An internship with the elite

Michael Lawrence usually clocks a forty-plus hour week, but you don’t hear any complaints from this Otago Polytechnic graduate. That’s because he gets to spend his time working with one of the South Island’s elite rugby teams –the Highlanders.

Just six months into his internship with the team, Michael has introduced an innovative training device that provides new insight into how players physically perform.

“Players wear vests on their upper body with a global positioning system (GPS) unit that sits within the vest, on their back.   I am able to get ‘live’  feedback on their speed, heart rate and distance travelled, as well as download and analyse data post-session,” says Michael.

The 2010 graduate, who completed a Graduate Diploma in Physical Conditioning at the Otago Institute of Sport and Adventure, was hand-picked to do an internship with the Highlanders.

“For me, the experience has been amazing. You really learn so much in this environment; how to interact in a professional environment and what your role is within a team of players and management.”

Michael says he really enjoyed his time at Otago Polytechnic. “My teachers knew my name and they had an open door policy. I think it’s their ongoing support that has given me the confidence to pursue a career in sport.”