Alexis Time

For the benefit of visitors to this website, Alexis' surname is pronounced "tee-may".

What are your earliest memories of rugby?

My earliest memories of rugby is playing backyard rugguz as a lil boy with my two older brothers (Vena and Peter) and some of the cousins. I played for Hutt Old Boys as a youngster Under 9, 10 and 11. I had Tony Sellers as a coach one year going to Manaia for a rugby trip which we won, good times! After playing three years for Hutt Old Boys I made the switch to play for Randwick Rugby League.

Who was a major influence on you in developing your game?

Ummm back playing as a youngster I played in the forwards as a 7-6 so my influence was my eldest brother Vena and also the Iceman as they were both loose forwards. I used to watch my brother play for Hutt Valley High School 1st XV and also Michael on the tele.

Was there one player you really looked up to in your young days, as say, an All Black of the period?

When I made the switch into the backs I liked to watch Brian Lima (the chiropractor), To'o Vaega (the intercept king ha-ha) Frank Bunce and Eroni Clark so there was more then one player that I looked up to. They all had their own style and how they played the game, which I liked.

What level of the game have you enjoyed the most, (Schoolboy, Colts, and Prems etc), and why?

At club level playing Premier rugby is the most enjoyable level I have played not just in NZ but experiencing Premier and higher overseas has offered me new experiences, for example in Perth Premier rugby, although it doesn’t compare to NZ level, it was fast paced so brought a new dimension to my game. I guess that’s why Premier rugby is my most enjoyable, there’s always something new to learn whether it’s been in countries you have played in, or players that you have played with or against.

What brought you to Hutt Old Boys Marist?

There was no other club I was going to go to, Hutt Old Boys has been in my family, I have had uncles play and my father used to play for the Red and Whites. Both of my brothers have played for Hutt Old Boys Marist, and also my sister and many cousins on both sides of my family have played for HOBM and are currently playing.

Is there one game that's a standout in your memory, and why?

I've had a lot of good memories playing for the Red White and Greens and they have all been a standout for me. Just being able to get out there and play each Saturday is good enough for me. Well one game was winning my first McBain Shield in 2004 I think at home playing with Doug Power and Marty Wallis, being a youngster and being part of that was a standout.

How important has the support of family been?

Its awesome having your families' support, my wife Rachelle travelled the world with me following my rugby and she continues to support, with the kids as well. I am blessed that I have family still at the club with their support, it's great. My brother Peter is also still with the club coaching, its also good to hear feedback from him hahaha and also having Dan McCool, my nephew, being at the club is good, we all give each other feedback which is appreciated. Having the famz watch you play is a bonus as well and it’s also good getting feedback from Rachelle, good or bad ha-ha! … (Mainly good hehe!)

Have you achieved all you want to in the game?

Uummm I’ve achieved what I’ve put into my game. Having said that, if I had put more effort into my game I would have gone further, but I have no regrets it’s been all good in the hood.

I’m a pretty laxed out sort of guy and I am grateful that I have had opportunities to travel the world with rugby and play for HOBM!!! Ooh I forgot to add this as well, I wouldn’t mind getting my 100^th game for HOBM, I think its next year so that’s something I would want to achieve.

Any thoughts on what you'll do when your playing days are over, such as coaching?

Hahahaha coaching..... Watching is more like it lol!

I have no idea what the future holds for me after rugby, I would love to give back to HOBM in any way that I can, water boy – T boy ha-ha, I"ll try to coach my son Oakley the game of rugby lol or my daughter Adelia to play netball.....hahaha!

Thanks Alexis......next Eagles Entity, Megan Bailey.