Sione Settles in at ?Canes

Above: New Hurricane Eric Sione takes on representative props Whetu Henry (left) and Donal McNamara in last year’s Jubilee Cup whilst playing for Norths against Ories.

There is much to look forward to for Eric Sione with a bright career ahead of him. He spoke of great pride about his rugby when we caught up with him this week at the Hurricanes’ open training session at the Hutt Recreation Ground.

Northern United prop Eric Sione is finding his feet within the current ranks as one of the young debutants for the Hurricanes 2013 season.

The former St Pat’s Town First XV captain has to pinch himself at his rapid rise to the big time only three years out of college. Having played for the New Zealand U20s and then the Wellington Lions in 2012, Sione set himself high goals but didn’t think they would come so soon.

“It’s a culture shock. I set this as a goal but more long term. I was in awe on the first day playing with these guys who are my idols."

Being one of the fresh faces in the team Sione knew he would be required to undergo some roughing up by the back of the bus veterans.“We all get a bit of grief being the newbies and get a little bit bullied but hey that’s life."

Sione holds his club rugby very highly and relishes every opportunity he can get to pull on the blue and white jersey of his Northern United team since making his Swindale Shield debut at the start of 2011.The successful Norths club has fostered the rugby talent of some of the games greats such as Jerry Collins, Tamati Ellison and new star TJ Perenara.

Now Sione is one to perhaps add to that list in the future. After John Schwalger (76 caps for the Hurricanes between 2006-2011), Anthony Perenise (16 canes caps in 2007 and 2010) and Jacob Ellison (33 canes caps between 2008-11), Sione is the fourth Norths prop in the Hurricanes in recent years.

“Norths has been my club since I was a junior so I take a lot of pride out of that playing since I was five years old."

“It’s a great club all round and we are very consistent. We always take the club stuff seriously."

As many players would agree, time away from the game is just as important to their physical and mental well-being. Eric Sione enjoys making the most of his time with family and involving himself in a range of sports.

“Getting outside of rugby is a good thing I like playing other sports like basketball and touch."

Fellow Wellington Lion and Hurricanes team mate, Matt Proctor, out of the Oriental Rongotai club, has been a consistent team mate for Sione and vice versa. The two, born three days apart in October 1992, have played many games for the St Pat’s Town First XV and have followed a similar path into professional rugby after playing together in the Hurricanes schools team, New Zealand U20s in 2012, debuting for the Wellington Lions together in last year’s ITM Cup and now training fulltime together for the Hurricanes ahead of the 2013 Super Rugby season.

“It’s really good to have Matt (Proctor) because it’s someone we can mutually turn to for support as we are both in the same shoes coming up the same levels together."

When asked about his college rugby days Sione didn’t take long to pinpoint a memorable victory over traditional rivals St Pat’s Silverstream.

“They say college days are the highlight of your career. Me and Matt at St Pat’s Town beating Ope Peleseuma’s (Hurricanes Wider Training Squad member) St Pats’ Silverstream in the traditional was awesome - it was the first time in 11 years so that was a huge highlight."

He still vividly recalls the moment he got the call up to the Hurricanes. Sione perhaps wasn’t expecting the call and was a bit perplexed when head coach “Hammer” came calling.

“I was in subway with my old lady and I got a call saying ‘its Hammer here’ …hammer? ‘Mark Hammett.? You’ve been selected for the Hurricanes and I’ll see you at training."

Clearly that was the sort of offer one would not turn down.

During the Hurricanes open training session at the Hutt Recreation Ground this Thursday Sione was seen spending the bulk of his time with the boxing gloves on. I hinted he may have a shot at the fight for life in years to come but he was not so certain.

“Na none of that, just a bit of conditioning."

When quipped as to what his greatest asset was to the Hurricanes set up for 2013 he singled out his size and power and was clearly excited by the fact he was the heaviest in the team.

“My physique, I’m the heaviest here!”

With 126 kg Sione on board as one of several hugely promising players for the future there is much to like about the Hurricanes this season on the back of an exciting 2012. A great mix of young and old heads who have been working hard in pre-season bodes well for the coming Super Rugby competition.

?