Young Timaru rugby player James Robertson aims for NZ Sevens
Timaru's James Robertson is chasing the dream of representing New Zealand in sevens rugby.
The 18-year-old has just finished Year 13 at Timaru Boys' High School and is preparing to play under 21 rugby for Marist Albion Rugby Club Canterbury in Christchurch.
As a rising star, the halfback had a stellar 2019, culminating in selection for the New Zealand Maori Sevens side which finished third at the World Schools Sevens in Auckland in December 2019.
In addition he was selected for the 2019 Crusaders Junior Knights development camp wider training group, South Canterbury under 18, Mackenzie Rugby Football Club senior sevens and South Canterbury sevens while representing TBHS in the First XV and sevens.
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Robertson has had a holiday job at Mackenzie Supply Services in Temuka as he prepares to study for a sport coaching degree at the University of Canterbury in 2020.
He aims to excel in the sevens and compete at national level.
"I quite enjoy the space of sevens as I'm not the biggest guy.
"I'm going to plays sevens and 15 this year, and I will try hard in both, but sevens will be my main focus."
The speed of sevens was appealing, he said.
"For the 15 I will try and make the Canterbury under 19 team, that's my main goal this year.
"My ultimate goal will be the All Blacks Sevens, I have a lot of work to do before I get to that."
Robertson said he plans to complete the degree in the next three years and spend a fourth year at university to qualify as a physical education teacher.
"I will definitely aim high but I have to work hard.
"I have to work harder than everyone else, and if I work hard, anything is possible."
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