Story courtesy of College Sport Media

Wellington Lions captain Du Plessis Kirifi has won the Ranfurly Shield and NPC trophies in the past year.

Last Wednesday he added another accolade to his résumé when as assistant coach of Mana College he helped the First XV capture the Beard Trophy with a dramatic 31-24 win over Aotea College.

Aura Kupa scored four tries for Aotea, but Mana eventually prevailed when centre Kya Albert-Niha scored his fourth try collecting a charge down. Kirifi was delighted with his team.

“It’s really pleasing to see the little things we’ve been working on like drawing and passing and being selfless improve,” he said.

“I enjoy coaching Mana and helping them grow as rugby players. I pass on as much as I can without being too pushy. I’m not the head coach. I’m only there a couple of hours a week and for games, when I can be. It’s been an awesome little side journey. It gives me perspective and helps keep me grounded.”

Kirifi is amid a Super Rugby season with the Hurricanes. He’s been with Mana for “a couple of months.”

“I left the first training knowing I’d go back,” Kirifi said.

“I became involved because the Hurricanes ran a program trying to involve some of the boys in Porirua schools. Bailyn Sullivan has helped with Bishop Viard, Pouri Rakete-Stones with Porirua College, and TK Howden with Aotea. I think I’m the only one to stay on, but I’m local and have a strong connection to the area.”

Kirifi helped Norths win the Jubilee Cup in 2019 and 2022.

“There’s endless talent as there always is in Porirua, raw natural ability. I can see they enjoy playing with each other and they play for the right reasons. A few of the boys could have picked up scholarships but decided to stay local. That resonates with me because I went to Francis Douglas which wasn’t a big school.”

In 2013 Kirifi was part of a Francis Douglas First XV that won 22 of 24 games, including the Central North Island competition, and finished in the top eight in New Zealand. Mana isn’t as formidable. They have lost their opening two fixtures in the Premiership but are realistic about their ability.

“Win or lose the boys turn up with big smiles and rip into it. I really admire them for that. We always play with the utmost competitiveness, but we know our place in the pecking order. We’re building, improving, and learning. That’s important.”

Mana is captained by loose forward Otis Baker whose brother Sione Baker is in the Southland Rugby Academy.

Mana’s next defense of the Beard Trophy is on June 7 against Porirua College

Article added: Friday 09 June 2023