80 | NZ RUGBY WORLD | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2017

Tim playing for the Maori All Blacks v Harlequins in 2016.

TIM BATEMAN IS IN HIS EIGHTH SUPER RUGBY SEASON AND FIFTH WITH THE CRUSADERS, HAVING HAD THREE WITH

THE HURRICANES, BUT THERE IS SOMETHING ABOUT THIS YEAR THAT MAKES IT MORE SPECIAL FOR THE 29 YEAR-OLD.

The former Maori All Blacks captain is grateful to be back in New Zealand and has started a new business venture with his wife Laura, which was driven by their desire to find a treatment for her multiple sclerosis [MS].

The couple have now opened Cloud 9 Float Club in Christchurch, which houses four flotation pods.

Upon returning to New Zealand from Japan, Tim had six months out of the game and has found playing and running a business makes life busy but highly enjoyable. He is excited about being able to do both simultaneously.

Tim Bateman takes up the story: “Having time out of the game has given me more appreciation for actually enjoying the game. Having our challenges with Laura puts everything into perspective. I am mentally refreshed and can’t wait to get stuck into it all.

“I knew we were coming back to Christchurch as we needed to be around family support and I was lucky that an opportunity to play again presented itself because you are always worried about what you are going to do after rugby. I was prepared not to play again but rapt to get the chance to throw the boots on.”

The Batemans were not seeking business ideas but as flotation therapy had become popular among people suffering from a range of ailments, Laura realised quickly how the flotation tanks provided her with relief and thought there might be an opportunity for them.

“We were just going to have one at the house and then we looked at how it was growing overseas. I was a bit more reserved but Laura was adamant and once we went down the track it was a no brainer,” said Tim.

Prior to coming back to New Zealand, Tim, Laura and their two daughters moved back to Japan from the Hurricanes to the Fukuoka region. Tim played for the second time in the land of the rising sun so Laura could receive cutting edge and high risk treatment in a bid to

slow down her MS.“Laura had a stem cell transplant.

Obviously it has risks with it, as any new treatment does but for us it was the best option when we weighed up everything. Laura’s vision, legs and arms were all getting affected so we had to act fast. It was hard not knowing what was going to be affected next. It was a horrible way to live.

“They harvested her blood and took her stem cells from her bone marrow. They did a week of high dose chemotherapy on her to kill her immune system to get it to zero. She lost all her hair. They re-entered the cells and grew her a new immune system.

“She was in isolation for a month to slowly grow her immune system back.

The goal is to halt the MS and so far we are approaching the two-year mark. She has life-long lasting damage but we are hoping that it won’t get any worse. We only have one regret we didn’t get the treatment sooner.”

Going into business Tim said it was crucial to understand why they were doing it.

“We asked ourselves why are we trying to do this? What is the purpose of the business? Was it helping people?

“Initially Laura started floating for recovery and relaxation after chemotherapy and then I started doing it for recovery and visualisation for my rugby and we found it improved our quality of life.

“Now we are helping other

PLAYERSIN BUSINESS

TIM BATEMAN

Maori All Blacks v Munster.

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2017 | NZ RUGBY WORLD | 81

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“Laura had a stem cell transplant. Obviously it has risks with it, as any new treatment does but for us it was the best option when we weighed up everything.” TIM BATEMAN

For more information contact:CLOUD 9 FLOAT CLUBPhone: 03 341 83311/65 Mandeville Street, Riccarton, ChristchurchOpen: 7 Days 10am-10pmEmail: info@cloud9floatclub.co.nzwww.cloud9floatclub.co.nz

people with stress, anxiety, depression, recovery. It provides a space for people who storm through life to take stock of things. Each person uses it for different reasons even university students use it to help retain information.

“We describe it as ‘floats are the best version of you’. It is not a magic tool but it is an environment that people enjoy and respond to. We don’t make any promises as the experience is different for everyone. We have found that it takes people a few floats to get in the swing of it. We encourage people to do the intro three pack. That gives them a good opportunity to gain a true understanding and enjoyment of the experience.

“People usually are worried about claustrophobia. They think of sunbeds but our flotation pods were designed by a basketball player so they are big with a high roof so people are surprised how big they are. People are worried they’ll get bored but the time goes so fast. We have had to increase the timing options due to client requests.

“We underestimated the demand. We were hoping for six people a day but we were at near capacity of 126 floats in our first week. We have four pods that all have their own shower and toilet.

