LEGACY OF HARBOUR CONTINUES TO FUEL BLUES
Saturday’s Round 14 Super Rugby clash between the Blues and Moana Pasifika at North Harbour Stadium carries more weight than just competition points.
While officially an ‘away’ game for the Blues, returning to North Harbour feels like coming home in a region which continues to play a key role in the club’s history.
As part of a programme recognising schools which contribute to the Blues’ talent pathways, this week the club presented a signed jersey to Luke McAlister and Westlake Boys High School.
McAlister, now a teacher and First XV coach at Westlake Boys, is a name etched into the history of North Harbour and Blues rugby.
Born in Waitara but raised partly in the UK while his father Charlie played professional rugby league, McAlister returned to New Zealand and quickly rose through the ranks.
After starring for Westlake Boys as a composed and skillful first five, he progressed through Silverdale Rugby Club and into North Harbour’s provincial side in 2002.
Just two years later, he made his Super Rugby debut in Blues colours, beginning a professional journey that would take him around the world, and into the All Blacks jersey.
“Coming back to coach at Westlake Boys is special. It’s where my rugby journey really began,” McAlister said.
“To have the Blues return to North Harbour this week, and to see them recognise the role this region plays, means a lot to me, to the school, and to the community.”
The jersey presentation represents the bond between the Blues and North Harbour - built by generations of players who cut their teeth on these fields before graduating to Super Rugby and beyond.
It's a heavyweight list of athletes which includes the likes of Tony Woodcock, Troy Flavell, Ron Cribb, James Parson, Slade McFarland, Rudi Wulf, Anthony Boric and Anthony Tuitavake, as well as current Blues players Mark Tele’a, Cam Christie, Cam Suafoa, Trystin Cook and Jack Lee.
McAlister, with 38 Blues caps and 22 Tests for the All Blacks, remains a success story for aspiring Harbour players. His journey from the fields of Westlake to the world stage exemplifies the pathway that still exists for young talent in the region.
“Luke’s story, like so many others, is a perfect example of how deep the rugby roots run in North Harbour,” said Blues CEO Andrew Hore.
“It’s a key part of our identity. This week’s game is a great opportunity for us to reconnect with the community, to celebrate that legacy, and to acknowledge the schools and clubs that have produced so many Blues legends.”
Saturday’s Round 14 clash between the Blues and Moana Pasifika kicks off at 7.05pm.