College lads are a tight bunch. It is amazing to see how excited Conrad is to watch Beauden score a test try against the French in Christchurch, 2013 – ‘College!’ Photo: Reuters/Anthony Phelps.
Sport
When New Plymouth’s Francis Douglas Memorial College old boys Conrad Smith and Beauden Barrett represented their country as All Blacks in England, winning the Webb Ellis Cup for the second time in a row, sharing the pride and honour was their College community. FDMC Deputy Principal and rugby coach Tim Stuck talks about both players.
The key point I want to make is these young men have excellent character. This goes a long way especially in modern society!
FDMC (College) has always prided itself on not only developing the rugby player, but importantly the person who wears the jersey – the player off the field!
Conrad Smith and Beauden Barrett have played the game at all times in the right spirit and it has always been a source of excitement to watch them perform at the highest level. Only a few get to pull on the black jersey to add value to the All Black story. These fine College men have had this opportunity and are well-respected as players on the field. Importantly, FDMC is equally proud of their actions off the field.
Conrad was in in the class of 99. Ten years later Beauden was in the class of 09. Both young men are strong examples of how their ability, attitude and most notably, character, has enabled them to develop into fine young men – fine young College men. FDMC often punches above its weight on and off the sporting field. These two gentlemen have and continue to represent the College and all that it’s about.
Both Conrad and Beauden are extremely competitive by nature. Teachers and coaching staff acknowledge they were willing to put the hard yards in. Yes, they had talent but they both worked diligently to improve their skill set and performance. Conrad has led by example in any side for which he has played. The level of respect players have for him is global.
Conrad and Beauden have been excellent role models for others. FDMC have really appreciated the way they have interacted with all age groups, represented their teams with humility and pride.
We thank them for being part of our community. Both have made themselves available whenever possible and have often acknowledged and supported the College in a very positive manner. You were and remain ‘good College men’, something that is shared and celebrated by many of your old school mates and teachers.
Conrad, who graduated in 2003 with a Bachelor of Law with Honours, has a strong rugby lineage. His uncle and great-uncle were both All Blacks and his father represented Taranaki in both rugby and cricket.
Beauden has four brothers and three sisters. Kane and Scott have represented Super 15 teams – the Blues and Crusaders. Scott has played for the NZ U20’s. His father, Kevin, played for the Hurricannes. Beauden played in the College 1st XV for three years. He also made the Hurricanes school side, Taranaki NPC, Hurricanes, NZ U20’s, and NZ 7’s.
Conrad has certainly looked after Beauden along his journey through the Hurricanes and into the All Blacks. College lads are a pretty tight bunch. People from the outside FDMC often comment about this.