Meet Quinten Strange
Hailing from Collingwood, Quinten is a 2014 Nelson College 1st XV captain who made this year's NZ Under 20's team that contested the Junior World Cup in Wales. Age 20, he has been fast tracked into the Makos starting line-up at lock and his general forward play and lineout leadership makes him a standout to keep an eye on.
Quinten was part of the New Zealand team that finished fifth at the world rugby under-20 championships - the first New Zealand team to miss out on the semifinals in the tournament's history. New Zealand had to settle for a fifth-place playoff win over Australia to complete their campaign.
It was a bitter-sweet tournament for Quinten who turned 20 in August. He was selected for all five games and scored tries in each of the big wins over Wales and Australia, and although the overall result was disappointing Quinten impressed as a genuine lock forward prospect for the future.
Congratulations on becoming Tasman Mako # 143. You come to us from the Collingwood, Nelson College and NZ Under 20’s. Tell us about that journey and what you want to achieve in this Makos campaign?
I’m really proud of where I come from, I couldn’t have asked for a better place than Collingwood to grow up in. It was difficult at first to move to the city but it didn’t take long for me to find my feet, especially once rugby season started. In my first season with the Makos I’m really keen to gain experience at a higher level and put everything I can into the Makos jersey.
At what age, where and at what position did you first play rugby?
I played for the Collingwood under 8’s on Friday nights. I have always been a lock.
Who was your biggest influence to become a better rugby player?
Kahu Marfell [TRU’s community rugby manager and Mako # 30] and Chris Jack [All Black # 1003 & Mako # 24] are both former locks who have helped me think about my game in different ways.
Who has been your biggest influence on life away from the game?
My dad Mark and my brothers Steve, Jay & Kent, my mum and my friends.
The Makos environment has always been welcoming. Is anyone pulling your leg yet?
Tim Perry. We definitely take a few shots at each other and the banter goes both ways.
Who have you buddied up with in the squad?
My Nelson Rugby Football Club team mate Ethan Blackadder, and I also spend a bit of time with David Havili and Pete Samu.
Name any player in world rugby who you would most like to be like and why?
Brad Thorn [All Black # 1035 & Mako # 62]. I admire his hard-nosed approach to the game and his work rate.
What is the one thing that people don’t know about you?
I don’t mind spending time in the kitchen (but don’t tell my mum or she might stop cooking for me!).
