* (30 years old, Women's +86kg), Vernon Taylor (26 years old, Men's U71kg)
Scoop
29-06-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
Liti And Patolo Named NZ Team Flag Bearers
Weightlifters David Liti and Tui-Alofa Patolo have been named flag bearers for the New Zealand Team at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games starting today in Palau. The pair are part of a nine-strong weightlifting contingent at the Games, with five members set to make their New Zealand Team debut. Patolo, who will compete in the Women's +86kg category, is one of those athletes making her debut and admits the call up to carry the flag came as a surprise. 'When I got the call, I was shocked, I was not expecting it at all, it's such a huge honour and I'm so grateful,' said Patolo. 'My coach was telling me to make sure I picked up a call from an unknown number, because usually I would've just ignored I'm glad I picked it up!' 'I've spoken to a few of the others making their debut and we're all excited. We're training hard to make ourselves and the people we're representing proud, our families, our coaches, our clubs and of course our country,' she said. Patolo is joined by experienced weightlifter, David Liti, who has been New Zealand Team flag bearer previously at both the 2019 and 2023 Pacific Games. 'Honestly as an athlete it's probably one of the biggest highlights,' Liti said. 'It's like being the captain of the 1st XV or the Prime Minister of New the team leader at these events. I'm super proud and super pumped - it's one of the best feelings,' he said. Liti, who will compete in the Men's +110kg category, said his motivation to compete in the black singlet has never been stronger. 'We come from a country where competing against each other is the norm, I've adapted to that, and I just want to be the best. Until I get what I want from weightlifting, I'll still be motivated,' he said. Liti admitted it feels a bit 'weird' being seen as a senior member of the team, despite his young years. 'I feel like a veteran - I'm 28 at the moment but feel like I'm 50!' 'I still feel like just another athlete in the team. I'm always happy to share my knowledge and be there for those just starting out. I hope when we get to Palau, they can trust me and I'm there if they need my help,' he said. Patolo is likely to be one of those athletes seeking out Liti's experience at the Games and expects it will be an emotional and exciting time when she leads the team out at the opening ceremony. 'I feel like every time I even start to think about it, I'll start crying. I'm just grateful for the opportunity and to do it alongside someone like David is special as well.' The Palau 2025 Pacific Mini Games go from June 29 to July 9 with New Zealand Team athletes competing from July 2. Updates and some live streamed events available on The New Zealand Team for Palau 2025 Pacific Mini Games (in alphabetical order, *denotes New Zealand Team debut): Hannah Close* (26 years old, Women's U58kg), Holly Drain (26 years old, Women's U77kg), Sienna Fesolai (19 years old, Women's U69kg), David Liti (28 years old, Men's +110kg), Tui-Alofa Patolo* (34 years old, Women's +86kg category), Louise Richards* (27 years old, Women's U63kg), Monica Saili-Hiakita* (27 years old, Women's U77kg), Judy Soloai* (30 years old, Women's +86kg), Vernon Taylor (26 years old, Men's U71kg)
