Singing the Blues – Kade Banks
Words Luke Williamson | Photos Auckland Blues Rugby
Kade came through First XV rugby at Mahurangi College, but his real step towards a career in rugby began with his selection for the North Harbour Sevens team. From there, it was Under 19s for Mahurangi and North Harbour, and then on to represent North Harbour at National Provincial Championship (NPC) level. “That was my first year of semi-professional rugby and I’ve been doing that since 2020,” he says.
His route to the upper echelons of rugby has not been what Kade considers traditional. “A lot of the players go to one of the ‘big schools’ [for rugby], then straight into the academies or the NPC teams, and then on to the Blues. I came from a small school where you don’t get noticed as much so the Sevens and Under 19s helped me make it into the North Harbour NPC side.”
Having now fulfilled an important goal of getting signed to his favourite Super team, Kade shares his goals for the upcoming season. “I’d like to play a handful of games, but there are a few All Blacks in my position [wing or fullback] which doesn’t make it easy for me. The biggest goal is for the Blues to win the competition and, hopefully, I’ll get my opportunity. Then I just have to play as well as I can.”
Kade works hard to not think about games during the week prior.
“I need to know the moves, and our strategy, but I try not to put myself into the game in my mind. I just make sure that, come game- day, I’m 100% clear what my role is so I’m as confident as I can possibly be.” Once the game is underway, any nerves disappear, he says. “As soon as I carry the ball once or make my first tackle, I realise it’s just another game of rugby and I need to enjoy it.”
Understanding the opposing players is often deemed crucial for success but, as Kade has discovered, there’s a fine line between studying an opponent's tendencies and avoiding overanalysis. “I study my opposition so I know their tendencies, but if, for instance, they’ve got a good fend or step, I don’t want to study it too much because I might start to freak out about it. It’s important not to over - think it.”
Every rugby player dreams of becoming an All Black and Kade is no exception. “I’d love to get there as soon as possible, but, realistically, it’s hard. However, you only need one good season.”
The never-ending supply of new, talented players is also a challenge. “The younger guys are getting better and better, especially the ones from the top schools. From the age of 15, they train like full-time professionals.” Kade speculates 70-80% of the professional players come from that small pool of specialist rugby schools. “There were a few more steps involved
in my route to the Blues, but it makes me appreciate it even more.”
Kade has only one year remaining to complete an accounting/commercial law degree, but that’s on hold for now. He’s also sampled a career in
real estate, working for his biggest supporters – mum, Nicole, and dad, Terence. Kade laughs, “I’ve had a taste of work life so I know how much better it is to be running around on a paddock with your mates.”
When it comes to young players coming up the ranks, hoping to fulfil their rugby dreams like Kade is doing, he has this message for them - “When things aren’t going your way, just keep working hard. Work on your game and your fitness, and, hopefully, your performance will improve and people will start to take notice. Eventually, those good things will come.”
www.instagram.com/KadeBanks | www.blues.rugby/kadebanks-player-profile