Paddy punches above his weight

In 2015 the Sky Sport College Rugby website ran a poll asking followers of its Facebook page to vote for the player they would most like to see profiled. Paddy Carter from Auckland Grammar School was the unlikely winner.

The likes of Asafo Aumua, Josh McKay and Dalton Papali’i, all members of the recent New Zealand Under-20’s World Championship winning team, were running amok for their respective college’s two years ago, but it was Carter who emerged as a convincing victor.

“I don’t know why I won. I guess I’m an honest battler and people could see that so they rallied behind the underdog,” the softly spoken 20-year old theorises.

In Year 11 Carter was playing weight restricted rugby. In 2014, he was a regular third XV forward at Grammar. How has Carter become a Wellington Under-19 representative and frequent starter for Swindale Shield Champions Old Boys University in the last three years?

“My coaches at Grammar, Brett Skeen and Dave Askew, encouraged me to have a crack at the First XV. I didn’t really believe I was good enough, but they were supportive. In the summer, I was a part of a wider training group which did fitness and technical sessions three days a week. Those sessions really built my confidence and I guess things have happened from there.”

Grammar boasted a typically strong First XV in 2015. They won 15 out of 17 games losing twice to eventual Auckland champions St. Kentigern College by a combined margin of three points. The outcome of the 1A final at Eden Park hinged on a last-play penalty attempt by Grammar First-five Wiseguy Faiane. The brother of Blues second-five TJ Faiane was unsuccessful.

“That was heart-breaking, but you can’t blame Wiseguy for the loss because he kicked a dropped goal with the last play of the semi-final in 2014. It was a great season. We had a strong team and beat King’s twice. That game was amazing to play in with all the hype and history.” Carter reflects.

Carter was originally born in Khandallah before moving to New York and then settling in Parnell.His father Baden is an investment banker and has even appeared on television as a finance commentator. His two younger sisters attend Diocesan School for Girls. Carter enjoyed his time in the US, even attending a Yankees vs Red Sox game, but he was always keen to return to the Kiwi capital.

“I wanted to get out of home and become more independent. I study law and commerce at Victoria University and flat on the Terrace. I love it in Wellington.” Carter enthuses.

Last year Carter was a member of the Old Boys University Colts who won the John E Kelly Memorial Cup. Wellington Under-19 mentor Isaac Feaunati was involved in the coaching.

“Isaac was awesome. He widened my understanding of the game and pushed me. I was thrilled to make the Under-19’s.”

In the semi-finals of the Jock Hobbs Memorial National tournament Wellington was beaten 19-17 by Auckland despite scoring three tries to one.

“I came on as a reserve in that game because our lineout was struggling. It was hard case playing Auckland because I knew those boys better than the Wellington guys.” Carter laughs.

The Jubilee Cup is no laughing matter. Three weeks in and the Billygoats are the only unbeaten team. OBU have won 14 out of 16 games in 2017 despite using 51 players and 22 debutants.

“It’s unsettling when injuries and university clash with rugby but I think because were a varsity club we get to know each other more than some of the other clubs. I see some of the boys every day. Were pretty tight.” Carter asserts.

OBU had to be tight last Saturday to resist Hutt Old Boys Marist. For the second time, this season OBU beat the Eagles by two points.

“Every game is tough, but Hutt are a really good team. They have huge forwards and are well directed by Sheridan Rangihuna at halfback. I wouldn’t be surprised if we faced them again,” Carter says.

Carter is one of 11 players in the newly conceived OBU Academy which offers extra training and support for select individuals. On Saturday that extra practice bore fruit as Carter stole four lineouts and was an integral part of the win.

“It was a tough slog on Saturday. That’s the muddiest field I have played on in a long time. I played with Hutt hooker Ben Power in the 19’s last year. I know more about him than I thought,” Carter chuckles.

When asked to single out standout individuals at OBU, Carter was reluctant, but he believes the addition of Dale Sabbaragh and Matt Goosen has strengthened the midfield and props Finnbarr Kerr-Newell and Jonathon Fuimaono are “great lineout lifters” which “makes life easier.”

This selfless attitude may provide the biggest clue as to why Carter was an online hit three years ago and has progressed rapidly for OBU.

This Saturday, OBU plays Tawa at Lyndhurst Park at the earlier time of 2.15pm.