It is a “dream come true” for St Paul’s very own Reuben Andrews (Year 13) who has been selected for the New Zealand under-21 Blacksticks.
He received the news he had been waiting for last week and struggled to believe it at first.
“I got the phone call the night before the team was named online. I was pretty overwhelmed when I found out. I couldn’t take it in at the time” Reuben said.
The midfielder will accompany his new team to Malaysia at the end of the month where he will make his debut competing in the Sultan of Johor Cup.
Reuben says he is looking forward to the experience and exposure that comes with competing at a national level.
“I am excited to play against other national teams and with guys that have already played at the top level.”
Reuben credits St Paul’s hockey coach, Craig Hardman, with helping him get to this point.
“Mr Hardman has done a lot for my hockey over the years. He put a lot of time and effort into helping me improve.”
Coach Hardman says Reuben’s selection is icing on the cake at the end of what was already a highly successful hockey season for St Paul’s 1st XI, having won the Rankin Cup for the first time last month.
“I am so proud of his efforts. As a coach this is a really special way to finish the season” Mr Hardman said.
As the Year 13 student finishes his last year at St Paul’s he sees hockey as a major part in his future.
“I am not sure if I am going to university next year. I would like to focus on hockey.”
Reuben begins group training in Auckland next week.
