Two former Hautapu hookers caught up following the All Blacks game in Auckland on Saturday night.
The 1987 Hautapu team – winners of the Rickitt Cup (Cambridge championship) and Pinex Shield (Waikato senior division championships first round) – containing Chris Carter (third row, right end) and David Roigard (front row, right end).
Chris Carter and David Roigard watched their sons, Leroy and Cam, represent their country at Eden Park.
A year apart at Cambridge High School, the fathers both went on to represent Hautapu.
“Who would have thought, two hookers from Hautapu would have sons in the All Blacks? It’s a bit bizarre, isn’t it? It’s a bit random,” David said.
“Cam was obviously talking to Leroy, not really knowing that I knew his dad.
“He said, oh he sounds just like you Dad – follows most games, always talking to somebody and can’t get him away because he’s talking to somebody. Very similar.
“I met up with Stumpy, Chris, when Hautapu had a past players day last year and we were talking about it then. I’d seen him a couple of years before, Cam was playing for Counties and Leroy was playing for Bay of Plenty, a pre-season game.
“We sat in the grandstand and chatted that day up in Pukekohe.”
Leroy donned the number 14 jersey while Cam started at halfback in Saturday’s 33-24 Bledisloe Cup victory against Australia.
It was the pairs’ first match together. Leroy’s second for New Zealand overall and Cam’s first since returning from injury.
They both know their way to the tryline well. Leroy scored one try and Cam crossed the chalk twice.
David said it’s also neat to see the St Peter’s connections in the All Blacks team.
“Simon Parker came from St Peter’s; Cam played with him in the first XV. It’s quite a tie up there, which is pretty cool,” David said.
“There’s four from St Peter’s in the squad [including Samipeni Finau and Ollie Norris].”
Chris echoed David’s remarks and said it was great to see his old clubmate again.
“It was good to catch up with him again. David and I played colts and seniors together,” Chris said.
“I played every grade there. I played 18s through to seniors – 1986-1987 – then I did my OE and came back to play in 1991.”
Following his son’s All Blacks début against South Africa on September 13, Chris said the family are “super proud”.
“It’s huge. He’s still pinching himself that he’s made the All Blacks. It was a special moment for the whole family,” Chris said.
“He’s worked hard for a long time to get there. It’s pretty exciting.”
Like Cam, Leroy started his professional career as a halfback.
“When he came back from [the All Blacks Sevens] to go to Bay of Plenty, they threw him on the wing and he stuck there. Then he got the opportunity at the Chiefs.”
On début, Leroy beat seven defenders, more than any All Black previously in 2025.
“The great thing about sport is it often throws up these types of interesting coincidences, and if nothing more – makes for great conversation around clubs, bars leaners and at home, around the kitchen table,” Hautapu president Dave Simes.
“Of course, we are proud that there is a connection with Leroy and Cam back to Hautapu Sports through their dads, Chris and Dave, but we also think it’s fantastic that two current All Blacks can progress to the highest level of rugby from families linked to a great club rugby heritage.”
Cam and David Roigard (left) hold the Bledisloe Cup with Chris and Leroy Carter. Photo: Supplied
