Wintec teams up with Hautapu Sports Club to tackle player development
Amateur rugby players from Hautapu Sports Club recently took to Wintec’s specialised Human Performance Hub to hone their skills for the 2025 rugby season.
A number of players from the club’s premiership, A, B, Colt, and Women’s teams kicked off their pre-season preparation, taking part in the first of many workshops included in a targeted performance development programme.
Designed and facilitated by Wintec Master of Sport Science student Alesha McQuoid, the five-to-six-month programme aims to collect and track individual player performance data throughout the season.
Alesha McQuoid, Wintec Master of Sport Science student
Alesha, supported by academic staff members from Wintec’s Centre for Sport Science and Human Performance Will Helu and Shaun Paterson, will analyse and measure each player's individual activity, helping to tailor training to enhance their performance on the rugby field.
“So far, working with Wintec on this project has been an incredible experience.
“It’s exciting to be at the early stages and already have such a hands-on opportunity to apply my growing knowledge and skills in a real-world setting. The support from both Wintec and Hautapu Sports Club has been fantastic, providing valuable guidance and collaboration,” said Alesha.
The active sessions provide the ideal environment for Alesha to practically apply the theoretical aspects of her studies to a real-world scenario.
“This programme will bring immense value to the players and the club by enhancing athletic performance, promoting smarter training strategies, and building a strong foundation for player development while fostering a culture of continuous growth and improvement.
“I’m really excited for what’s to come as we continue developing the programme and seeing its impact unfold.”
Alesha McQuoid analyses players' push-ups
Outside of the programme, Alesha has been working alongside Hautapu for multiple seasons, supporting the strength and conditioning of various rugby teams within the club.
Hautapu Director of Rugby Nigel Kewish believes the programme is an excellent opportunity to benefit players and the club.
“At Hautapu, we strive to improve our player’s development year on year.
“This collaboration allows us to be more targeted with players wanting to hit the next level. We want to provide our players with the tools and assistance to elevate their game.”
Nigel said Alesha has earned the respect of players and staff during her time with the club.
“The club notices Alesha, and the players respect and listen to her.
Alesha McQuoid measuring player performance
“Working with Alesha through Wintec has helped to improve our wider player base, developing player’s strength and conditioning to be the best they can be on the field.”
Nigel believes there is plenty of untapped talent at Hautapu, and that Alesha’s programme will help to unlock players’ full potential on the field.
“We’re only in the first year of our collaboration with Wintec on this programme, but we’re invested in broadening the course to add more value to our players,” said Nigel.
Wintec Team Manager – Centre for Sport Science and Human Performance Kerin McDonald believes working with local organisations to provide practical learning scenarios for Wintec students is key to facilitating their growth.
“Working with real businesses, teams, and clients based in the Waikato provides our students with unique hands-on learning and great industry-based experiences. This prepares them for versatile careers in sport, health, fitness, wellbeing, and human performance,” said Kerin.
The performance plan consists of two exercise sessions per week, fitting in with each team’s regular training schedule.
Wintec offers a range of sport and exercise science programmes, giving students the opportunity to attain qualifications recognised and respected worldwide.
To learn more about studying sport science and human performance with Wintec, head to wintec.ac.nz/study-at-wintec/courses/sport-science-and-human-performance
For more information about Hautapu Sports Club, head to https://hautapusports.co.nz/
