Pats Internationals are considered to be one of the world’s most infamous social rugby teams. The Internationals were formed in the summer of 2008 by founder Nick Lissette. Foundation members included Cameron Bath, Aaron Bouzaid and Heston Stanley. History:
The team name was actually coined moments before the team’s inaugural match. It is rumoured that Cameron Bath, while looking for playing numbe
rs, approached an individual who was looking for his team. Upon bringing the player into the changing room the individual quickly realised that not only was this not his team, it was not even his sport (he played soccer). He was quoted asking ‘Are you the Internationals’? Due to lack of numbers the team relied ‘yes’ in a hope he would assist. The individual left but the name stuck. Despite humble beginnings which included playing several first round games with 13 players the Internationals quickly established a unique and potent brand of rugby. In a determined recruiting drive the Internationals attracted experienced players including prop Josh Masson and veteran utility back Mark Mc Lean. The momentum gathered in 2008 helped the Internationals get through the season with a 13-2 win to loss record. At the end of the season core players included Cody and James Beach, Eddie Uhatafe, John Kilgour and Pena Fretton. The 2008 season was capped off with a dramatic court session at Cameron Baths house which saw Nick Lissette cook the greatest pork roast of all time and several team members passing out unconscious through beer consumption. Heston Stanley was awarded player of the 2008 season. The 2009 season was a golden season for the Internationals who not only won the 1st Division Championship but were undefeated for the entire 2009 season. The introduction of Edwin Meachen as player/coach was instrumental to the success of the ‘09 season. As an experienced networker Edwin was able to recruit key players which gave the Internationals the depth they lacked in the ‘08 season. They included Craig Pearman (formally Captain of the Wellington Clubs top team), David Isaiah, The Bouzaid brothers Dustan and Joel (cousins of founding member Aaron), The O’Brien brothers Kieran and Liam, Aaron Palamo and Ian Leota. The internationals showed formidable form in the first round by trouncing former Wellington Reverse heavy weights Poneke and Ories. The Ories match also saw the introduction of the International’s first Scottish International Andy Harding who scored within his first 2 minutes in the red jersey. Andy was directly responsible for the recruitment of his fellow countrymen Colin Anderson and Andrew Hood, both of whom quickly became valuable contributors on and off the field. The Internationals were undefeated after the first round and were one of the few teams in Reserve history to do so with maximum bonus points. Last minute drafting saw Gerard Scanlon, Hoani Martin-Davis, Malaki Akeli, Ben Moceiwoi and Karl ‘Big Show’ Emmson round out the 2009 International squad. The Internationals continued their winning ways in the second round, albeit a tighter round of completion with the score lines sometimes being within 20 points. The Internationals comfortably took out the second round trophy and the top seeding for the finals. The Reserve 1st Division final was between the Internationals and the Upper Hutt J8’s. The Internationals had the better of the J8’s in their previous five encounters, however the matches were always hard fought and physical. The return of the injured Dan Herbison helped fortify the International’s squad for the final, a team which ultimately proved to be too strong for the J8’s. The Internationals won the final 17 – 0. This capped off a remarkable season for the Internationals winning both rounds and the final. Heston Stanley once again took out the team’s converted MVP award. Cameron Bath topped the try scoring tally with 11. Influences:
The International’s have sighted the 1987 All Black side as a primary influence in their playing style. Their style is also heavily influenced by what 15 players turn up to play and how much they have had to drink the night before.
