WHILE other Kent players are looking forward to the summer break, Chris Hinkins is preparing for a tough four months of competitive rugby in New Zealand.

The 19-year-old former Betteshanger player, now with Kent champions Westcombe Park, flies out this weekend to join the Hamilton City Reglan club on South Island.

Hinkins decided that to enhance his chances of making the grade as a professional he needed the experience of southern hemisphere rugby, saying: “If you talk to anyone involved in rugby they will say that if you want to become a better player you should go and play in Australia, New Zealand or South Africa.

“The rugby is so raw and off-the-cuff in those countries, and that’s the way I think rugby should be played.” The former England Under 18 player advertised his player profile and availability on the internet and received several offers from Kiwi clubs. “I decided to go for Hamilton City Reglan and I spoke to their coach on the phone last week. They are top of their league, having won all their matches so far this season, and the standard is supposed to be equivalent to National League rugby here.”

He added: “I have really enjoyed it at Westcombe Park and I will play for them again next season, but after that I will be looking to move on."