It’s a busy time of year for Ponsonby officials to keep track of who their players are representing at the moment.

Not only do they have players in three Super Rugby teams, they also have representatives currently in camp with the All Blacks, Maori All Blacks, Black Ferns and New Zealand Under 20s – potentially the only club in the country to boast such a record.

Ponsonby Director of Rugby Nathan Kemp said the club is proud of the achievements of players and works hard in supporting them to get there.

“We put player welfare first,” said Kemp.

“That’s part of my role and a bit of a point of difference, that pastoral care piece and making sure players are ticking boxes on and off the field.”

From there, Kemp alongside the club coaches, work closely with Auckland Rugby staff to make sure the players are being told the same things, no matter what level they’re at.

“We’re lucky to have a number of players in the academy so we need to keep those links in terms of what is required at that level so players are receiving clear messages.”

“It’s then those players, through their time with the academy, that drive the standards and everyone lifts to that,” said Kemp.

An important part of the jigsaw for success is the more experienced players who also have their own standards to share.

“We have a group of players that have been around for a while and they have good club standards, making sure we have a great culture and that the players can enjoy themselves as well.”

Young Blues star Stephen Perofeta has turned out for the club a number of times this season, as an out of town player he chose to return to Ponsonby, where he played one year as a junior.

“Stephen, and Jordan Trainor, are outstanding. It’s a real bonus when we have them because the boys around them want to play at their level,” said Kemp.

“But for them, guys who have gone straight into professional rugby from school, it’s a chance to have that fun, amateur experience which is what club rugby is all about.”

Six Ponsonby players are currently in camp with the Black Ferns, and should Theresa Fitzpatrick make her Test debut tonight, she will become Ponsonby’s 100th international player.

While currently in Georgia, Sam Slade is playing in the New Zealand Under 20 team, and Darren Kellet is with the Samoa Under 20s.