Nelson College Scholarship Players Loving the Experience

Three US high school players have been spending time in the Northern Hemisphere attending Nelson College in New Zealand thanks to the US Rugby Foundation.

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JW Sarkess, Connor Bender, and Oliver Kirk have all been at Nelson College for this term.

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Oliver Kirk actually got the USRF scholarship in 2023, but was invited back for this year, and is on the 1st team at prop. Kirk has played for the Chicago Lions HS team and EIRA.

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Nelson is in first place in the Miles Toyota Cup with one match left in the regular season and they have already qualified for the postseason. Nelson won the Quadrangular Tournament, which is in its 98th year and is the oldest rugby tournament the Southern Hemisphere. ‍

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See Instagram video here (Kirk is in the American flag headgear)>>‍

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Nelson hosted the tournament and all three Americans boys had billets from the other schools and that was a very fulfilling experience for them, getting to know young New Zealanders from different backgrounds.

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"Oliver is loving every second of his experience," said his dad, Dan Kirk. "As much fun as he had last year, it feels like he is having an even better time this year. He is starting at loosehead and has played the full time in all but one match. My impression is that the game has slowed for him enough that he is getting more out of the film sessions and tactical conversations with the coaches—not sure if he would agree."

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JW Sarkees has been playing for the Greer 76ers in South Carolina as well as EIRA. He has been enjoying his experience and is starting for the 2nd 15 at Nelson at fullback. He continues to train with the 1st XV as well.

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"This opportunity," said his father Joey, "has resulted in tremendous growth both as a person and an athlete."

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Connor Bender plays at St. Ignatius in Cleveland and he is a rising senior.

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"I am loving my time in New Zealand," he told GRR. "The people here are supremely nice and I have made many friends. In terms of rugby, I have learned that in New Zealand they play at a much faster pace with more brutality than in the US. Overall, I believe my biggest improvement has been my speed of play and my catch-pass. On top of that, my rugby IQ has grown a lot since I have been here. It truly is amazing to watch one of the best teams in New Zealand, the Nelson College 1st XV. It has truly been one of the best experiences I have ever had. I would really like to thank the U.S Rugby Foundation for allowing me the opportunity to play at this level and experience the beauty of New Zealand."

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Both Bender and Sarkees were awarded the scholarships to attend Nelson this year. Both have said that they learned a lot from Kirk, who is in his second year there.

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For more about the US Rugby Foundation and how they help grassroots and elite-level players go to: https://www.usrugbyfoundation.org/pathways-to-excellence

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Article was written by Goff Rugby Report