Teenagers Liam and Zane Rutland are making waves across Australasia in their respective sports.
Liam Rutland takes to the air on his trust stead. Photo: Australia Jumping
From a family of five, the Waipā duo compete in show jumping and MMA (mixed martial arts) respectively.
Growing up in Te Awamutu, the brothers attended Korakonui Primary School before transferring to Cambridge Middle School as they both trained there.
Liam, 18, did correspondence school from year eight so he could concentrate on his training, while Zane went to Cambridge High School.
Zane, 19, now lives in Cambridge and works as a builder for Watertight Roofing.
Liam is now based in New South Wales, Australia as a member of Chatham Park.
Mum Kylie said they are both passionate and determined to get to the top.
“Both boys are aiming for the highest level, with some international plans on the horizon,” Kylie said.
“The dedication and hours of training that these two boys do is inspirational. They both have an unbelievable team around them, backing and supporting them all the way.”
Kylie and husband Dan have always encouraged their children to play sport to boost physical, social and mental well-being.
“As parents we are very proud. We have always said we don’t care what sport they play we would back them 100 per cent – never did we think they would do show jumping and MMA,” Kylie said.
“Zane and Liam have done all the hard work. It’s exciting to see what they both will achieve next.”
Liam’s sister Gemma was given a pony when he was three. Since she had four brothers, it was assumed that would be her own hobby.
“Every afternoon, after my sister finished riding, I would climb out my bedroom window to spend time with that pony. From that moment on, riding became part of who I am,” Liam said.
“I fell in love with show jumping – the good days, the bad days and everything in between.
“I love the partnership you build with a horse, the discipline, the constant learning, and the satisfaction of working hard to achieve results.
“I remember watching the Olympics as a child and thinking, ‘that’s what I want to do when I’m older’.”
Thriving on the challenge of always having something to improve on is one of the aspects Liam loves.
At age 16, he made the decision to move to Australia and be based alongside his team.
“It was the right step for me if I wanted to progress,” Liam said.
“It meant more training, more competition experience and learning as much as possible before looking to move further overseas.
“My first year here was incredibly tough. While I had huge support back home, I was learning to navigate the Australian system, finding the right people and building a new team around me.
“My parents would have been happy for me to come home, but I knew the challenges were part of the journey. I kept my head down and pushed through.”
Milestones that have shaped Liam’s career include competing in his first grand prix at 16, earning wins and placings in grand prix classes that same season and being selected three times for the New Zealand Young Rider Trans-Tasman Team.
“I’m also grateful to have achieved exciting results here in Australia, competing against some of the country’s best young riders,” Liam said.
“Earlier this year, I was given the opportunity to join Chatham Park, one of Australia’s top professional stables.
“The mentoring, training and guidance I have received has been invaluable.
“I’m so grateful for everything I’m learning — both on and off the horse — and I’m very excited about what’s ahead.
“I’m lucky to have an exciting team of horses and I’m looking forward to continuing our progress on the Australian circuit before taking the next step to compete in Europe and America.”
His ultimate goal is to be a competitive rider on the European circuit and be based there full-time, producing and competing top-level horses.
“I would also love to represent my country in more senior teams and the Olympics are firmly in my sights,” Liam said.
“I owe so much to so many people. I’m grateful to every coach who has believed in me and pushed me to be better.
“I would not be where I am today without the support of my family, who have always backed me, encouraged me and given me the chance to chase my passion.
Older brother Zane is extremely enthusiastic about MMA.
He started kickboxing in 2024. This year he made the leap to MMA, joining Hamilton-based Core MMA.
His goal is to have a respectful career as a professional MMA fighter.
“Over the next five years my focus is on sharpening my skills, improving technique, and getting as much fight experience as possible – here in New Zealand and overseas whenever the opportunity arises and then go pro,” Zane said.
“I love the intensity, the discipline and the way hard work directly translates into results.
“I’ve thrived in an environment surrounded by like-minded teammates and incredible coaches who push me to be my best.
“It’s not just about training, it’s about dedicating yourself fully to a craft that pushes your limits, mentally and physically.”
Zane said he realises nobody else can put in the work for him.
“The training hours are long and demanding, but every training session is a step closer to my goals,” Zane said.
“Being part of a team of driven, passionate athletes makes the journey even more rewarding.”
He recently won his first MMA fight and was also accepted into the Pro Development Team at Core MMA.
“I’m incredibly lucky to be surrounded by such a strong support network. MMA can be brutal – physically demanding and tough to watch at times – but my friends, family, and workmates have had my back every step of the way.”
Just like Liam, Zane is thankful to the support of his parents and family. They have backed him no matter his sporting choice.
“My girlfriend Payton has also supported the countless hours I spend training each week and has always been in my corner,” Zane said.
“I also truly appreciate my work family’s flexibility and support for my training schedule and competition commitments.”
Although across the Tasman Sea from each other, the teenage siblings are showcasing the same determination – to be the best.
They’ve made their parents proud and hope to do the same for their region and country.
Zane Rutland in action in the ring. Photo: Core MMA
