But more on that later — let the young man breathe some of his own air for just a while.
Hore is sailing under the radar in a star-studded John McGlashan College First XV, and you get the impression the quietly spoken Central Otago playmaker is more than happy about that.
While Josh Whaanga and Jack Timu attract lots of attention in the midfield, and powerful forwards Mitch Morton, Zack Cleaver-Donovan and Phoenix Abbott stand out in the pack, a wiry kid in the No 10 jersey goes about his business with little fuss, directing play and kicking goals and throwing his frame into every tackle.
The kid will need to do all that and more when McGlashan faces the greatest challenge in the school’s history tomorrow.
Hore and his mates are heavy underdogs when Johnnies, in their debut appearance in the top four tournament, face New Zealand powerhouse Hamilton Boys’ High School in Palmerston North.
"We’re a little school from Dunedin playing a school like that, so it’s pretty cool," Hore said.
"We just need to go up there and let rip."
That is exactly what Johnnies did in the South Island final, stunning Nelson College 29-26.
Hore (17) had his game of the season — recovering admirably after throwing a pass that led to an intercept try — and relished helping his school tip up the Crusaders champion.
"It was really enjoyable to get the win, yeah.
"We definitely thought we were good enough to win."
McGlashan is loaded with experience, as most of the boys in the squad are in year 13 and have spent two or three years in the First XV.
But the 9-10 combination bucks the trend — Hore and halfback Henry Scott, who hails from Timaru, were the only year 12s in the team that started in Nelson.
"We get along with most of the older boys pretty well, and they’re quite supportive, so it makes it easy for us."
Hore is from Patearoa but came to McGlashan in year 8, living with uncle Tim Colling for a year before moving into the hostel.
Max is forging his own legacy, but it is fair to highlight the fact his father is former Otago and Highlanders first five Charlie Hore, and his mother is Silver Ferns great and former New Zealand basketball representative Belinda Colling.
That also means he is the nephew of 83-test All Blacks hooker Andrew Hore, the grandson of Don Colling (80 games for Otago), the great-nephew of Lindsay Colling (21 games for the All Blacks), John Colling (65 games for Otago) and hockey Olympian Isobel Thomson, and the nephew of former Otago players Tim and Michael.
Max, who was born in Scotland and has three younger sisters, never saw dad Charlie run the cutter at the professional level but has appreciated the advice he has received from him.
"I’m just old enough to remember him playing for Maniototo, but that’s about it.
"He always says he wasn’t that good. But he’s pretty good with his rugby knowledge, I guess. So I really value his opinion."
Does he think he is a similar player to the old man?
"I’m not too sure, apart from obviously playing in the same position. And we’re both kickers."
Tough, versatile — the lad might not have seen mum shine on the court, but her influence is clear.
Both Max’s parents will be in Palmerston North for the big game tomorrow.
"Dad’s an old boy of the school, so he’s pretty passionate about it."
The young first five will be making his 15th start for the First XV, earning a coveted cap.
