Meet Mitchell Hunt
21 years of age, Mitchell played Super Rugby for the first time in 2016 at either fullback or first five-eighth for the Crusaders. He made the Nelson College First XV in year 11 and notched up 51 appearances.
Mitchell played for the New Zealand Under-20 team at the World Rugby Junior Championship in Italy. He played his debut provincial season for Auckland in 2015 and has returned home to play for Tasman in the 2016.
Congratulations on becoming Tasman Mako # 140. You have had a busy time since leaving school. Tell us about that journey and what you want to achieve in this Makos campaign?
It’s been a busy couple of years shifting and moving around the place, but it’s been a great experience and I’ve definitely come back better for it. Initially the move north to Auckland after College was based around study and getting accepted into University fitted well with the rugby academy up there also.
Returning back to the South brought the opportunity of more playing time as well as a Super Rugby spot with the Crusaders which I gladly accepted. It helped that the opportunity came from my home franchise and Union which I was very excited about.
For me personally this season, I hope I can take my game to a new level and really excel within the Tasman environment. I’m really excited to be back home and am just looking forward to an enjoyable season of footy.
At what age, where and at what position did you first play rugby?
My first game was for Stoke junior rugby club as an 11 year old and I played wing and first-five.
Who was your biggest influence to become a better rugby player?
I drive myself to become a better player. I have hopes of one day putting on an All Blacks jersey.
Who has been your biggest influence on life away from the game?
Family is always a big driving force for me, they keep me motivated.
The Makos environment has always been welcoming. Is anyone pulling your leg yet?
There is always general banter amongst the guys so everyone get’s their fair share of stick at some stage.
Who have you buddied up with in the squad?
Tommy Hill. We’re old school mates and he’s a good lad so I’m pretty close to him.
Name any player in world rugby who you would most like to be like and why?
I would love to have the speed of Carlin Isles (USA sevens flyer). It’s awesome to watch him play and see what he can do on a rugby field.
What is the one thing that people don’t know about you?
That I was studying physics at Auckland University.
