Where are they now?

It’s always interesting to learn about what our past students have been up to!

Aidan Ross Professional Rugby Player

Aidan attended Ōtūmoetai College from 2009 – 2011 and is a proud `old boy’ and remains regularly connected to our college.

Could you give us a little background on what’s been happening for you since you left school?

As soon as I left school I spent my time painting with my dad, I would balance working for him with rugby training. It was long hours but I really enjoyed it. At 19 I starting playing for the Steamers and at age 21 I started playing with the Chiefs and been with those two sides ever since.

Tell us about being a student here at Ōtūmoetai College?

My time at Ōtūmoetai was one of the greats. I took a number of subjects but my favourites were Sports Science, Outdoor Education and Wood Technology.

I played rugby in the Under 14s, 15s and First XV during my time there which I have many fond memories of. Mr Gilvear my Wood Tech teacher would always let me eat my food during class time. The late Mr Weston would always let me leave English early so I could go to Rep trainings, and Mr Davis was the first guy that taught me how to actually train hard to become a rugby player. It’s funny the things you remember but I really appreciate my time at Ōtūmoetai.

How did you first become interested in playing rugby?

Did you always know you wanted to be an All Black?

Aidan was a member of the New Zealand Under-20 squad who took out a World Rugby Under-20 Championship, in 2015. In 2017 Aidan made the Gallagher Chiefs squad and made his debut against the Western Force. Aidan captained and led Bay of Plenty to victory in the 2019 Mitre 10 Cup Championship final. In 2022 Ross was named in the All Blacks Squad to take on Ireland and made his debut in Dunedin.

I first became interested in playing rugby when I was younger, I would watch games and want to play myself. Being an All Black was never a dream of mine when I first started rugby, it was more something for me to do with my mates that we all enjoyed doing together. Growing up in Tauranga all I really wanted to do was play for the Bay of Plenty Steamers, but as I started playing more it really started to become more of a reality and a goal of mine the further I’ve grown in the Chiefs.

Do you have a favorite memory from your time at Ōtūmoetai College?

My favourite memory at the college was in 2010 when our Under 15s side went on a trip to the Gold Coast. It was my first ever rugby trip and it was the players and coaches in the team that made it so enjoyable as we had all been playing since we were at intermediate together. We spent plenty of weekends doing sausage sizzles at Bunnings and going around with boxes of chocolates to sell to fundraise for it. It was my first time experiencing hash browns at a buffet on a rugby trip - the best! And still a favourite to this day - you can’t beat a buffet!

Were there any teachers that particularly influenced you?

Mr Davis (Jamie Davis - current HOD of PE) had a real influence on me growing up. He was my coach in all my teams and also my next door neighbour at the time. He would always help me out outside of school to become the best player I could. I owe a lot to Mr Davis.

Do you have any valuable life lessons that you learnt during your college years?

Pack your lunch each day so you’re not wasting money at the school canteen!

Find out what you enjoy doing and make the most whatever that is.

What advice would you give to current students here at Ōtūmoetai College?

Just try as many things as you can. Give everything you’re interested in a go. Once you leave school it’s not as easy to have the same opportunities, so make the most of it and enjoy these times with your mates.