The future at the Ranga is looking bright was top schoolboy talent returning to the senior club.

A successful 2023 saw East Auckland schools dominate the 1st XV competition, with Sacred Heart and St Kents in the 1A final and Botany and Howick in the 1B Final.

Randall Baker and Harlyn Saunoa both played their junior rugby at Pakuranga and were part of the championship winning Botany 1st XV this year.

Randall captained the team, while Saunoa is Head Boy. They both went on to make the Blues Under 18 team and have signed academy contracts with Auckland Rugby.

“We’re really excited to have them both coming to the Ranga, they both played juniors here so it’s good to have them back home. Both boys are what we want at the Ranga -  good humans and humble people who want to do good things,” said Pakuranga Director of Rugby, Grant ‘Boof’ Henson.

“Randall has huge potential and has gone on to realise that this year, captaining the 1st XV, being selected for the Auckland, the Blues selection and an academy contract.

"Harlyn is an athlete that works hard, he’s tall and fast and is in great knick and like Randall he will be a great leader within the club.”

Randall and Harlyn are just two former Ranga juniors that will return to the senior club in 2024, we look forward to sharing more news in coming weeks!

Article added: Friday 20 October 2023