Matt Peni: Patience Pays Off

Matt Peni playing for Marist St Pat's against Petone last week, his first game for MSP since being selected in the New Zealand U20 squad for the upcoming IRB Junior World Championship.?

Matt Peni has done his college, club and city proud by making the New Zealand under 20's squad for the upcoming world cup.

Peni, always a strong performer for any team he is in, was always overlooked and seen as second-best for representative selection. That constant disappointment only made his hunger and desire grow.

Growing up, rugby was all around the young loose-forward. He immersed himself in the sport from the age of five and had the helping hand of cousin, Fa'atonu Fili, all of the way. Funnily enough he now plays alongside his fly half cousin for the Marist St Pat's premier side.

Peni made a real mark on Wellington rugby during his lengthy period in the St Pat's Town first XV. He recounts particular fond memories from his tenure there.

"Definitely beating Wellington College in my 6^th form year on their home ground was one of the highlights and also making the 1^st XV final in 2010, even though we didn't win" he says.

"2010 right through to 2012 were really special years for my rugby. I actually never made any age grade teams but that made me push even harder for opportunities".

"Now I've got it so I guess that's what's helped me into this New Zealand under-20 side, always being second so always working to be the best but keeping in mind you can't always be the best" Peni says.

The hulking no.8 has now made his first massive leap to a career in professional rugby after years of being overlooked which makes his selection all the more sweet.

Peni puts it down to two things; "It was determination and motivation to become a better player and show what I had to offer".

The dream was always alive inside of him. Peni noted players such as Ma'a Nonu who have made his rugby dream realistic, growing up in the eastern suburbs as he has and a similar culture.

The unsung hero of his successes so far is his father who he stressed has been influential. He would drive his young son all over the north island, no matter where, in order for him to grow his talents and keep pushing for higher honours. His son's recent selection must have been a proud day.?

Taking up a spot with the Counties Manukau academy in 2013 was a valued experience for the young-gun. After being overlooked in Wellington he grasped the opportunity when Counties called his number.

"It was good, quite different, but at the same time the environment was cool. Tana Umaga was always in and around helping out and was always good" he remembers.

MSP welcomed his service back from the north and has been in blistering form which has caught the eye of under 20's selectors. Peni speaks with real pride about his club side.

"The unity and the brotherhood is why we are strong. We train hard together, blood sweat and tears together. The team culture is good. We do off field stuff like going for team breakfast before games or team dinners".

He also believes the club competition seems stronger than ever.

"Some of the underdog teams have been putting up some impressive results. It has added to the competition. No teams are taken lightly".

The recent selection is a dream come true for Peni who has been working hard for many years.

"I've worked hard. It's not something I thought of a couple of months ago. I've been working on it for a long time".

He can't wait to play in front of home family and fans and believes that will give the team an edge when the tournament kicks off in June.

The young man has his feet firmly on the ground and looks to life after rugby as it is just one phase in his life.

"In the back of my mind I have a few things I could do; mechanic, police officer or builder maybe. I'm not going to be playing rugby until I die so investing time into life after rugby is important to me" he believes.

Peni also knows this is just the beginning. He has set goals for himself that are not out of reach. I don't think I have to highlight his ultimate goal in another black jersey in the future.

Peni's hard work has paid off but for now he feels "blessed" to be here and do what he's doing.