One of the more intriguing entrants in this year’s Global Youth Sevens is the NZ Irish Barbarians team, created by Dublin-born Killian Armstrong, a former Sacred Heart pupil.
When still at school last year Armstrong – who considers rugby a key part of his culture – was mystified that his homeland had never been represented in such a prestigious competition.
So Armstrong set about creating the NZ Irish Barbarians, a team built around talented schoolboys with Irish heritage who would have the opportunity “to represent their families and Chlann at least once in their lives”.
“Our name NZ Irish obviously represents both sides of our story, our great home nation and a nation we now call home,” team manager Armstrong said.
NZ Irish are coached by the respected Ian Robinson, who led King’s College to the Auckland 1A title this year, and like Armstrong, is a proud Dublin man.
Their 14-man squad features a range of players with First XV experience, as well as some rising rugby league stars such as Ronan Byford, a dynamic player considered by many to be the brightest young talent in New Zealand rugby league.
Byford was not only captain of Mt Albert Grammar’s First XIII but this year lifted the Harold Matthews Cup with the Warriors and claimed Player of the Tournament at the NZRL National Youth Tournament (U18s) with the Akarana Falcons.
Also onboard is Liam Clifford, a classy first-five who played a massive role in leading College Rifles U19s to the Counties Manukau Championship this season, and Kairyn Tatana, an explosive talent out of Wesley College’s First XV, known for his rapid pace and standout defensive game.
Another roped in from Wesley is Irish-born halfback Oscar Fraser, who has made an immediate impact since debuting this season, while the Sacred Heart contingent includes Year 11 speedster Séan Armstrong, versatile back Millar Gardner and Callum Agnew, another to earn First XV selection as a Year 11.
The league talent also includes, Kostya Boyes from Avondale College, the Te Atatū Roosters Premiers, and Akarana Falcons.
Armstrong said the NZ Irish players all believe in one another and have the drive to go as far as they can in the Global Youth Sevens at Dilworth School from December 19-21.
“We live by our motto ‘Ní neart go cur le chéile’ which means ‘There is no strength without unity’.
“For this year in particular it is even more special as we are the only Irish Sevens programme in the world.”
Written by Bruce Holloway
