NPC 2025

[Bovidae]

Kemara tended to start until his injury. From what I've seen from the club rugby team lists most of the starting 1st 5s are all very young themselves. The exception is Wharenui Hawera (Marist) who now plays for BOP. Ironically, the player who could be the next long-term 1st 5 (Daniel Ticklepenny) is stuck behind him so either comes off the bench or is at fullback.

[Mr Fish]

@Bovidae sorry yes was more a comment that Waikato are already used to making do without him. Only managed three matches last season.

[taniwharugby]

Have to assume Pellegrini is looking for an npc side?

[frugby]

@taniwharugby said in NPC 2025:

Have to assume Pellegrini is looking for an npc side?

Harbour presumably all over that.

[Yeetyaah]

@Bovidae said in NPC 2025:

D'Angelo Leuila

I bought some of his jerseys off him last year and he told me he is signed to come back this year.

[Yeetyaah]

@Bovidae said in NPC 2025:

Daniel Ticklepenny

Helluva name holy shit

[ARHS]

@Bovidae Where is Quinn Collard playing? Could he be a contender?

[Bovidae]

@ARHS Collard was playing for Thames Valley last year. He was selected in the Heartland XV squad.

[ARHS]

Thanks. I just wondered if he might be looking for a step up to npc level after that

[Fredsaua12]

Josh Jennings might be a shout for Waikato. Was at Waikato Uni for a couple years before moving back to Chch and leading Linwood to the title last season. Can’t see him getting a run in Canterbury this season

[Bovidae]

Filipo back again as coach.

Waikato Rugby Confirms 2025 Head Coaches for NPC and FPC Teams

Waikato Rugby is proud to announce the appointments of its premier team coaches for its upcoming season. Following...

[taniwharugby]

Dale McLeod, Northland coach has taken up a role with the Dragons, I believe Northland will be making an announcement on his replacement in the next week or so.

The Official Website of the Dragons

[Mr Fish]

@taniwharugby Good get for Dragons.

[taniwharugby]

@Mr-Fish and a good move for him

[Steven Harris]

@Bovidae Tai Cribb has signed with Auckland for this years 2025 Bunnings NPC , was locked in a bidding duel with Southland and Northland but opted for the short trip up the motorway.

[Bovidae]

@Steven-Harris Disappointing as Waikato doesn't have much depth at lock. If Tucker doesn't return we'll be really thin. I hope Filipo has someone lined up. Maybe Eti gets promoted early, but it will rely on McWhannell staying fit.

I'm curious if McAlister opts to stay up north. @Chris is he signed for Canterbury?

[Bovidae]

I see that Tepaea Cook-Savage is fit again and playing at 1st 5 today for Fraser Tech. There's the other 1st 5 for Waikato as he's played there previously.

[Chris]

@Bovidae said in NPC 2025:

@Steven-Harris Disappointing as Waikato doesn't have much depth at lock. If Tucker doesn't return we'll be really thin. I hope Filipo has someone lined up. Maybe Eti gets promoted early, but it will rely on McWhannell staying fit.

I'm curious if McAlister opts to stay up north. @Chris is he signed for Canterbury?

Still with Canterbury atm.

[Mr Fish]

@Bovidae said in NPC 2025:

I see that Tepaea Cook-Savage is fit again and playing at 1st 5 today for Fraser Tech. There's the other 1st 5 for Waikato as he's played there previously.

Not really the guy you want as your primary 10 back-up going into the start of the season...

[taniwharugby]

Ryan Martin, Assistant coach from 2024 has been appointed as HEad Coach following Dale McLeods departure.

I think it at least provides some continuity of ideas, and by all accounts is well liked and respected.

laurencaa503ef442  /  May 5

Ryan Martin Appointed Head Coach of the Northland Taniwha

Northland Rugby Union is pleased to announce the appointment of Ryan Martin as Head Coach of the Northland Taniwha for the upcoming Bunnings Warehouse NPC season. This follows a successful 2024 cam…