What It's Like To… Be Signed As A Schoolboy
Rugby World|January 2020
NZ Sevens have been quick to snap up teenager Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens
Sarah Mockford
What It's Like To… Be Signed As A Schoolboy

THE CALL came while he was at school. Clark Laidlaw was offering him a full-time contract with New Zealand Sevens for the next two years. It was a shock. He thought he might be invited down for training but a spot in the squad was unexpected.

“I was pretty overwhelmed,” recalls Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens. “It took a bit of time to process that and come to grips with it. I’d have said ‘yes’ right there and then, but I thought I’d better talk to other people first.”

He spoke to his mum and his friends and knew it was an opportunity he couldn’t turn down. So at 17, he signed a deal with New Zealand Rugby and joined up with the sevens squad once he had finished his school exams last month.

So how did his friends react to the news he was becoming a professional rugby player? “My mates were stoked for me,” says the now 18-year-old. “They were asking how things were going when I’d only been here a couple of days. They’re keen to get some kit but hopefully, that’s not the only reason they’re checking in! And they’re already asking for Hamilton Sevens tickets. There is a bit of hype to live up to but I try to push it away; I don’t like hearing it.”

Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens’s sporting talents have been obvious from an early age and a few years ago it looked like rugby league might be his calling as he got involved with the Parramatta Eels set-up in Australia. Yet when he started playing in the first XV at Francis Douglas Memorial College – also alma mater of the All Blacks’ Barrett brothers, Beauden, Scott and Jordie – union took over once more. “I fell back in love with rugby,” he says.

This story is from the January 2020 edition of Rugby World.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the January 2020 edition of Rugby World.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM RUGBY WORLDView All
RUGBY RANT
Rugby World

RUGBY RANT

Japan-based writer Mark Pickering believes Suntory and stars short-changed fans

time-read
2 mins  |
April 2024
WHAT IT'S LIKE TO...PLAY GAMES IN A TEMPORARY HOME
Rugby World

WHAT IT'S LIKE TO...PLAY GAMES IN A TEMPORARY HOME

France aren't the first Six Nations team to forgo their usual home comforts

time-read
3 mins  |
April 2024
Barry John
Rugby World

Barry John

A legend of the game who many consider the greatest fly-half of all time

time-read
3 mins  |
April 2024
MIDDLE MANAGEMENT
Rugby World

MIDDLE MANAGEMENT

After missing the World Cup, Italy centre Tommaso Menoncello is relishing being at the heart of the action once again

time-read
4 mins  |
April 2024
"RUGBY QUITE LITERALLY SAVED ME"
Rugby World

"RUGBY QUITE LITERALLY SAVED ME"

An incredibly rare medical condition robbed TONI ROBINSON of her confidence - but picking up a new sport got her back on her feet

time-read
7 mins  |
April 2024
GAËL FICKOU
Rugby World

GAËL FICKOU

He's a senior figure for France and a 'veteran' despite not yet furning 30 - we get inside the classy centre's head

time-read
7 mins  |
April 2024
The Making Of Rory Darge
Rugby World

The Making Of Rory Darge

From North Berwick to Scotland co-captain by the age of 23-we chart the journey of the Glasgow back-row with the help of those in the know

time-read
6 mins  |
April 2024
WOMEN'S SIX NATIONS 2024
Rugby World

WOMEN'S SIX NATIONS 2024

The style, the stars, the form and the coaching - WGN runs from 23 March to 27 April, and we've got the lowdown on every team

time-read
3 mins  |
April 2024
Running Free[man]
Rugby World

Running Free[man]

Northampton Saints and England back Tommy Freeman is proving versatility is no obstacle to success after starring under Steve Borthwick during the Six Nations

time-read
7 mins  |
April 2024
Captain's Call
Rugby World

Captain's Call

PETER O'MAHONY is no stranger to leading. But what is the burden of Six Nations captaincy like for him and others in this tournament?

time-read
6 mins  |
April 2024