The All Blacks’ values-based culture is evidence that team culture is a key driver of success, with their mantra stating that “Better people make, better All Blacks”. This has been a key message to the current Rugby squad who during the 2017 1st XV Leadership Camp collaborated to develop their own Somerset College Spartans Rugby values.

“Be a Good Ancestor, Plant trees you’ll never see” - James Kerr

These core values consist of brotherhood, commitment, respect and responsibility, and are the guiding principles for all players involved in the squad to ensure success on and off the field.

On Sunday 11 February, students from the 1st XV Rugby Squad spent the day completing a community service project in Ashmore at the house of Janette. Throughout the day the students spent time fine tuning their trimming, cutting, snipping, sculpting and clearing skills, removing overgrown trees, bushes and palms from the property. It required multiple trips up and down the hill to load the utes and trailers, side stepping spider webs and several trips to the Molendinar Waste and Recycling Centre.

The boys displayed a substantial amount of character in sweltering conditions to complete the project. A wonderful experience for staff and students involved and a fantastic way to spend some time together helping someone in need. All players are working hard to improve themselves in a number of areas each day, at the College and in the wider community to ensure that they represent, in a positive way, all those who have come before them, and all those who will follow them in the years to come.

My thanks to all the boys who got stuck in, their parents who gave them permission to attend as well as Mr Troy Zernike and Mr Scott Walsh for getting their hands dirty too. If this is a key indicator to the season ahead then we can expect a positive and successful year in Rugby.

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