“We encourage people to use the toilet and have a shower first so they get the best out of their float and are totally relaxed and comfortable. The music plays and clients choose their own genre of music which ranges from waves to mediation. The water is fully filtered three and a half times between each float. The water in the float tank is incredibly buoyant with approximately 450kg of Epsom Salt in each pod. It is relaxing so it’s entirely possible that you could fall asleep. People say they find it mentally cleansing.

“Most customers float regularly [weekly/fortnightly/monthly]. Some wait until they are stressed, tired or sore, some just want to try something ‘out of this world’ and others wait to receive gift vouchers on special occasions. It is an ideal gift for people that are hard to buy for.”

Floating has been around for 40 years and Tim describes it as more like floating in outer space than being enclosed in anything. Scientists were initially fascinated by what happens to the brain when there is no stimulation i.e. no gravity, light or input. They were investigating what the brain does while in that environment and then it evolved from there.

Tim has found there are plenty of transferable relaxation skills that he can use for rugby. “I am less anxious going into games.”

He has even got teammates such as Andy Ellis using it and has a few of this year’s teammates interested.

It has also been used by US and Australian Olympic teams and NBA’s Steph Curry, The Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles, Daniel Craig 007 Actor and Richard Feynman [Nobel Prize Winning Physicist].

The Batemans are enjoying the trials of running a business.

“I enjoyed the challenges of problem solving. When you are the boss you have to come up with the solutions and it is a bit of trial and error, but I found that really enjoyable. We used a business mentor Karl Waretini who has been really awesome. He has been a massive part of helping us set it up properly. He uses rugby analogies so it makes it easy for me to understand. There are so many transferrable skills, communication, to make the team play well everyone has to do their part.”

Tim and Laura with a float tank.

A float tank set up.

Cloud 9 Float Club reception lounge.

Laura has been hospitalised many

times due to her MS.Laura Bateman and daughters.

82 | NZ RUGBY WORLD | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2017

2016 PLAYERS’ PLAYER OF THE YEAR: WOMEN

Nominees: Kendra Cocksedge Fiao’o Fa’amausili

Aroha Savage Selica Winiata

NEW ZEALAND RUGBY PLAYERS ASSOCIATION

ANNUAL PLAYER AWARDSRESULTS AS VOTED FOR BY THE PLAYERS

2016 PLAYERS’ PLAYER OF THE YEAR: MEN

Nominees: Beauden Barrett

Dane Coles Jerome Kaino

Brodie Retallick Ben Smith

2016 PLAYERS’ PROVINCIAL UNION PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Nominees: Augustine Pulu

Damian McKenzie Jordan Taufua Luke Whitelock

2016 PLAYERS’ PLAYER OF THE YEAR

SEVENS WOMEN Nominees:

Huriana Manuel Ruby Tui

Tyla Nathan-Wong Portia Woodman

2016 PLAYERS’ PLAYER OF THE YEAR SEVENS MEN

Nominees: Kurt Baker

Sam Dickson Tim Mikkelson Regan Ware

2016 PLAYERS’ YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Nominees: Jordie Barrett

Anton Lienert-Brown Bryn Gatland Rieko Ioane

Congratulations to the 2016 winners and all nominees:

WINNER: Selica Winiata WINNER: Beauden Barrett WINNER: Augustine Pulu

WINNER: Portia Woodman WINNER: Kurt Baker WINNER: Anton Lienert-Brown

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2017 | NZ RUGBY WORLD | 83

LAST YEAR, FORMER LONG-SERVING NZRPA BOARD MEMBER

JUSTIN [GUS] COLLINS WAS PRESENTED WITH THE NEW ZEALAND RUGBY PLAYERS’ ASSOCIATION KIRK MEDAL AT THE ASB RUGBY AWARDS HELD IN AUCKLAND ON 15 DECEMBER 2016.

The NZRPA Kirk Medal was presented to Justin by NZRPA founding chairman and former All Blacks captain David Kirk MBE, whom the award was named after. Kirk, a medical doctor, Rhodes Scholar and former parliamentary advisor led the All Blacks to their first Rugby World Cup title in 1987.

The award is given in recognition of a player who has made an outstanding contribution on behalf of fellow professional players, and led by example on and off the field.

Justin, who was extremely surprised to become the latest recipient of the Kirk Award said:“I am extremely humbled to be presented with the Kirk Award. It has been an absolute pleasure to serve the players. I firmly believe in what the NZRPA stands for and the work they are doing.

