Chilliwack rugby standout Darwin Douglas Jr. has traveled a long way to test his skills.
The GW Graham student boarded a plane for New Zealand last week, bound for the Inside Running Academy.
The 15 year old is spending three weeks immersed in the international rugby training program in Tauranga, and so far, so good.
“I start off the morning usually with an hour long gym session, then a 30 minute long skills session inside the academy,” the teenager explained. “Then later that day we we have an hour and half long skill session at Blake Park.
“The New Zealand coaches have been really helpful, giving me goals and pushing me past my comfort zone.”
Douglas was selected to play for Rugby B.C.’s U-14 squad last year and the U-15 team this year. After a week-long camp at UBC in early July, Douglas led the U-15 crew to Kelowna, where they played in the U-16 division at the Rugby Canada Western Canadian Championships.
His team earned three wins against two losses and a tie.
The experiences Douglas has gained, and is still gaining, this summer have him excited to rejoin the GW Graham Grizzlies for rugby season next spring.
“When get back home I am looking forward to using the skill set I have acquired here in New Zealand,” he said.
For more info on the Inside Running Academy, see facebook.com/InsideRunningAcademy/