Keelan Whitman to continue his rugby at Marist St Pats
With 2018 coming to a close, Keelan Whitman can reflect on some great achievements in his final year at St Patrick's College, Wellington. Along with captaining the 1st XV to the Wellington Premiership Final he was named in the New Zealand Secondary Schools Barbarians and the Hurricanes Under 18 squad.
When looking back he rates his two highlights as the come-from-behind win over Wellington College in which his side recovered from a 0-19 deficit to win 32-26 and their semi final win over a fancied Scots College. But ultimately he just enjoyed making memories with his mates on the field.
Looking ahead to 2019, loose forward Keelan will join his older brother Grayson at Marist St Pats. A reunion he's looking forward to making on the field. The pathway from St Pat's to Marist St Pats was a natural one given the close ties between college and club.
Eager to get stuck in, Keelan has already turned out for MSP in Sevens competition which he felt was an opportunity to have a run with the senior players after being warmly welcomed.
His first impressions of the transition from St Pats to Marist St Pats is that 'it reminds me of the strong brotherhood at St Pats. It's a good rugby community, with plenty of support and opportunities for personal development.'
Off the field Keelan will be starting his building apprenticeship in the new year and has goals to make the Wellington Under 19 team on the field.
Director of Rugby Zak Feaunati is excited to bring Keelan into the MSP family and see him play in the red jersey. 'Keelan is a player with a huge future in the sport. He is here because he wants to play for Marist St Pats and that's important. That passion will see him thrive in our club's culture.'
Play for Marist St Pats in 2019. Preseason training starts on 8 January with all new and returning players encouraged to join us. Get in touch with Zak if you have any questions: zakfeaunati@gmail.com
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