A veteran of more than 100 premier matches for Pakuranga, Aula Silipa will return to Bell Park tomorrow in a different role, as coach of the Pakuranga College 1st XV when they meet One Tree Hill College under lights (kick off 7.00pm).

Aula started coaching sevens at the club a few years back, a team that he had been involved with as a player for many years.

He assisted the premiers and has been involved at Manurewa High School and now Pakuranga College; last year he was part of the coaching team for the Auckland u18 Gulls representative team.

He said there have been many coaches that have influenced his rugby and now his coaching.

“Just to name a few, I had Tu Edwards at Edgewater College, and he showed me about team culture and its influence on the team. At Pakuranga I was coached by Wayne Pivac who brought professionalism and highlighted the importance of being calm and always on point on what you say.

“Paul Feeney was about attention to detail, while Pita (Alatini) instilled the importance of balance between fun, good team culture and success.”

Aula says that as a coach there is always plenty to learn.

“I want to understand the game better as it evolves and be able to coach through my experiences. A big passion of mine is to teach life skills along the way; whatever opportunities come from coaching I will make sure to embrace it and learn as much as I can.”

It was Pakuranga Director of Rugby Boof, that linked Aula up with Pakuranga College, where he began taking the 1st XV last season.

“Last season for me was getting a feel for school rugby and understanding the player skill set and knowledge of the game.

“We had some good results last season and didn’t lose many players for 2023 so we are tracking along well and working hard to make the top 8. That is one of our goals for 2023 as well as pushing our players into rep rugby.”

1st XV rugby comes to Bell Park tomorrow night, with Pakuranga College, who are third in their pool, face seventh placed One Tree Hill College.

“We wanted to play last year under the lights, but things didn’t line up for the other school. Fortunately, it’s all lined up this season and the boys are stoked to play under the lights on what I believe is the best Rugby Field in Auckland Rugby.”

And its likely not going to be the last time we see some of these players on Bell Park; several members of the current Pakuranga premiers went to Pakuranga College, including Carter Hackett, Marc Holzer, Paula Maama and Michaile van Wyk.

Article added: Thursday 15 June 2023