“I’m just happy to have been able to play a part in the growth and the development of the organisation and the services it provides for the players. I also want to pay

special tribute to my wife and my family for their ongoing support.”

The Northlander epitomises what the Players’ Association believes in and strives for. He is uniting, inspiring and works hard to create environments that get the best out of himself and others.

NZRPA CEO Rob Nichol who has worked closely with Justin during his tenure on the board said: “Gus is extremely well respected among his peers for his unheralded support of others, dedication and determination.

“He has been a huge advocate and example for the game, both on and off the field with his achievements and commitment to rugby in New Zealand, his fellow players and their families.”

The 42-year-old is a Super Rugby and provincial centurion who played his entire professional rugby career in New Zealand, constantly demonstrated the highest levels of self-awareness and responsibility and was an outstanding leader in a training, playing and personal development sense.

He played 104 games of Super Rugby over 10 years for the Blues and the Chiefs and achieved an impressive 114 matches for Northland. He has been one of the longest serving board members of the New Zealand Rugby Players’ Association, firstly as a player representative and, following his retirement from playing rugby in 2010, as an independent board member until earlier in 2016.

Justin expanded his horizons beyond rugby and

AWARD HISTORYEstablished in 2005, previous recipients include Conrad Smith, Richie McCaw and Tana Umaga for their off-field roles in helping establish the commercial and employment partnership between the players and the game's administrators that has underpinned the professional rugby environment and achievements ever since.

on his retirement has made a successful transition into a post rugby career working in management at a sawmill.

He is hugely family focused and relishes the lifestyle in his hometown of Whangarei with his wife Justine, and two girls Ruby and Ava.

His wife Justine who was rapt that her husband was recognised for his contributions to the game said: “I am very proud of Justin and his achievements. He has dedicated so much time to rugby, his family and anyone who needs him. He is one of life’s real hard grafters who never lets anyone down.

“I know he was just blown away by receiving such a prestigious award and to be recognised in this special way is just wonderful.”

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“I’m just happy to have been able to play a part in the growth and the development of the organisation and the services it provides for the players.” GUS COLLINS

GUS COLLINS

NZRPA KIRK AWARD

Justin Collins receives the NZRPA Kirk Award at the ASB Rugby Awards in Auckland.

Justin holding the 2005 NPC trophy.

Jock Hobbs presents Justin on his centurion Super Rugby match in 2009.

Pre-season training with the Blues.

With Steve Devine, Super Rugby final 2003.

Justin and his wife Justine.

84 | NZ RUGBY WORLD | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2017

VIRGINIA LE BAS HAS BEEN APPOINTED THE NEW CRUSADERS PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT MANAGER. Former Crusaders Personal Development Manager Mark Ranby transferred to the Highlanders to be closer to family and took over from Peter Sinclair who retired at the end of 2016 after 11 years in the role.

Virginia joins the Crusaders after having a successful career with the New Zealand Police, where her most recent role was Detective Superintendent National Operations Manager of Organised Crime.

Prior to joining the police, Virginia

worked as a secondary school teacher, after studying a Bachelor of Physical Education, a Post Graduate Diploma in Sports Medicine and receiving her Teaching Diploma at Otago University.

Virginia, who originates from Christchurch, is a keen sports woman with interests in road cycling, mountain biking, swimming and rowing.

The sporting enthusiast is delighted to have a new career challenge within rugby.

“To be involved in the high performance sport arena and have an influence into the community in a different way was extremely appealing. I am a people person, so to be able

to transfer my skills, knowledge and experience and support professional athletes is something I am excited about,” said Virginia.

From her own career Gin, as she prefers to be called, said she believes and understands that sport is a superb foundation for life and a great place to build life-long networks and to influence other people into positive life choices.

“Sport can provide some great transferable skills but it is understanding those skills and building on them for life post rugby that is crucial for players to be successful after rugby.”

NEW PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT MANAGER FOR THE CRUSADERS

'Gin' in her new role as PDM.

“I am a people person, so to be able to transfer my skills, knowledge and experience and support professional athletes is something I am excited about.” VIRGINIA LE BAS

PLAYERPHOTOS

Highlanders rowing challenge in their mini teams.

Blues players

using teamwork

to represent Rangitoto.

Teamwork to represent a Porsche.

Pre-season training for Chiefs players Lachlan Boshier [R] and Sam McNichol [L].

Chiefs players training in the gym.

