Planet Rugby

Baker finds solace in Sevens

01st November 2012 07:25

Kurt Baker Taranaki v Tasman ITM Cup 2012

Disappointed: Kurt Baker

Unwanted Super Rugby full-back Kurt Baker admits that while he questions being discarded, he must try to remain positive as he returns to Sevens.

Baker was a standout player in the ITM Cup for Taranaki and it came as a surprise that he was left out by Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph.

The back was also not picked up in this week's draft and has now turned his attention to again playing for New Zealand in the Sevens arena.

"I sort of knew I wasn't going to get one, so it's not too bad," he told stuff.co.nz.

"But I'm disappointed because I thought it was one of my better years for the 'Naki, especially when you see some of the guys who got contracts. I have to question it, but that's life and I'll move on and she'll be right."

Baker is no stranger to IRB Sevens after helping Gordon Tietjens' side claim the Commonwealth Games Gold in Delhi and he is looking forward to playing again.

"I really enjoy sevens and it's heading up as a sport, so that could me me for the next year or two," he said.

"I've talked to Coops [Taranaki coach Colin Cooper] about it and I'm pretty keen to stay and make amends for the last couple of years when I think we should have done better."

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Comments

jonesy2 says...

absolute joke that no one wants him he is sheer class and a brilliant fullback and should be one of the up and coming young backs in NZ pushing for an AB spot in the next few years.

Posted 07:26 03rd November 2012

yamahakiwi says...

Yeah, it beggars belief that he didn't get a super contract. Same with Sherwin Stowers. Hopefully the 7s team will also take him too as they lacked some firepower compared to the 7s teams of previous years at the Gold Coast tournament. Also Frank Halai did get a super contract so the 7s team won't have him this season.

Posted 02:48 03rd November 2012

makemehappy says...

Possibility of a cheap purchase for a NH club then!!

Posted 13:07 02nd November 2012

sbobrfc says...

Big win for NZ7s, as a pom, I hate playing against him. I really thought he'd walk into a franchise - either the Highlanders or Canes

Posted 12:11 02nd November 2012

tuffnut says...

This doesn't make sense. I thought Baker was one of the top outside backs in the ITM cup this year. Surely the Canes could have found a place for him somewhere? Oh well, a win for NZ 7s I guess.

Posted 11:09 02nd November 2012

davodiablo says...

I'm shocked he didn't get a contract but good on him for his attitude .

Posted 17:52 01st November 2012

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