NZ squad just the start for Quin

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The rugby life of Quin Strange is starting to get pretty exciting, but the man himself is keeping his sizeable feet on the ground.

Next year, Quin has a realistic chance of breaking into the ITM Cup with the Tasman Makos, as well as making the prestigious New Zealand under 20 squad. Earlier this month, the 6 foot, 5 inch lock forward was selected for the wider under 20 squad, along with another Tasman representative, Alex Nankivell.

But Quin says he’s not getting ahead of himself.

“Yeah, it will be a big year, I will get my pre-season good and see where it goes, it’s good to have a bit of motivation for something you strive for.”

After starring for Nelson College in the UC Championship in 2014, the same year he made the New Zealand Secondary School team, Quin got his first taste of senior club rugby earlier this year with the Nelson Club. That led to a place in the Makos training squad and Crusaders academy, where he is being mentored by fellow lock and former All Black Chris Jack.

“Chris has been helping me with the one per centers in my game and keeps me on my feet. He is the perfect guy to mentor me. We talk about decision making, when I have the ball and don’t have the ball, what I’m doing there, and he asks a lot of questions.”

Despite his humble attitude, Quin is no shrinking violet. He says he has big plans for his rugby career and plans to show that at the under 20 camps.

“I want to go as far as I can. I want to be the best that I can be. So, while it’s nice to make it this far, I don’t wanna get there and go all shy, I really wanna make my mark on it. I just want to pick up as much as I can.”

Quin says playing for Tasman or the under 20s would mean a heck of a lot to him. “It would be awesome to start for your country but I do have to get in that team first, I can’t really get ahead of myself, I suppose. I would also love to make a mark on the Tasman region, I just have to learn off the players who are there now.”

In the meantime, Quin is busy working as a community development officer at Tasman Rugby Union and keeping fit for his biggest year of rugby yet.