North Wellington FC is proud to celebrate a special moment for one of our own. Strength & Conditioning lead Vikas recently spent time inside one of the most elite and high-performance environments in world sport: the All Blacks training camp.

In the lead-up to the All Blacks' Test against France at Sky Stadium on July 12th, Vikas was invited to attend three training sessions at their Wellington base. The opportunity came via a professional relationship with renowned All Blacks S&C coach Dr. Nic Gill, who extended the invitation for Vikas to be involved and learn from inside the camp.

“It was an incredible experience,” said Vikas. “Just being able to see how the All Blacks operate at that level, the detail, the culture, the physical standards, it’s inspiring. There were so many things to take away and reflect on.”

While Vikas is no stranger to high standards, the chance to witness the All Blacks environment first-hand offered him valuable perspective and fresh ideas to bring back into his work across the club.

Vikas’ influence at North Wellington is felt widely across the Talent Development Programme (TDP), the Men’s First Team, and the Women’s First Team. His sessions set the tone not only for physical performance but also for mindset and professionalism, and this latest experience adds even more to an already deep well of expertise.

Club President Fraser Kirby was quick to acknowledge the moment:

“We’ve long believed that Vikas is best in class when it comes to strength and conditioning. His knowledge, mindset, and application are exceptional. Seeing him gain recognition at that level reinforces the value he brings to North Wellington FC week in, week out.”

“We have a huge amount of respect for Vikas, not just for what he does on the grass, but for how he carries himself and lifts the standards around him. We’re incredibly fortunate to have someone of his calibre at the club, and we’re excited about what we’ll continue to build together.”

(Photo of Vikas with Dr. Nic Gill – Wellington Training Camp)

This moment also reflects North Wellington’s growing emphasis on coaching excellence, player development, and providing a clear performance pathway from grassroots to high performance. As Vikas continues to grow, so too does the environment he helps shape at the club.

Keep an eye out for the extra edge in your next warmups and gym sessions, it just might have a little All Blacks inspiration behind it.

Article added: Monday 14 July 2025