Tamaiti finds balance between life and rugby.
Life’s been a bit of a roller coaster for Canterbury Rugby prop Tamaiti Williams.
Recently celebrating his milestone 21st Birthday, he was feeling fitter and stronger than he’s ever felt heading into this year’s NPC campaign, and after a season of professional rugby under his belt he’s no longer the new kid on the block.
“I’m not coming in blind like I was last year. I know what is expected of me and I can set the benchmark for myself and continue to improve on that.”Those on field improvements have recently been put on ice due to injuries to his calf and later hamstring. That has however provided an opportunity to further his off-field ventures. After finishing school at St Kentigern College in Auckland Williams was offered a spot in the Canterbury Academy in 2018. It was there in that environment that Williams learned the importance of having career options and goals outside of rugby. With a strong interest in fashion he set about designing his own fashion label - NorthStreet.
“I’ve always had a real interest in fashion for as long as I can remember. I always wanted the latest hoodie and that sort of thing."
“I have mates involved in the industry and they have been really encouraging and helped me a lot.”
Williams admits having clear space to focus on his business has been a bit of a blessing, after things mounted up earlier in the year. “My mum got really sick with cancer, and she had to have brain surgery this year. “With wanting to be there for my family and do well in Super Rugby, I needed to take a step back from it."
“It’s still really important to me though and I want to keep chipping away at it.”
With his mum being sick, Williams, who’s originally from Northland says it has been hard being away from his family.
“I kept really busy. The way I thought about it was the best way I can support my family and be there for them is to work hard, do my best and make the most of all my opportunities.”
The family also makes the most of every opportunity to catch up.
“My parents came down to Auckland to watch the opening game of NPC at Eden Park. It’s been a couple of years since my mum has been able to watch me play."
“She wasn’t supposed to travel but they couldn’t keep her away. It was great to have her there.”
If there is perhaps one thing that this difficult year has taught Williams it’s that he prefers to live in the moment and make the most of every opportunity without focusing too far into the future.
“I’m not sure yet what my goals are for the next five years. But I love living in Christchurch. I love trying all the different cafes around the city. I love the lifestyle and I love playing rugby down here.”
The opportunity to learn from the best in the game has been a highlight for Williams of his time in the Canterbury team.
“Having coaches like Reuben and Casey who have been there and know what it’s like is awesome. They are so approachable and connect with you on a personal level. But they also mean business and set a really high standard for what is expected of us.”