Each summer, Michigan Rugby sends one or two select players to New Zealand to train with our partner club, Poneke FC. Jack Regan, Zach Small, and Max Nelson are there now, and Jack is writing about his experiences abroad each week. This post concerns June 30- July 6.
The week started off grey and dreary, with heavy rain coming down most of the time. This meant that training was indoors unfortunately. However, the weather got better as the week went on which was nice.
Max and Large were at work, so I ventured off by myself to go hike the beautiful Red Rocks coastal trail once again. The views were absolutely breathtaking and I could even see a massive mountain off in the distance across the water. The whole walk was really nice until I wandered too far down the coast right into a pack of leopard seals! I should’ve read the signs about them and kept an eye out for them lounging all over the rocks. I quickly turned around and got out of there before any of them could get to me.
I also did some shopping during the week and picked out some nice souvenirs to bring back for the family. It was really cool checking out the local craft market and seeing all the talented artists and their work. I made sure to grab some All Blacks gear for the game in Auckland next week as well.
On Friday, Max and I went to the zoo. I don’t recommend going to the Zoo in Wellington in the winter months. It was really cold and windy which meant some of the animals weren’t out. It was still cool seeing the lions, tigers, and giraffes though. I’m sure if it were warmer then it would’ve been a better experience.
Saturday was our final regular season game. It’s hard to believe our time in New Zealand is coming to an end. Our match was against our rivals across the street, Marist St. Pats. The Poneke boys pulled through to end our season on a winning note. Shoutout Max for scoring! We ended off the day with watching the All Blacks beat England in the first of two test matches. Stay tuned for my final journal entry next week.
