Francis Douglas celebrates four All Blacks squad members

Captain Scott Barrett, vice-captain Jordie Barrett, Beauden Barrett and new All Black Du’Plessis Kirifi, who all attended Francis Douglas Memorial College in New Plymouth, were named in the 33-man squad on June 25. Only one other college has as many former students in the squad – rugby powerhouse Hamilton Boys’ High School.

Francis Douglas Memorial College 1st XV assistant coach Thomas Kalin said that his year 13 class watched the announcement of the squad with great anticipation. When Kirifi’s name was read out, this was met by a huge roar and loud applause at the TV screen.

“We were waiting a while for the ‘Ks’ to come up and when his name got read out, the boys were pretty pumped,” Mr Kalin said.

When Kirifi makes his test debut against France this weekend, he will be the New Plymouth college’s seventh All Black after the Barretts, John Mitchell, Conrad Smith and Liam Coltman.

For a roll of around 550, compared with approximately 1600 of arch-rivals New Plymouth Boys’ High School (whose honour roll of All Blacks is 25), Mr Kalin believes Francis Douglas punches well above their weight.

“We’re not a traditional rugby programme school. No All Black is created at the age of 13 in my eyes,” he said.

“We’re lucky to have a family which has three boys that are outstanding, and another lad that’s been extremely determined and worked hard to get where he is.”

The three Barrett brothers have been named in the starting line-up for the first of three matches against France on Saturday. Kirifi is in the reserves for this game.

Three other members of the All Blacks squad are former students of Catholic colleges: Tyrel Lomax (St Edmund’s College, Canberra); Patrick Tuipulotu (St Peter’s College, Auckland); and Billy Proctor (St Patrick’s College, Wellington).

Auckland Grammar School has the highest number of former students as All Blacks overall at 52. Sacred Heart College in Auckland has had 18 former students play for the All Blacks.

FULL STORY

Francis Douglas and Hamilton High contribute most players to All Black squad (By Bruce Holloway and Adam Julian/Stuff)

Francis Douglas topples NPBHS (New Zealand Herald)

All Blacks v France: Scott Robertson backs four debutants for Dunedin season-opener (New Zealand Herald)