Budding rugby star receives 2016 AUT-Ponsonby Rugby Club scholarship
Auckland University of Technology has partnered with Ponsonby Rugby Club through a new annual fee-paying scholarship to support the educational development of some of New Zealand’s talented young rugby players.
Romero Tagi is this year’s proud recipient of the AUT-PRC Scholarship. Currently in his second year of a conjoint Bachelor of Sport and Recreation and Bachelor of Business at AUT, Tagi says the scholarship will give him added motivation to successfully juggle his sporting and academic commitments.
“There will always be a lot of pressure to succeed both on the pitch, and academically off the pitch – it’s a tough journey, but the support from AUT makes it all worthwhile,” explains Tagi.
“I’m incredibly proud, and honoured, to have been selected as this year’s AUT-PRC Scholarship recipient.”
Tagi was part of the Manu Samoa Under 20s team for the Oceania Rugby Under 20 tournament in 2015, and was named in the Blues Under 20 squad earlier this year.
This annual fee paying AUT-PRC scholarship aims to recognise and reward the achievement and leadership potential of Māori and Pacific members of the PRC who to complete a qualification at AUT.
Head of the Scholarships Office at AUT, Philippa Hay says that the University was pleased to be able to offer this tangible assistance to PRC members.
“Our Vice Chancellor, Derek McCormack has long appreciated the special relationship with the Ponsonby Rugby Club and this presents an opportunity to recognise and reward leadership and achievement in this community.”
Chairman of the Ponsonby Rugby Club, Chris Clews says this significant scholarship is a constructive and positive sign that sports people do recognise the importance of higher education.
“We are sincerely grateful to AUT for their recognition and contribution to our young playing members,” says Clews.
Full details of the award, eligibility, nomination and conditions are available from the PRC or the AUT Scholarship office.
Since 1997 there have been 76 recipients of AUT-PRC scholarships.