Olympics and more for Bay rugby newcomer.
If you thought Hawke's Bay's All Black Sevens representative Kurt Baker was planning on making the Tokyo Olympic Games his final fling on the international scene forget it.
"The World Cup Sevens tournament and the Commonwealth Games are the following year after the Olympics ... I'm aiming for those too," Baker said before his Altherm Window Systems Napier Technical team trained last night in the build up to tomorrow's eighth round Maddison Trophy clash against Auto Super Shoppe Hastings Rugby and Sports at Elwood Park.
Baker, 31, is adamant some Mitre 10 Cup play for the Hawke's Bay Magpies will provide the ideal preparation for the two-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist's quest to make the cut for Tokyo.
"I've been lucky throughout my whole career that 15s and Sevens have complimented each other," the former Manawatu and Taranaki representative explained.
"If I can get on the track for Hawke's Bay that will help my chances of being selected for the Olympics. While I'll be happy just to be on the field most of my 15s has been at fullback and I'm keen to provide some experience to a young and exciting backline," Baker said.
When he turned out for the Texans in a 31-20 win against Central last weekend it was his first match in six months. He knows his fourth-placed team has a tough assignment against the competition leaders tomorrow.
"But at the same time I don't know too much about their players so I'm going in blind. That's not a bad thing as it means I can just worry about my game."
Playing tomorrow will make Baker eligible for the semifinals should Tech qualify. He will miss the following weekend's game against Clive because he will be at an All Black Sevens squad training camp.
"Obviously with Covid19 there hasn't been a lot of play this year. But people's health is the most important thing," Baker said.
"I'm really excited about the chance to play some 15s for Hawke's Bay. It will benefit an ageing athlete like me," he quipped.
The Texans will miss the services of winger Penikolo Latu and lock-loosie Izy Martin who have been suspended for six and one week respectively after being red carded last weekend.
Hastings midfielder Ausage Fomai will be making his 100th appearance for the hosts.
Tamatea first five-eighth Ash Robinson will play his 50th match for the side when they host Tanalised Napier Pirate Rugby and Sports at Bill Mathewson Park.
In-form referee Tipene Cottrell will control his 50th premier game when Nash Cup holders Taradale Rugby and Sports host defending champions WIT Trust Napier Old Boys Marist at Tareha Recreation Reserve.
Andrew Clark Tremains Clive will need to beat Progressive Meats Havelock North at Farndon Park to keep their semifinal hopes alive. Expect a torrid tussle between the two forward packs when Enviro Clean and Restoration MAC host Northfuels Central at Flaxmere Park.
