Mullets, pies and banter – Grassroots rugby at its best in Reporoa

Gareth Copsey has a unique coaching style, and while most of his chatter from the sideline needs a good dose of editing, what can't be questioned is his passion for rugby and the students from Reporoa College.

"They're great kids, some of them want to be rugby players, some of them just want to play because their mates are playing and that's the best thing about the rugby game — it accommodates everybody," he said.

The Year 9 and 10 sevens players were part of a Bay of Plenty tournament in Paengaroa — something that hadn't happened in many years as interest in the sport had waned.

"I think the kids today are in a slightly different space. When Sam was making it the internet wasn't such a big thing and there's a lot of other sports distracting kids from rugby."

The Sam he refers to is All Blacks captain Sam Cane.

The bruising number seven left Reporoa College and headed to Tauranga Boys' College for his final year of school.

Copsey, who knows the Cane family well and lives in one of their properties on the family farm, said Cane has been instrumental when it comes to supporting the sport in his hometown.

"He gives back to all the kids in the community, he comes down to the club rugby and comes down and helps with the school.

"It's been unfortunate when Sam moved on, rugby at the school sort of slowed down a little," he said.

But the in form openside flanker continued to support the region and sends the players inspirational video updates.

"Big effort from everybody to get a team back to the school, and Sam was a big part of that," Copsey said.

He also brings much needed gear to those students who don't have any, and runs training drills as well as signing autographs and supplying extra Chiefs kit.

The Reporoa coach is quick to heap praise on the hometown hero.

"Sam's playing great rugby right now, he's a great leader amongst the All Blacks, and go the All Blacks and I hope they do really well on Sunday."

As for this coach taking on a higher role and switching the Reporoa green and white for black?

"Oh, I don't think anybody wants me to coach anybody," he said with a laugh.

"I can be quite a bloody thorn in most people's side."

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