While you were sleeping this summer, rising sophomore Rees Curtis was on the other side of the world — dropping guys on the turf and working on his grubber at Nelson College, a famed rugby school where rugby is literally on the class schedule.
He was initially a finalist for the US Rugby Foundation Scholarship—which sends a few US players to Nelson each year—but the program is only open to sophomores and up. Once they realized he was too young, his name was dropped from the list.
Luckily, Nelson College had another option: an Under-15 program. While it’s not part of the scholarship program, Rees still made the cut due to his academic and rugby credentials. On April 22 he packed his bags and shipped out for a three-month adventure.
We caught up with Rees last week to hear about his experience in Kiwiland. Here’s how it went down. 👇
Rugby Riot: What was a typical day like?
Rees: “Wake up at 7, breakfast at 8, classes during the day, rugby training in the afternoon, dinner at night. Even if you didn’t have training, everybody still went out to the field to kick and play touch. It was just constant rugby.”
The accommodations were dormitory-style, with 15 or 16 boys in a single room, each with their own cubicle-sized area.
Rugby Riot: What was it like living in the dorms with a bunch of guys you just met?
Rees: “I made some really good friends in my dorm. There were a lot of international students there—kids from all over the place, from Japan to the USA, and they were all really friendly.”
Rugby Riot: I bet there were some funny moments, especially with that many boys all living together. Any shenanigans worth sharing?
Rees: (laughing) “Yeah for sure. Sometimes we’d do ‘bed-flipping’ where we’d sneak up and flip somebody and their mattress completely over. Haha, it definitely felt like brothers.”
The curriculum at Nelson College includes a dedicated rugby class, which everyone takes except year 11 students. That’s where the mental side of the game is fine-tuned.
The rugby itself was on a different level, according to Rees. Interestingly, the structure is flipped from the U.S. — school teams are the elite squads, while clubs function more like extra leagues to spread playing time.
It would be like Torrey Pines and Cathedral Catholic splitting into several club teams for a side league, but the First XV at each school would still be the crown jewel. In New Zealand, making the school’s First XV is the pinnacle of success for schoolboy ruggers.
Rees started with a club team before earning a spot on Nelson’s school team for his age group.
Rugby Riot: What stood out about the style of play?
Rees: “You get tested a lot more there. The rugby is super good, and the games are always really close. Their skills are just so good—whether you’re the flyhalf or the prop, everyone is above average compared to here. They pride themselves on skills more than physical ability. The ball recycles faster too.”
Rugby Riot: As a flyhalf, it must have felt like the ball was firing out to you nonstop.
Rees: “Yeah for sure. You’ve gotta think ahead and react faster, but I think it’s more fun playing that way.”
One of the highlights of Rees’ trip was meeting Ardie Savea and the entire All Blacks squad while grabbing breakfast one morning in a Wellington hotel.
Rees Curtis with All Blacks great, Ardie Savea
Rugby Riot: What was it like meeting Ardie Savea?
Rees: “It was so scary! But he was really quiet, really nice…humble, that’s the word. And all of the All Blacks were there at breakfast one day, which was awesome. My dad even gave up his chair to one of them because he was sitting on the ground. They were all super friendly.”
Rees returned to San Diego in early August, and despite feeling a bit burnt out from the busy summer, he organized a practice with some of his Torrey Pines teammates the same day. Safe to say NZ left an impression.
Rugby Riot: What did you learn in NZ that you’re bringing with you going into sophomore year?
Rees: “Focusing on doing the simple things very well. My mindset last year was more like, ‘what’s gonna throw off the defense the most?’ and trying to do tricky back plays. But the trip made me realize the simple skills are most effective. Catch and pass, trusting the guys next to you, not just doing something tricky. That’s definitely something I’m bringing back from the trip.”
Rugby Riot: What are you most excited about, heading into next season with Torrey Pines?
Rees: “The team we have and the players we have. We probably won’t have that one player who wins games for you, we’re gonna have 15 solid players all doing their part. That’s what I’m excited about.”
Rugby Riot: Would you do the Nelson College experience again next year?
Rees: “Yes for sure, but my main goal is to make the Mustangs nationals squad. And if I went to New Zealand again then I’d miss nationals. So, while I’d love to do it again, making the Mustangs is my main goal.”
Rees had the benefit of playing his freshman year alongside his older brother James — now graduated — and we asked him about playing with his older bro.
Rugby Riot: What was it like playing with James last year—are you going to miss having him there this year?
Rees: “Yes! Definitely going to miss him. That was the best season of my life because I got to play with him. He helped me a lot, being a freshman. Having him there definitely helped take some of the pressure off me.”
💥BONUS QUESTION:
Rugby Riot: So Rees, after living in the dorms with a bunch of other rugby guys for an entire summer, do you think Torrey Pines should open a dormitory and require the rugby team to spend two nights there per week? Do you think it would make the team better?
Rees: “Haha definitely! That would be so fun!”
Rees Curtis is a kid to keep an eye on. He’s talented and serious about rugby.
And on a macro level, this is yet another sign that there are American players committed to this great sport. The future is bright for the US — if we can support their journey and build a system that brings their hard work to fruition.
Cheers, Rees. Thanks for the interview!