Meet Blair Prinsep
A Canterbury man, a product of Christchurch Boys High 1st XV and a part of the Canterbury extended squad, it was a call from Tasman that gave Blair his opportunity to play Mitre 10 Cup rugby. Called in as injury cover for a pre-season trial against Counties – Manukau in Pukekohe, he made a good impression on the Makos coaches and was asked to stay.
Congratulations on becoming Tasman Mako # 142. You come to us from the Canterbury development system. Tell us about your background and what brought you to Tasman.
I was born and raised in frosty Christchurch and have always had a passion for rugby and running around with a ball. After playing at Christchurch BHS 1ST XV in 2012 and 2013 I played club rugby for High School Old Boys and made the Canterbury wider squad last season. I got given the opportunity to have a crack for Tasman in a pre-season game and haven’t looked back. Tasman have welcomed me and made me feel at home straight away.
What you want to achieve in this Makos campaign?
My goal is to learn as much as I can from our experienced Super props who have been playing the game at this level for some time.
At what age, where and at what position did you first play rugby?
Funnily enough, my love of just running the ball meant that age 5, I played in the backline.
Who was your biggest influence to become a better rugby player?
My rugby influences have changed throughout the years, but the most massive one has been my older brother Reed [a Crusader currently playing in the back row for Canterbury].
Who has been your biggest influence on life away from the game?
My parents Annie and Grant have given me great support, and my godfather Mike Dormer has given me advice that has stuck with me to this day.
The Makos environment has always been welcoming. Is anyone pulling your leg yet?
There is good banter among the whole squad with give and take by everyone. Us front rowers give each other some stick. In general there is a great team culture and it’s easy to get along with everyone, but the front row buddies get alongside each other.
Name any player in world rugby who you would most like to be like and why?
Charlie Faumuina, the All Blacks prop, is a favourite as he is a strong scrummager and dynamic around the field. And he runs a great beard!
What is the one thing that people don’t know about you?
I’m massively into diving and spear fishing, both with and without tanks.