Hurricane Brad Shields at Karori West Normal School helping out with a FoxPlan Financial

Fitness Boot Camp.

Dean Blair from FoxPlan and Brad Shields.

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2017 | NZ RUGBY WORLD | 85

RUGBY HAS GIVEN DYLAN LAM FROM NORTH HARBOUR AN OPPORTUNITY THAT HE RATES AS ONE OF THE BEST ADVENTURES HE HAS EVER EXPERIENCED.

The 19-year-old was a lucky recipient of an Outward Bound course scholarship and attended the course late last year.

Located in the picturesque Marlborough Sounds, the Outward Bound course is designed on four principles: learning through experience, adventure and challenge, physical activities in the outdoors, and a safe and supportive environment. With stunning mountains, bush and waterways as the classroom, Outward Bound focuses on helping people reach their full potential through challenge in the outdoors.

It is those principles and the setting that the New Zealand U20s camp attendee believes makes the course so empowering.

“It pushes you to limits that you are not used to,” said Liam. “I didn’t know what to expect but I was looking forward to it. You learn so much about yourself. I had never done sailing, tramping and camping and I got to do them all which was awesome.

“The highlight of the course was meeting other like-minded people from professional environments that were not in sports. I learned that I need to believe in myself more and be more confident so that is something I can take back to my rugby.

“We did a solo night in the bush camping which was a great time to reflect about what you have done and what you can take back into your environment.

“I am so grateful for the opportunities that rugby offers. This was definitely a life-changing one and I would recommend that anyone who gets the chance to go to take it up.”Outward Bound welcomes people of all ages, cultures, abilities and backgrounds. To find out more information visit www.outwardbound.co.nz

ALI WILLIAMS, 35, IS STILL THROWING THE BOOTS ON IN PARIS PLAYING RUGBY FOR RACING 92 IN A PLAYER-COACH ADVISORY ROLE.

Ali says living in France is a great opportunity to understand different cultures, different ways of doing things and it provides him more time with the family as he is never away more than 24 hours for a game.

However, with two kids – a new baby and a toddler – one of the characters of rugby knows he has to have an eye to the future, so Ali is preparing himself for the next transition by establishing a business life for after rugby.

Throughout his rugby career he has been in the furniture business and now has extended that to focus on beds. Ali is part owner of Sleep & Co, a company that supplies new mattresses and bed bases directly to your door.

The lock said: “The quality of a good night’s sleep for an athlete is vital. In fact, it is for everyone. It is hard to function, let alone perform at your peak when you have had a bad sleep. Sleep is crucial.

“Consumer habits are changing, which means moving to online and away from the fixed costs of stores so the customer can get a better price by eliminating the bricks and mortar part of the equation,” said Ali.

Ali rates the product highly, having personally used it, and he and his team are so confident in the product that they back it up 100 per cent.

“We focus completely on the customer by having free delivery, a decade long warranty and a 90-day trial where you get your money back and we even pay the cost of return if you are not completely satisfied. We also guarantee the lowest price or we’ll beat it.”

The former All Black has learned a few business lessons on the way. He advises players getting into businesses not to trust everyone and surround yourself with good people.

“Once you are outside the rugby bubble it is a different world. It is important to have good business partners. It is like a rugby team. You need good people around you to perform well. He also recommends to start off small and don’t grow too big too fast.

“It is important to learn about business and grow with it. You won’t have all the answers straight away, so that is where it is good to grow with the business so you can work through any issues that may crop up and they always do. You are always learning, so you need to be open minded. It is always good to have people to complement your skill set. Find people that have strengths in areas you don’t that can help you.

“Rugby doesn’t last forever so you need to set yourself up for life after it.”

Visit www.sleepandco.nz to find out more about what Ali says provides a great night’s sleep.

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THE OUTDOOR CLASSROOM

What are they up to now?

Dylan steers the way.

Dylan Lam

Ali playing for Racing 92.

Outward Bound graduates.

86 | NZ RUGBY WORLD | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2017

ROSS FILIPO KNOWS A THING OR TWO ABOUT PLAYING RUGBY IN DIFFERENT TEAMS. HE HAS PLAYED

FOR 12 DIFFERENT TEAMS INCLUDING THE ALL BLACKS, JUNIOR ALL BLACKS, MAORI ALL BLACKS, CHIEFS, CRUSADERS, WELLINGTON, HAWKE'S BAY AND MARLBOROUGH. HE HAS PLAYED IN FRANCE FOR RACING METRO AND BAYONNE, AND IN ENGLAND FOR THE WASPS.

