Reality Bites For Rugby Hopefuls On Maori TV

Reality Bites For Rugby Hopefuls On Maori Television

It’s make or break for three young rugby hopefuls at New Zealand’s toughest sports academy in Maori Television’s new reality show SCHOOL OF HARD KNOCKS (premieres Thursday June 29 at 8.00 PM)

Maori Television gave Moeahu Flavell (19), Jody Maihi Allen (18) and Michael Stack (22) three-week scholarships to All Black great Murray Mexted’s International Rugby Academy in Palmerston North – and the cameras were there to capture it all.

For the boys, it’s a chance that could see them on their way to becoming All Blacks. Or it could shatter their dreams of a sporting career forever.

Moeahu (Ngati Rangiwehiwehi, Taranaki Whanau), son of MP Te Ururoa, has to measure up to talented relatives that include All Blacks Troy Flavell and Hika Reid. But he’s also juggling rugby with law studies at Victoria University, leading to some difficult choices. What’s it to be for the talented hooker – rugby or law?

For Jody (Nga Puhi, Ngati Porou, Rongowhakaata), in his last year at Gisborne Boys High School, it’s an exciting but nerve-wracking adventure as he leaves behind his family on the East Coast.

At the age of 22, this scholarship is probably the last chance for Michael (Te Whanau Apanui, Tuwharetoa) to make a career of the sport he loves. The pressure is on from the get-go for the young wing from Rotorua as he takes on younger guys.

The show follows the boys on their life-changing trip – from the spills of training in heavy rain to the thrills of getting first-hand advice from rugby heroes like Tana Umaga, Jeff Wilson, Richard Loe and All Blacks coach Graham Henry.

Join Moeahu, Jody and Michael in the ruck of their lives when Maori Television’s SCHOOL OF HARD KNOCKS premieres on Thursday June 29 at 8.00 PM.

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