News

Cam Church has really launched himself into the Counties Manukau Rugby history books this year with a phenomenal debut season.

The openside flanker starred for Karaka as they went all the way to the McNamara Cup grand final before getting selected to play for the Steelers and follow in the footsteps of his father Michael Church, who played in the 1990s.

“For me, it is really special – my old man played for the Steelers so there is that connection there,” the younger Church said of his selection.

“When I pull on the hoops it is a pretty proud moment.”

Church was hoping he had done enough to find himself in the frame for selection but admitted he thought he had missed out when coach Reon Graham called.

“I was just at home, and he called on the phone and asked me to come in and go over some things to work on,” Church explained.

“I thought maybe I wasn’t getting anything this year and when I came in he surprised me by telling me I was getting a contract and was going to be part of the Steelers this year.

“That was a pretty special moment.”

Dad Michael Church, a speedy winger who also played for Karaka, presented his son with his playing jersey at the beginning of the campaign in a tender moment for onlookers.

“Wear it with pride – there is a lot of history in this Union, and we are really looking forward to seeing you play in it,” Michael Church said as he gave his son his jersey.

Cam has enjoyed a superb season and become a fixture in Graham’s playing side.