The 37-year-old says: “I feel extremely grateful for the amount of growth you get out of the experiences of playing overseas, the history and culture your family get to experience and the people you meet make it a very special time.”

However, the lock also admits it is not always as easy as it sounds playing overseas and there are plenty of challenges along the way.

Ross thought he’d retired from rugby however he got an SOS call from the injury ravaged Chiefs so went back as injury cover.

Out of the blue an opportunity from Racing Metro came off the back of an outstanding performance for the Chiefs in Rotorua in a match that Ross describes as one of the highlights of his career. He takes up the story.THE TRUTHEverything you get told is not always true. So roll with it.

It took a lot of hard work and sacrifice for my family, especially my wife.

The French tend to do things together with the men only. Men go out for team dinners and the women tend to not be invited to things. ON MAKING THE DECISION TO GOMaking the decision to go overseas the first time was harder when I was offered

a contract with Bayonne because I had a six-month old baby. Moving away from our support network when you are learning how to become a parent was the biggest factor.ON THE LANGUAGE BARRIERThe language was a big barrier in that area of France at the time in 2009. They were staunch, you either spoke French or didn’t speak at all. You had to try to speak the language. It was tough going initially without any prior practice. I would strongly advise anyone going overseas where they speak a foreign language to take some lessons before you go. ON THE FAMILY'S EXPERIENCEThings like setting up a family doctor and your day to day stuff was hard. At that time international players were not as common but now clubs have more support with the influx of foreign players.

It was hard for my wife Louise. When we arrived I had only been there two days and I was off on a two-week rugby camp. For that two weeks Louise was on her own and it was left up to the other foreign wives to help her but it was fair to say to we were shell shocked.

We had come from the Crusaders with a huge support network to the other end of the scale. In saying that, the second time round was so much easier.

We did talk about just me going but as it was for a whole year I didn’t want to miss out on that. A massive amount of credit has to go to my wife who put her life on hold again to follow me again with footy.

I had a decent handle of the language, we understood what we were going to. Racing had exceeded our expectations and there was a really good support network.

Our kids were a bit older eight, six and three years old. We couldn’t get our youngest into kindy as they are reserved for working mothers. Our middle child had to go back to a pre-school because they don’t start school till they are six. However it was actually the best thing for her as it helped her ease into the foreign lifestyle. She hated going at first but by the end of it made lots of friends and enjoyed it.

On the flipside for my son, his experience was not as great. He was fully immersed in

a French speaking school. He was treated differently as he was the only foreigner. Things got lost in translation. It was hard for us as parents to see him go through this challenging experience. In a child’s life a year seems to go on for ages. Outside of school, we tried to make the kids have lots of cool experiences, so we tried to show them as much of the Paris history and culture as we could. We took them to away to get first-hand history experiences like visiting Rome. There were some real highs and some lows.

Apart from our son’s experience everything was fantastic. Because Louise and I had a better understanding of what we were heading into we could make it a better experience for the kids.ON CLUBS AND EXPECTATIONSIt really depends on the club. If the club is well organised for foreigners it makes it easier. So I would recommend you investigate what sort of support the club has for foreigners. Be straight up when you ask questions as the goal posts do change, so you have to be flexible and roll with whatever comes. You can feel quite isolated at times. You naturally gravitate to the other foreigners. You do build strong relationships with these people as you are living in a bubble together.

I was lucky I had people like Dan Carter and Casey Laulala from the Crusaders, Chris Masoe from Wellington, Ben Tameifuna who I played with at the Chiefs and Joe Rokocoko from the All Blacks. As I had played with them before so it was nice to have that familiarity. Louise knew the partners so that made it easier.

There are some amazing people in France who are willing to bend over backwards. You need to buy into the culture to reap the rewards. You can’t carry on the way you did at home.

Going to Wasps in London was so much easier as they spoke English. The transition was easier and quicker but the weather was a real challenge. ON THE RUGBYOn the rugby side of things in my first stint because I didn’t know what to expect, I found they were different. Their rugby culture and mind-set was nothing like how we

Ross with Neemia Tialata [L] and Dan Carter [R] 2007.

PLAYERSPERSPECTIVE

ROSS FILIPO PLAYING OVERSEAS

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2017 | NZ RUGBY WORLD | 87

NZRPA Player Transition Support ServicesThe NZRPA has Tim Weston as their dedicated staff member to assist players prior to going overseas and when they return home. Players are encouraged to touch base with Tim before they head overseas to receive useful information and connect with other players who can assist with their transitioning experience. This service is for both players going overseas and those returning. For more information email Tim.Weston@nzrpa.co.nz or call 0800 PLAYER.

