Young talent aims for the top

Darfield Rugby Club has its very own Israel Dagg in the making.

Tyler Tapa-Wither has had a stellar season for the club, scoring 72 tries over 14 games - and he's only 8 years old.

He was recognised at the junior prizegiving last week when he received the Outstanding Player of the Year trophy.

Mum and team manager Mel Tapa said, "It's awesome. We're really proud of him.

"He tries so hard, you can just see it in his face."

The Year 4 pupil at Greendale School has been playing in the under 8 team for two years, following two years of Rippa Rugby.

When he's not on the field, Tyler is playing rugby with his younger brother Lucas, 5.

"They're out there all the time," said Mrs Tapa.

"Tyler trains Lucas every afternoon, he has him doing drills and running laps around the house."

The family have lived on their Greendale dairy farm for five years, after moving from Leeston.

Mrs Tapa said, "He helps his dad in the shed milking occasionally."

But rugby is the dream.

"He just doesn't stop talking about the All Blacks. Israel Dagg is his favourite."

Rattle Your Daggs: All Blacks fullback Israel Dagg in action against Ireland...and Tyler Tapa-Wither (below), playing for Greendale School, fends off the Darfield Primary opposition at a recent school winter tournament held at Darfield Rugby Club.

When the under 8 team went to the recent Canterbury vs Northland game at AMI Stadium, most of the boys were wriggling in their seats.

"He was the only one glued to the game," said Mrs Tapa.

"He's so driven. He doesn't say 'I might be an All Black' he says 'I'm going to be an All Black'."

Tyler's drive has proven costly for Mrs Tapa and her husband Michael.

"At the start of the season we didn't have any idea that he'd go so well. So my husband and I said we'd pay him $3 a try."

Forking out $15 or $20 after each game has added up, said Mrs Tapa.

"We've said this is definitely the last season he gets any money."

Mrs Tapa said Tyler has scored the first try in all but one of his 14 games this season.

"Tyler's quite fast. He loves his running tries," she said.

"He's definitely got speed behind him."

Tyler has made a name for himself on the club rugby scene.

"He's well known, especially to Kirwee, they're Darfield's rivals. When we play them they target him a bit."

Mrs Tapa said coaches from some of the other teams have come up after games and commended Tyler's playing.

"They've said he's definitely one to watch for the future."

As a mum, hearing that makes Mrs Tapa "really proud of him".

"I want him to achieve his dream."

Next year Tyler will be playing in the under 10s grade. "It's going to be a bit of a challenge for him.

"Because he's had such a good run this year it will be interesting to see how he copes with the big boys."