Rongotai College returning to Condor Sevens this weekend

Rongotai College are returning to the Youthtown Condor Sevens tournament this coming weekend at Sacred Heart College, Auckland, for the first time in over a decade.

Rongotai has previously attended in 1998 and 2005. In 1998, wing Eni Afoa was selected for the New Zealand Under-19’s on the back of his tournament form. In 2005 future All Black Julian Savea was selected in the tournament team.

In addition to Julian and Ardie Savea, Ma’a Nonu, Roy Kinikinilau and Max Pearson have represented the New Zealand Sevens team out of Rongotai College.

Rongotai earned their place at Sacred Heart College by finishing second at the Wellington qualifier. 

Rongotai was beaten by Scots College 21-19 in the final, conceding a last play try. They enjoyed wins over hosts Naenae College, Wellington College 12-10 in the quarter-final and St Pats Town 31-7 in the semi-final.

Rongotai College have a strong chance of topping their pool after day one and progressing to the Cup quarter-finals. Their Pool H opponents are recent hometown champions Kelston BHS (Auckland), Pakuranga College (Auckland) and Thames HS (Thames Valley).

The Rongotai squad for the YouthTown Condors is:

D.J. Taoipu © - Year 13, Wellington Under-16 &18 rep. The Samoan Wellington Academy member plays prop in sevens, but typically loose forward in the fifteen aside code.

Matiu Samuel (VC) - Year 13, Wellington Under-18 rep, quick feet and a creative attacker.

Jason Tuitama - Year 13, Wellington Under-18 rep. Brother of Wellington Lion Malo Tuitama. Agile and quick.

Sose Perenise - Year 13, A fit and aggressive prop and hooker.

Sui Filemoni - Year 13, Nominated for Samoan Barbarian Under-18 sevens. A strong and mobile front rower.

Pule Mulitalo - Year 13, A strong ball carrier who can play prop or in the midfield.

Elias Toleafoa - Year 13, An elusive and fast wing or halfback.

Willy Rua - Year 13, A very fit and elusive runner and ball fetcher. A Wellington Under-16 rep.

Sane Chut - Year 13, The quickest player in the team. A National standard sprinter who was selected for the Centurions Under-18’s.

Steven Va’a - Year 12, A strong runner and devastating defender. A Wellington Under-16 rep.

Reon Paull - Year 11, A multi-talented sportsman playing league, basketball and flag ball for his school. The Wellington Under-16 rep is a midfielder with pace.

Jason Auelilo - Year 11, A big, young, powerful front rower.