Last year Devan Flanders was part of the national secondary school winning Hastings Boys High first fifteen. Fast forward to August 2018 and Devan has had a meteoric rise through the ranks of senior rugby.

Devan, a loose forward, had set himself some goals – making the New Zealand Under 20s and playing a couple of games for the Magpies.

Although New Zealand wasn’t successful in retaining the U20 World Cup title, Devan was one of the form players. He then returned to the Bay and has not only been named in the Magpies 2018 squad but has signed a 3-year contract with the Hurricanes.

Injuries aren’t something players enjoy, but a leg injury towards the end of last year, enabled Devan to bulk up considerably.

“I wasn’t able to run, I also started drinking protein shakes, something I had done before and I gained 12 kilograms.

The additional bulk has now added some new diversity to his playing roles. As well as being able to play blind side and number eight, Devan can swap into lock if needed.

As a former member of the Hawke’s Bay academy, Devan is well prepared for rugby in the higher levels, according to Jason Shoemark.

Jason says Devan has gone from strength to strength over the last couple of years. He says it’s all well and good to be a performer on the field, but Devan also is humble and doesn’t take talent for granted.

“He’s a good character with leadership qualities. The NZ U20 coaches were really impressed with his attitude and he’s performed very well on the field.

Jason says that there’s no race or pressure to thrust Devan into a starting spot every game for the Magpies. If that happens, then all good, but at the same time there’s no pressure to do so.

“It’s about continuing to develop and not about placing too much pressure.

Article by Damon Harvey at Attn! Marketing