Delany has designs on Super Rugby

Architecture student Caleb Delany will look to build on a stellar season as he puts his studies on hold to chase his professional rugby dreams.

The former Waimea College student has been awarded his first full-time super rugby contract with the Hurricanes.

Following another impressive campaign with the Lions in 2021, Jason Holland came knocking and the 6’5” Caleb happily put pen to paper.

Caleb says he was “stoked” about the signing.

“I was hoping for a contract, so it was pretty neve racking waiting for that call.”

The 21-year-old lock has spent the past two seasons in camp with the Hurricanes and says the environment has taken his game to the next level.

“It has definitely made me a much better player learning off older boys and the coaches all know their stuff.”

Caleb has absorbed a wealth of knowledge and advice at the Hurricanes, chief among them helping him pack on the mass.

“They recognised that I had the skills, I just needed to get bigger.”

A nutritionist put Caleb on seven meals a day and he was soon reaping the rewards as his weight has now grown to 111kg.

“It was tough, and I still have about 4-5kg to add. I am light for a lock.”

Caleb made the move to the capital in 2018 to study architecture at Victoria University.

Just two papers away from his bachelor's, Caleb came to a career crossroads.

“I’d say I’ve already chosen rugby, it is tough seeing my mates crack it in architecture though.”

Caleb’s classmates would often question why he has not fully committed to his studies, however like any good architect, he could see the big picture.

“They understand now that I have got that contract.”

Caleb says it is comforting to know he has another career path with his rugby days always just one injury away from ending.

He plans to not only finish his bachelor’s degree, but also obtain a masters.

Beginning his career as a youngster at Wanderers, Caleb progressed through the Nelson Bays rep grades through to Tasman U18.

The region was keen to retain the young talent, but his desire to study sent him over the Cook Strait.

“I came to Wellington to pursue my two passions [architecture and rugby]. I had a goal to play my best footy and land a super contract, and at the same time complete my degree.”

Though his study has had to be put on the backburner, he is still grateful to be doing both.

Caleb enjoyed a prosperous college career for Waimea Combined which included a rare 38-24 win over Nelson College and saw his side finish seventh in the Crusaders Schools competition.

Caleb capped his final year at college with the team's most valuable player and most valuable forward awards.

“Those were the best rugby days, beating Nelson was a highlight, it was the one game we all got up for.”

In 2021, Caleb hopes to feature regularly in Super Rugby Pacific with the ultimate goal of a black jersey.

“I like to focus on what’s in front of me and just getting good games under my belt, it won’t be easy because there are some bloody good players.”

Rugby wasn’t necessarily the primary choice for the multi-talented Nelson sportsman.

Caleb also had to an end to a promising international softball career which saw him in the Junior Black Sox Under-19 wider squad for 2018 world championships in Canada.

He was also a star on the Waimea College senior A basketball team.

But it was rugby Caleb pursued and he goes into his rookie season with the Hurricanes, having taken somewhat of a slightly unconventional route to the professional game.