Super Rugby dream getting closer for Guyton at Crusaders [Fairfax]
BIG TIME: Billy Guyton is chasing his dream of nailing a spot in the Crusaders after making his Super Rugby debut for the Hurricanes last year.
Billy Guyton grew up in Waimate playing age-group rugby and hoping one day he might make the big time.
The 24-year-old is on the cusp of realising that dream as part of the Crusaders wider training group.
He has been named as one of the substitutes when the Crusaders take on the Highlanders in their pre-season game in Timaru today.
Guyton is excited to be making his debut in 'red and black' at Alpine Energy Stadium, with plenty of friends and family watching on.
Guyton moved from Waimate to Christchurch and played for Shirley Boys' High School in the Press Cup. He was then shoulder-tapped and went to Nelson Boys' College for his last at school.
He then went on to play a couple of years for Nelson Bays usually at second five, centre or halfback.
At that time he had a desire to play for South Canterbury in the Heartland Championships but they showed no interest. Instead his uncle Barry Matthews snapped him for North Otago and the side went on to win the Meads Cup.
Guyton said he then moved to Australia briefly, believing his dream to play at a higher level may not come to fruition.
However, a call from a Nelson club coach persuaded him to return to New Zealand.
"He said there were more opportunities and he was right," Guyton said.
in 2013 Guyton made the Tasman team and was selected for the wider Hurricanes group, playing one game and sitting on the bench a couple of times.
His bigger break came on the back of Tasman's bold run in last year's national provincial championship, when his side made the final.
Guyton had also switched to halfback.
"Todd Blackadder rang and said he was interested in me."
Guyton was blown away to get the call and his day only got better after another call, this time from sevens guru Gordon Tietjens. However, he decided to stick with the 15-aside game.
Guyton realises may have to bide his time but the Crusaders first-choice halfbacks are getting older, so an opportunity may await.
In today's clash, Willi Heinz has moved to the less familiar position of first five- eighth, allowing Mitchell Drummond and Guyton to run at halfback.
Guyton is also impressing Blackadder with his work ethic and skills.
He was the first home after a squad run at Taylors Mistake.
"I'm always trying to stay on top of my fitness or else you are left behind in a professional outfit."
Guyton said he was keen to make the most of any opportunities offered.
"I'm loving it, it is an awesome feeling to be part of the Crusaders."
Blackadder said he was really impressed by Guyton.
"He works hard and is going to make the most of it."
Blackadder said players could still get noticed by playing in the Heartland Championships.
"A lot of our players came from small towns and regional areas like South Canterbury."
Guyton also really enjoyed coming back to Waimate and playing at Manchester Park in the one-off club game last year.
"It was something I had always wanted to do having grown up watching the seniors every Saturday."
"Work hard and never give up as at the end of the day you never know where it will end."As for any youngsters chasing their rugby dream from South Canterbury, Guyton said the it was simple.
Today's game kicks off at 2.30pm.
- The Timaru Herald
