Tauranga rugby player James Haua has scored a partial scholarship to Ohio, US, to play rugby.

Dad Grant Haua, a well-known acoustic guitarist, is putting on a night at Rangataua Sports and Cultural Club with great music to raise money to help the 19-year-old get there.

At 7pm on July 27, the doors will open at the Rangataua Rugby Club to classic Kiwi musicians — James' dad Grant and his friends — plus food and drinks.

Door sale tickets are $25, while online tickets are $20 with all proceeds going to help James get to Ohio.

Grant says James is an ex-student of Tauranga Boys' College, where he graduated in 2022.

With the scholarship, James will be playing rugby for the University of Rio Grande and studying on campus for two semesters, says Grant.

“We as a family regard this as a golden opportunity for our boy to embrace the experience of the American system in both a sporting and academic environment.

“USA is a sleeping giant in regard to rugby but the systems whereby they nurture young talent regarding NBA, NFL, MLB, swimming, gymnastics, etc., are the finest in the world.

James Haua. Photo: John Borren.

“It can only be a good thing for our boy to see what it takes in professional sports in the USA.

“James’ course has players from all over the world: South Africa, Australia, Ireland, England, to name a few.

“He was recognised at the 2023 Tampa 7s tournament in Florida where he scored in the top 10 in all combined tests and received a few offers from scouts.”

Grant says this is where Rio Grande University noticed him and gave him the scholarship.

“They are offering 50 per cent payment on tuition. That includes accommodation, full access to all sport facilities, study costs, food, transfers, but most importantly an opportunity to experience the American sporting and academic culture.”

The other half of the fees has to come out of pocket, which is why Grant came up with the idea to throw a great night of entertainment to raise money to help his son achieve his dreams.

Fundraiser artists

Grant is considered one of New Zealand’s finest acoustic guitarists and international recording artists will be playing with his band The Xplosion. Grant is a signed artist with renowned blues label Dixiefrog based in France.

Grant says he toured France, Germany, Switzerland and Australia before returning home at the end of last year to headline the NZ Blues and barbecue festival in Rotorua.

His album Awa Blues was voted a top 25 album of the year by Rolling Stone‘s France issue. He says his music has been described as a cross between Cream and Stevie Ray Vaughan with a Kiwi edge.

New Zealand’s best blues power trio Sonorous from Taupo will also be performing, says Grant.

“Young guns from Taupo – with an incredible natural talent – just completed their first tour of Australia to rave reviews, and they are the future of NZ rock and blues,” he says.

Grant says his close friend Tim Cooper, a member of his favourite reggae band 1814, will be performing along with some of his friends, as well as the “new kid” on the block, Tyran Curtis – “who is making an impact on the local scene”.

For more information go to https://www.facebook.com/share/M177WppbQivkWqrr/

They must raise $30,000, “but we have a few other things happening as well like a trolley run at New World Gate Pa”, says Grant.

Details about this fundraiser can be found at: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563139131949

James says if anyone would like to give a koha, to use the bank account is 02-0466-0139020-001.

- SunLive