NELSON, NEW ZEALAND - MAY 7: Tasman Trophy WOB v Central, May 7, Jubilee Park, Richmond, New Zealand. (Photo by: Barry Whitnall/Shuttersport Limited)

Dylan Fletcher faces future head-on

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At 24, Waimea Old Boys first five eighth Dylan Fletcher says he is playing his last season of division one rugby because of concussion fears.

“This is my last season, I’ve had too many concussions and I don’t think the risk is worth it,” Dylan says just moments after his 24-point haul helped WOB beat Central 36-22 at Jubilee Park.

“I’ve made peace with it and come to the realisation that this isn’t paying my bills.

“It does hurt a little because I’ve just started to enjoy the game again.”

He has come a long way from where he was as a 17-year-old winning a third division title with his father playing in the forwards.

“They were fun times, I was at 10 and my old man was playing the occasional flanker or No 8 role – I think he was 44 and we managed to win a championship together.

Dylan has returned this season to the club he grew up with after four seasons playing Christchurch Division One rugby for High School Old Boys.

He says the experience down south has helped him pilot a young backline in a rebuilding year.

“This is a young team but we are starting to get confidence and gel together and the wins are helping with that.

Dylan’s points haul included three tries, three conversions and a penalty.

The win over third placed Central means Waimea Old Boys are right in the mix for the top four on a congested middle of the Tasman Trophy points ladder.

They next face Waitohi at Jubilee Park on Saturday and then have another Marlborough team in Harlequins the following week at home.

If both those results go their way then a semi final berth will be well within reach for the young team by the time they travel to face Renwick in the final game of the round-robin.