THE NZRPA Rugby Club for retired professional playersThe NZRPA are working to establish a thriving network of retired New Zealand Professional Rugby Players across the country to provide camaraderie, networking, support and advice. There are a series of events held across New Zealand for the past players alumni so they can connect, network and share stories. To register for the NZRPA Rugby Club database please send your details to Tim.Weston@nzrpa.co.nz

approached it in New Zealand. You just have to adapt. It was frustrating but it is what it is. Go with an open mind that it is not going to be like it is in New Zealand and that makes it easier.

Be realistic that they don’t play or train the same way you did in New Zealand and you will be better prepared. We bussed everywhere and some of the trips were 12 hours!

I knew what to expect with my second trip to France so took my open mind. They have a teacher-student hierarchy so you just do your job. You don’t say much just get on with it. Racing Metro want to play like a Kiwi team so they are more receptive to input.

They want to implement new ideas and grow the club. I found by doing extras at the end the coaches would watch and learn. You can indirectly influence things by showing things instead of telling them. Once you gain their trust they ask you more questions.

As we were in Paris we flew everywhere and it made a big difference compared with the hell bus trips from my first time.

On the plus side it was good to have other Kiwis in other teams you play. Every week you would run into people you had played with or against. It was like everyone had moved to Europe. The year was capped off winning the Top 14 Championship.

At Wasps the coaching staff changed while I was there so you had to get use to another coach and his new set up, which was to be expected.

My wife and I were ready to come home so we decided to come home a year early as we had been away three years and I went back to the Lions in Wellington. From there on to the Chiefs picked me up and the rest history. [Ross won a championship.]FINANCIAL TIPSMake sure you save as much as you can. Have a good experience but try and set yourself up for your return home. The rugby career is so short, so make the most of it. You don’t need the newest of everything, you are better off planning for the future for post rugby. Money buys you time for when you come back as it takes a while to get yourself sorted again when you get back. MOVING TIPSDon’t accumulate too much stuff. If it is a short-

term contract just take bare minimum. Think of what you need to survive and halve it. With kids you naturally accumulate a lot of stuff so keep trimming the fat. When it comes time to leave give it to other people with kids or donate it to charity. I gave a bag of my kit to a homeless guy on the street because it was so cold. I wanted to give it to someone who needed it. STOP AND ENJOY ITTry and stand back and take it all in. You get to do something that a lot of people only dream off. Take time with the kids and the partner to absorb it – it is pretty special.TRANSITIONING BACK TO NEW ZEALANDAfter coming back from Racing Metro, I went to Hawke's Bay and played for the Magpies. I felt good when I came home and I kept playing. I was still playing well. I didn’t enjoy the new laws but was glad to get the opportunity to play in Mitre 10 cup at 37. I am going to keep fit because you never know what is around the corner.

However it is time to get a job and get back into the real world. I enjoyed coaching. I coach a club side called Hamilton Marist and took them to a club title three-peat, so I have the bug for coaching but just have to explore my options.

The kids settled back into New Zealand life really well and are happy to be home.

I am supporting my wife in her endeavours as she has supported me for so long which I am extremely grateful for. It is a team effort and now it is time for her to pursue her goals while I work quietly behind the scenes to establish a career.

ROSS FILIPO’S CAREER SNAPSHOT ■ Super Rugby titles – 4 ■ French Top 14

Championship■ Ranfurly Shield – with

Wellington■ End of Year Grand Slam■ Tri Nations title■ Maori beating the

British Lions in 2005

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Preferential providersMATT shot this Fallow Buck in Central Otago with his Tikka rifle and trusty sidekick Summer the Labrador.

Winner!Send a hunting or fishing photo and you could WIN $250 worth of Stoney Creek gear of your choice!The good folk at Stoney Creek have given us a $250 credit for someone to spend on any Stoney Creek merchandise of your choice. We know you like things simple, so send us your best high resolution [that means we can print it, so needs to be 300kb in photo size] hunting or fishing photo to kylie.sousa@nzrpa.co.nz and the best photo wins. Winner will be contacted by email to arrange your shopping trip and the picture published in the next magazine.

Matt Faddes with his Labrador

named Summer.

New Zealanders at Racing Metro.