Waikato Captain Dwayne Sweeney is set to play his 100^th match for Waikato against Tasman this weekend, 17 years after debuting for the province.

Sweeney was still at Hamilton Boys’ High School at the young age of 17 when he was first selected for Waikato by the coach at the time Ian Foster. He made his provincial debut for the tri-colours against Hawkes Bay in 2002.

Sweeney will be the first Waikato centurion in over 15 years, with the last player being Rhys Duggan back in 2004. He will join a select group of 21 centurions that include greats like Has Catley, Ian Clarke, Duane Monkley, Warren Gatland and current Head Coach Andrew Strawbridge to name a few.

Waikato Head Coach and Centurion Andrew Strawbridge said “This is an amazing achievement for any player and he joins an exclusive group of Waikato legends to reach this milestone.  Sweeney is a Waikato man and has played his entire provincial rugby career for this province; it is fitting that he will bring up his 100^th match in front of a home crowd this Saturday.”

During his career for Waikato he has scored a total of 130 points by the way of 18 tries, 14 conversions and 4 penalties, he has also represented Chiefs in Super Rugby and the Maori All Blacks.

Article added: Tuesday 17 September 2019