Speed, skill help Ah-Hi on rugby field

Kevin Ah-Hi of Coeur d’Alene is earning a name as one of the top rugby players this side of the Pacific.

Ah-Hi, 17, is originally from New Zealand, where rugby is as big as football is in the United States. He moved here in 2001 and started playing on the Spokane Rugby Club team, the Spokane Razorbacks, the following year.

Although younger and not as big as other players, Ah-Hi became part of the roster because of his skill and experience.

“Every time he touches the ball, it’s pretty much magic,” said his coach, Rich Ney.

Ah-Hi started with the team at 15, and he said it was scarier because he was playing with guys his father’s age. Now a junior at Coeur d’Alene High School, he rides with other team members to practices twice a week in Spokane and said he enjoys every minute of the game. He also runs track and plays football for Coeur d’Alene High School.

Players Ah-Hi’s age typically don’t make the Spokane Rugby Club team because they’re smaller and have a greater chance of getting hurt, Ney said. But Ah-Hi’s speed and field vision helped put him in one of the top spots on the team.

“He plays way above his age,” said Ney.

Ah-Hi plays center, which is similar to a running back in football, and said he’s been playing the game longer than some of the other guys on the team.

In New Zealand, he played with friends morning, afternoon or night, usually until everybody was tired. He said he’s been playing the sport most of his life and loves the sport even if he’s the youngest on the team.

“It’s kind of cool because I’ve got a lot of guys looking out for me,” he said.

Ah-Hi said some opponents use a football game plan by running straight and not looking ahead. In rugby, the person with the ball has five options rather than just running. Sometimes he uses that as an advantage and jukes other players.

“With me it just kind of happens,” he said. “Just instinct.”

Ney said his moves are “unbelievable” and his ability to fake people out is “phenomenal.”

Ney has seen from the sidelines as Ah-Hi whipped past three opponents like they were standing still. He said Ah-Hi is confident with his skills, but remains humble rather than talking trash to other teams or rubbing it in opponents’ faces when he makes them seem foolish.

Bruce Murrin, member of the North Idaho Men’s Rugby team, said Ah-Hi’s moves keep his team alert, but he still manages to get by at times.

“He’s an excellent athlete,” he said. “I’m bitter that he’s not on our team.”

Ney said Ah-Hi is courageous to be playing with older men in such a physical game. Only light padding is used to prevent injuries. Ah-Hi tacks on running and weightlifting to his practice routine, sometimes before and after school. The season starts today in Lewiston with league games every Saturday through mid-May.

Ah-Hi said the team is starting to flow, and he’s anticipating a good season this year.

“They’re bigger and stronger than me, but I still go because it’s what I love,” he said.