Year 8, Liam Clifford was upstairs in his room like any kid, just on his phone. His mum, a rugby fanatic and a big inspiration to him, had called him downstairs. The Walter Dickson U13 East Rugby Team had been named. Liam was so excited, he raced downstairs, slipped on the tiles, jumped back up and saw his name on the list.
“Let’s go” were the immediate words to come out of his mouth and back to work it was, for the talented young rugby player. Since the age of three, Liam has always had a rugby ball in his hands.
Representing the Pakuranga Rugby Club and trialling for the U13 East Team at Macleans College, Liam was never taken off the field for the entire trial. He approached the trial aware that there were many talented players he was going up against. His Mum always tells him to “play your own game.” And that’s exactly what he did.
With a small frame and speed to burn, Liam loves rugby because it gives him the chance to prove people wrong and show that it doesn’t matter what size you are, if you’ve got the will and confidence to play than that’s all that matters.
Playing in the fly-half and full-back positions, there’s no surprise why his favourite player is rugby legend, Dan Carter.
Liam hopes to play his role to the best of his ability in order to contribute to his team and achieve sucess during the Walter Dickson Memorial tournament in the school holidays.
Liam isn’t afraid of the hits or tackles that come his way. He stays humble and poised through it all and has got a lot of fight in him. Sancta Maria College congratulates him and wishes him all the best.
Shontelle Matano
