Rising rugby star, Hitomi Oka, has enjoyed the International Rugby Programme (IRP) so much, she is staying on at Marian College.

Marian has partnered with St Bede’s College to host the International Rugby Programme (IRP) from 2019.

Hitomi was among four girls in the of 10 to 12 Year 12 students from overseas countries in this season’s cohort – and like her, are mostly from Japan.

She says as well as improving her 'rugby IQ' dramatically, the 22 week programme has helped her grow as a young person.

Hitomi has enjoyed the experience so much, she is making student life in new Zealand her next challenge for the year.

"By living away from our home countries and families - outside of our comfort zones - we are obliged to do more for ourselves," she explains.

"Both in terms of my rugby and my life in general, I think I have become far more resilient and self-driven. In this respect, the IRP offers an environment that stimulates significant growth for us both as players and as young people."

Marian College Principal Mary-Lou Davidson says the IRP is an amazing opportunity for students from all over the world to come together for high performance sport development.

“Our Marian students are exposed to the opportunities sport at this level brings. They develop manaakitanga and make long-lasting friendships,” Mrs Davidson says.

Hitomi loves sports and music. "What I like best about Marian College is that teachers and students are very kind and welcoming to me."

Welcome to Marian Hitomi, we are thrilled to have you with us for the year!

The IRP, which has been running for 17 years, is a high-performance programme which makes the use of the latest technologies and practice. International students participate in a combination of rugby training, coaching and academic learning. IRP students play for a combined team and have the option to play for a local club team. In 2017, four former IRP students represented Japan in the Women's Rugby World Cup.

Opportunities for Marian College families to host IRP students will become available in early 2020. Please email exec@mariancollege.co.nz to register your interest.

Former IRP student and Marian College student Hitomi Oka with her new classmate Sinead Fagan.
 

Article added: Thursday 19 September 2019