Success
stories

Eddie Weatherstone has been getting mentored by Sam Smith and the NXT Level Mentoring team for the last2 years. They have helped him with his game knowledge of rugby on and off the field. Sam has been great with analyzing his play and ability. He has given great advice on the areas that need work. Help set goals for fitness and positional play. Sam has shared his knowledge of what it is going to take to follow the rugby pathway. Eddie has ticked off some the goals he set with Sam. Captaining his First XV, U18 player of the year for Wairarapa Bush, making the Hurricanes U18 squad for 2025, signing an academy contract with Wellington Lions rugby for 2026-27. Fantastic to have one on one instruction for Eddie as he progresses as a rugby player and person. Thanks to Sam and NXT level for your on going support and influence.

Carlo has been working with Sam from NXT Level for nearly 24 months, and during this time he’s made huge strides in his rugby development. Through Sam’s guidance, Carlo has learned about the pathway to professionalism, goal setting, weekly planning, how to get the most out of his training sessions, and how to effectively review his performances. Most notably, he’s seen significant growth in his game IQ and technical abilities. Since joining NXT Level, Carlo has ticked off many of the goals he set with Sam, including making the PNBHS 1st XV, being selected for the Manawatu U16 and Hurricanes U16 teams, selection for the Hurricanes U18 training camp, and most recently, signing a development contract with the Hawke’s Bay Magpies. These achievements wouldn’t have been possible without the support and expertise of Sam and the team at NXT Level.

We contacted Sam at Nxt Level Mentoring a few months ago to work with our 13 year old son Lucas, whose aim was to trial for Ross Shield. We entered into the 6 week mentoring programme to fine tune his skills as a flanker and work on tackling and passing. Sam worked with Lucas to develop his overall awareness of positional play. Throughout his training, we could really see improvements week by week in his skill set and understanding of the game. The positive way Sam engaged with Lucas allowed him to understand the advanced technical skills to give Lucas an advantage Sams mentorship really was the key to Lucas’ success on the field and ultimately earned him a spot on the Hastings West Ross Shield Team. We would highly recommend Sam and his team to other athletes wanting to get an edge on their game. Thanks Sam, Lucas and Mike King.