Outlasting Opponents the Wright way

Above: Jack Wright playing for the Wellington U19s in their 31-6 win over Hawke's Bay. Photo by Stewart Baird Photography. 

The Wellington U19's won the inaugural Graham Mourie Cup at the National Jock Hobbs Memorial event in 2014. Last year the baby Lions were third. Leading up to the 2017 tournament, Club Rugby will profile some of the young Lions who are likely to feature in the tournament and who are the future of the game in the capital.

Beauden Barrett is officially recognised as the best rugby player in the world. He plays golf off a single handicap and boasts a decile 10 girlfriend, but there is one thing he doesn’t have, the record for the Bronco.

The Bronco is a Wellington rugby fitness test promoting endurance and long distance acceleration.  Jack Wright holds that distinction and explains what’s involved.

“You have to sprint 20-metres to a marker, then 40-metres and finally 60-metres You do this five times. I did it in about four minutes and 27 seconds which is apparently the record, beating Beauden Barrett. I don’t boast about it, because I want to be humble, but I have always prided myself on my fitness.”

Wright is a workhorse lock and flanker and stresses fitness will be a key ingredient for the Wellington Under-19’s if they are to succeed at the National tournament which kicks off in Taupo on September 10.

“We have a good all-round team, but we are especially strong in the forwards. Our front row of Kilopasi Uluilakepa, Ben Aumua Peseta and Xavier Numia are all big and powerful. If those guys play well for the whole game we should go well,” Wright theorises.

St Pats Silverstream was a bitter-sweet experience for Wright. In 2014 he was a member of the Under-15’s who won 23 out of 24 games and the Hurricanes title. Between 2015 and 2016 he spent two years in the First XV, but missed the best part of two months with a broken cheekbone in the latter season.

“We didn’t have the greatest of seasons last year and it was frustrating watching from the sidelines. I learned to boost my communication and work rate,” Wright reveals.

Wright’s work ethic has been appreciated by rep selectors. He runs a 20 level yoyo and has played 102 minutes in the wins against the Hurricanes Heartland XV and Hawke’s Bay in the seeding tournament.

This Saturday at Jerry Collins Stadium, Wellington hosts Manawatu in the regional final. Wright expects a tough tussle against familiar faces.

“I think Matene Ruawa, Brayden Iose and Jarrod Harawira will be their loose forward trio. Matene and Brayden were both in the New Zealand Schools last year and Jarrod was my co-captain at St Pats Silverstream and is a really good player. It will be a tough game.”

The Upper Hutt Rams Colts had a tough start to their season, demoted to the second division. However the baby Rams rallied to win the title.

“I wanted to play with my brother Regan and together we were locks and had a great season. The final was just like any other final I have played, really tough.” Wright reflects.

Wright is the youngest of four brothers. His oldest brother Ben is a father and works at Burger Fuel. Thomas is a keen hunter and Luke is a Down Syndrome sufferer and vocal presence at Jack’s games.

“Luke is my waterboy. Whatever team I am in, he has become the waterboy. He loves it and is really encouraging. Last year he was presented a jersey signed by the First XV at St. Pats Silverstream,” Wright acclaims.

Wright is a member of the Wellington Rugby Academy and works fulltime for Panhead Breweries in a packaging role.

The final 25-man squad for Nationals is selected this weekend after Wellington’s Hurricanes Central Shield U19 decider against Manawatu at Jerry Collins Stadium at 2pm.