WRFU Academy Profile: Tyrone Thompson

The family of Tyrone Thompson must feel like his presence at Marist St Pats is a case of things going ‘full circle.’

Tyrone’s father is from the Hawke’s Bay and attended Gisborne Boys’ High School. In 1988, Jud Thompson was a member of the First XV who defeated Napier Boys’ High School in the National Top Four final, erasing a large deficit.

Fast forward 30 years and Tyrone was in the Napier First XV who succumbed to St Peter’s College, Auckland in similar circumstances. Tyrone and twin brother Leo have since ventured to the capital - a repeat of dad’s movements.

“Dad played for MSP and I’m a Napier Marist junior so the move was obvious,” Tyrone explains.

“I wanted to come to Wellington and test myself against tougher opposition and stand on my own two feet.”

Tyrone is a member of the Wellington Rugby High Performance programme, training at least six times a week. He has featured in five premier games for MSP, scoring a vital try in a 24-24 draw against Petone. Despite a pesky ankle injury, Tyrone is shaping as a key figure for the Wellington Under-19’s.

Last year the dynamic hooker was a New Zealand Secondary Schools selection along with fellow MSP forward Tom Martin. The two youngsters were on opposing sides in the Super 8 final which again resulted in another heartbreaking loss for Napier against Hamilton Boys’ High School. Deveonte Murray kicked a last-play penalty in the fifth and final lead change. Tyrone was named Player of the Match.

“Those two games hurt for a while. I used to think about them all the time, but they were great learning experiences. The whole First XV experience was,” Tyrone reflected.

In three years Tyrone racked up 57 games for the Napier First XV (Leo played 50). There was a tour to South Africa and a resurgence for Napier who’d suffered some lean years.

“Being around the boys was fun. We had a great chemistry and just enjoyed each other’s company. That made it easy to play for each other,” Tyrone acclaimed.

In addition to rugby Tyrone is undertaking a barber course and enjoys relaxing with his friends.  

Quick Questions
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