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Blues new 21-year-old first five is franchise legend Adrian Cashmore's nephew
By
Adam Julian
Lucas Cashmore took a big gamble in 2020. He decided to leave Tauranga Boys’ College in Year 12. During the lonely and confusing covid lockdowns, he believed it was more prudent to train for rugby than persevere with school online.
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“Rugby has been my dream for a long time. Getting into the Bay of Plenty academy early would give me a boost, “ Cashmore told RugbyPass.
“We had a covid set up, specific training programs that involved good eating and lots of running. It was difficult not being around teammates but I was lucky I had a few weights, a treadmill, and Dad at home to help me out.”
Lucas is the son of real estate agent and auctioneer Blair Cashmore who played 11 games at halfback for Bay of Plenty between 1998 and 2002. His uncle Adrian Cashmore was an All Blacks fullback. Adrian is the Blues all-time leading points scorer with 641 points. In 1996 and 1997 he was in the Blues teams that won the first two Super Rugby titles.
“It’s pretty ideal having an uncle who was an All Black and Dad. They give me plenty of tips and tricks.
“I started playing rugby when I was four. I had no choice. I was a halfback initially and then I became a first-five at Hamilton Boys’ High School. I went home in 2019 to be closer to friends and family. I enjoyed the free-flowing approach Tauranga had. It suited my game.”
The 2019 Tauranga Boys’ College First XV won the Bay of Plenty championship defeating Rotorua Boys’ High School for the first time since 2013.
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Cashmore’s diligent training saw him debut for Bay of Plenty in the NPC in 2021. He’s made 16 appearances for the Steamers and scored 97 points.
In 2022 he was part of the New Zealand Under 20s who cleaned up the Oceania Championship on the Gold Coast. New Zealand thrashed Fiji (74-5), Argentina (32-9) and Australia (69-12) to capture the title. Cashmore scored 36 points in three matches.
“It was really special to wear a black jersey and be in an environment where everything was run professionally. We gelled straight away. We only had two weeks to get ready for the first game, but there was chemistry straight away,” Cashmore said.
“I was lucky to train with the Blues last year and learn a lot from Stephen Perofeta and Beauden Barrett. The key thing for me is to get my kick, pass, and run right. From there I can grow my game awareness, and play what’s in front of me with confidence.”
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The Blues season concluded dismally in 2023 when they were thumped 52-15 by eventual champions the Crusaders in the semi-final.
The Blues have a new coach Vern Cotter, captain Patrick Tuipulotu, and a drive to recapture the halcyon days of Adrian Cashmore.
“There’s definitely a different edge, a desire to create a winning culture. All the boys have been working hard and are motivated to perform in 2024,” Cashmore said.
The Blues pre-season tour of Japan consists of fixtures against Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath on February 3 and Yokohama Canon Eagles on February 10. They start their Super Rugby regular season campaign against the Fijian Dura in Whangarei on February 24.
