Sport
22 TUESDAY 2 November 2010
Player agent helps keep local talent in Nelson Two of Nelson’s most promising rugby players have turned down offers from other regions to sign with the Tasman Makos over the past month and there brokering the deal was the regions newest, and only, player agent… and he’s doing it all for free. Phillip Rollo reports. James Lowe and Michael cial union,” says Michael. Wells both signed with the James agrees, and says it Tasman Rugby Union in was an easy decision to stay in Nelson. September, adding to the “Especially in a place we growing list of Nelson Colknow and want to be in. I lege old boys staying loyal don’t know why we’d want to their local province. And to go anywhere else when there in the background we have the opportunity helping them get the best here.” deal was new player agent Shane Drummond, who James recently starred for finalised the deal for the New Zealand Secondary two Nelson College 1st XV Schools team against their stars. Australian counterparts, Shane became an agent afand while Michael just ter he stepped back from missed out on selection afboardroom responsibilities ter he was shortlisted, both with the Tasman Rugby are clearly in the frame for higher honours at an inUnion. ternational level. “I saw a gap with professional rugby coming on, After completing Nelson that some of these guys College at the end of the need the right sort of adyear, James will play for Waimea Old Boys, but Mivice going forward. With Feeding the knowledge. Player agent Shane Drummond, left, with two players he has recently negoicated contracts chael is still undecided on professional football so for, James Lowe and Michael Wells. Both played for Nelson College 1st XV this year and will play for the Tasman lucrative, these guys need which club to commit to. Makos in 2011. Photo: Phillip Rollo. to be acknowledged and Once the club season conexposed. Certainly with my contacts at Michael has family ties with Shane, while guys and their parents to make sure that cludes both players will be involved with the Tasman Makos U-20 side, with the national rugby as well as local, I thought James went to school with his son Mitch- it’s all transparent.” I could help.” ell, so they have always been close, which Shane says the contract for James and Mi- hope of cracking the senior side. “I truly Free of charge, Shane is doing it for the makes it easy to put their career in the cheal will be beneficial for the two players. believe these guys potentially, certainly personal satisfaction of seeing young ath- hands of an agent he can trust, he says. “There’s no denying that they’re identified James has a good opportunity to be a letes realise their dream. “It’s something I “We’ve always been quite close. We’ve al- locally, and in James’ case, nationally. But Mako next year. Michael maybe one year might look at doing in a more formal way ways been on first name basis. Just to have to go to a bigger union, Canterbury, Auck- after, but you never know. There’s a big in time to come. Professional sport agents his knowledge. He knows people who are land, they might not get exposed quickly, step up going from Press Cup to playing are a crucial part of it, having a guy like more famous than people I’ve never seen and a guy that’s reaped the benefits of be- senior rugby,” says Shane. me negotiate opportunities for these kids. before.” ing exposed is Tom Marshall. Two years While Shane admits there could be other They may get walked all over, or might not Reuben Northover and U-20 captain ago he was at school, now he’s got a ITM offers and opportunities down the line for get the opportunities that they deserve.” Mitchell Thwaites are also dealing with Cup contract and now a Super 15 contact. the boys, Michael just wants to develop as a player so he can fulfill his lifelong dream Helping Shane with contracts for the Shane in search of a professional contract, This could happen with these kids.” young players is Nelson lawyer Craig and there is potentially a fifth player al- Both players are excited about signing of being an All Black. “I’d definitely to go Morice who does the work free of charge ready in discussions. “Their pathway is re- their first professional contract. “It felt as far as possible, I’d like to put that black as well. ally important, so I’m dealing with these pretty good to feel wanted by a provin- jersey on.”
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Eddie’s running group into full stride at Botanics For more than 20 years Eddie Saxon has been watching and timing runners at the Bontanics and his free programme is up and running again for the summer. Every Thursday from 5 to 6pm people of all ability come along and are given a regime to follow but most importantly, it’s about having fun, he says. “At the end of every session they all clap, they clap each other, themselves, it’s a nice atmosphere,” he says. Eddie Saxon times runners at the Botanics last week. Eddie The running is free and everyruns a free running programme at the Botanics every Thursday. one is welcome.