Morgan Turinui weighs in on the talent shown at Global Youth Sevens

New Zealand U18’s secured both titles, with the Girls overcoming a tough NZ Cavaliers side, while the Boys beat across-the-ditch rivals, Australia.

The New Zealand U18 Girls had 44-Test Black Fern Kelly Brazier as their assistant coach, while they had the expertise and experience of Kendra Cocksedge running the waters for them throughout the three days.

New Zealand’s Asha Taumoepeau-Williams, out of Howick College in Auckland, was named Girls MVP for the tournament, while exciting Reds flyer Treyvon Pritchard took out the same award on the Boys side of the draw.

Turinui, speaking to Global Youth Sevens on Sunday, said that the tournament is a great breeding ground for athletes to go on and represent their country at a professional level.

“It’s a well-run tournament. Three fields, just heaps and heaps of rugby. So the kids get lots and lots of time. They have to play injured and tired and back up in different conditions,” Turinui said.

“Over 40 players have gone on to play international rugby, or go to the Olympics. So there’s that for those kids that want to represent their country, but also there’s the other part of it, kids having fun and learning the values of rugby.

Despite the Australia U18’s losing the quarter-final to the eventual runners-up, the NZ Cavaliers, the current Stan Sport commentator says it’s important how you bounce back from unexpected losses in tournaments.

“So that Australian U18’s, losing a quarter-final, they’re disappointed, but it’s a great lesson. You never want to lose, but if you do lose, it’s a great lesson to see if you can bounce back to come together as a team.

“If you’re a kid, just stick with it, the kids that are here playing in let’s say, the NZ 18, the Australia U18’s, they weren’t always superstars at 15.

“Sometimes they’re the kids that didn’t give up and kept working. So I think that’s a great lesson, too.”