INAUGURAL MICHAEL GARNER SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
(L-R) Josh Blackie, Robyn Garner, Xavi Taele, Amanda Savill, Shane King
Promising Blues U18 Development player and New Zealand Secondary Schools representative, Xavi Taele, will remain in Auckland for his tertiary education after receiving the inaugural Michael Garner Scholarship.
Michael Garner was a Managing Director of PIC Insurance Brokers who tragically lost a short but courageous battle with cancer in March 2022.
He was an avid sports fan and generous supporter of both club and professional rugby.
The scholarship was set-up to honour his contribution to rugby in the region, with a vision to nurture talent and support the development of young leaders by providing $10,000 to help with education and living costs at a pivotal time in their lives.
Seventeen-year-old Taele, who will be part of the Auckland Rugby Academy in 2023, has already built an impressive list of achievements both on-and-off the rugby field.
In his final year at Saint Kentigern College, he is captain of the 1st XV, Deputy Head Boy of the boarding house, and a school prefect.
He is an Excellence endorsed student at NCEA Level One and Two and is hoping to continue that trend in his final year of school before further education at the University of Auckland with a Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in Exercise Science.
Blues CEO, Andrew Hore, said the club was thrilled to be part of an initiative that supported the future of the Blues.
“To be able to support Xavi and keep him in the Blues region for the next stage of his development is very important to us as a club,” said Hore.
“We care for this community so to have partners who are keen to mirror that support and care for our players means a lot.”
“I knew Mike personally and feel this is a superb way to honour his contribution to our game, our thanks to the team at PIC for making this happen.”
PIC Executive General Manager, Commercial and Corporate Affairs, Paul Ryan, said Xavi’s all-round attributes and drive to achieve high standards set him apart.
“We are thrilled Xavi’s been selected as the first scholarship recipient and look forward to being part of his journey. We wish him all the very best for a big year ahead in 2023,” he said.