NPC - news, injuries etc
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From the Steelers website.
Mac McCallion was born on 26 July 1950. Mac was named New Zealand coach of the year in 1996 and 1997 for his work with the Counties NPC team. He enhanced his reputation further as Graham Henry’s assistant at the Auckland Blues during a four-year spell that saw them reach three consecutive Super 12 finals, lifting the trophy on two occasions in 1997 and 1998. He was appointed Fiji’s national coaching director in March 2002 and took the Fiji rugby team to the 2003 Rugby World Cup.
Mac has had a string of his Counties rugby family visit him during his illness which is a reflection of his popularity in this region. There have already been tributes paid with former Counties greats Errol Brain and Tony Marsh lavishing praise on a man with uncompromising values.
Former Counties captain Errol Brain said “Mac gave all of us, as individuals, a strong sense of self belief to be able to compete with the bigger Unions.
“Mac was a hard man, I have never trained so hard and because of that he created a team culture that was tight. I have a lot of memories of the games and also very special ones of him as I was fortunate to be his captain.
“Under Mac, we knew we could be competitive against teams with plenty of All Blacks and win those games which we were fortunate enough to do during round robins. He took us to two finals in 1996 and 1997 and that was a great period in Counties’ history.
“He was a straight shooter and you knew pretty quickly where you stood with him which is what I admired about him most.”
Another one of Mac’s players, Tony Marsh, echoed Brain’s comments
“The environment Mac created was uncompromising, hardnosed but fun which translated well on the field. We were part of the pre-pro era but we never trained so hard and that built confidence.
I am grateful for being coached by him and being part of that era for Counties. It was a pretty special time. Mac contributed to our development both on and off the field and instilled values and a strong work ethic that set us up for rugby and life outside of the sport. He was a top man, who we all respected, and we will miss him greatly.”
There was also a tribute from Craig Carter, Counties Manukau Rugby Football Union Chairman, who speaks in glowing terms:
“It’s a sad day for Counties Manukau as one our favourite sons has passed away. Mac served the country in Vietnam, played for the Manurewa & Papakura clubs, played many seasons for Counties, captained NZ Maori and coached the Steelers, at all times with a hard-working and uncompromising attitude. They don’t make them like Mac anymore and he will be missed by all within the rugby community. RIP Mac”
Neil Sorensen, NZR General Manager Rugby said: “On behalf of the wider Rugby family, I send our condolences to Mac’s family and friends. He was a true provincial rugby man, with a military-precise work ethic and passion for the game which saw him make invaluable contributions on and off the field. We know our friends at Counties Manukau will be mourning the loss of a true Rugby man.”
Rest in peace Mac.
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The 2018 Mitre 10 Cup draw has been released and can be found here: http://files.allblacks.com/NZRU_Media_Releases/2018/2018 Mitre 10 Cup Draw FINAL.pdf
The 2018 Heartland Competition draw has also been released and can be found here: http://files.allblacks.com/NZRU_Media_Releases/2018/M10HC-2018draw.pdf
*The Farah Palmer Cup draw is expected to be announced in April, following the closure of team entries.http://www.mitre10cup.co.nz/News/32159/2018-mitre-10-cup-and-heartland-championship-draw-announced
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SURELY THERE ARE BETTER WAYS TO DEAL WITH THIS? damn caps!!
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He should have done some study. His colours are the same as Waikato Draught too so I think he was trying to buy into that waikato parochialism.
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That's the problem with trademarks. You would have thought that the Hodges would have enquired whether they were legally allowed to use the name beforehand.
Not good publicity for the WRU, who need all the goodwill they can get.
On a related note, I remember seeing the personalised number plate MOOLOO in Auckland a few years back. I wonder who now owns that.
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@bovidae was the plate MOOLOO or could it have been M0OL0O, which could avoid any trademark issues, surely?
Surely maybe a subtle change for the butcher to Moolou would have been sufficient?
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It was definitely Mooloo and was a private vehicle.
As @mikedogz says, Kirin could also be interested in their colour scheme as that is a blatant ripoff.
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@bovidae haha well if it is such a big deal, WRU probably need to take a look at the companies register with 8 companies registered with Mooloo in their name (not including Mooloo Meats which doesn't appear in the search)
Still think a subtle change for Mooloo Meats would probably resolve this.
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Samoa, and former Reds and Sunwolves outside back JJ Taulagi has signed with the Magpies. Also lock Tom Parsons returns to the Bay after 3 years with Manawatu.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/hawkes-bay-today/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503460&objectid=12014452
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Caught up with Mark Ozick and Josh Syms at Waitemata Park in Auckland yesterday,they were watching the Waka Nathan challenge cup which is to anyone outside of Auckland a preseason rally day were all the Auckland Club teams are on show,
A couple of players they were looking at were Siosiua (Josh) Kaifa a very rugged open side flanker who has appeared on a handful of times for Auckland and Sebastian Visinia younger brother of Lolagi Visinia,Sebastian is a very tall rangy midfielder.
Talking to both coaches they are looking for more gainline physicality which was a real issue for them in 2017.
Sam Ulufonua the Lock from ponsonby in Auckland has been signed but only on a PD contract,I stand to be corrected but it’s something similar to player development contract for younger players.
Gone from 2017 are both Vaega brothers and Hugh Renton ironically the younger of the Vaega brothers was running around for Gramnar Tech and I believe Cardiff is running around for Karaka in the Counties Manukau region.Both coaches seem to have a very good senergy with each other.
Auckland can never seem to select the right talent but man alive there is some talented rugby players running around at many of there clubs, I guess it’s all about having the ability to select that talent.
Even Southland have signed the 3 Costa brothers from Eden Rugby in Auckland,Kaifa while he looked a bit off the pace fitness wise,had very good size,is very physical,good over the ball and very accurate on the tackle will be a very good acquisition to the Bay.
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@steven-harris Thanks for all that, sad to see Nico Costa go, would have liked to see him play a bit more for us.
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Nathan White is the new Waikato forwards coach for the 2018 Mitre 10 Cup season. He replaces Carl Hoeft.
The official website of the Waikato Rugby Union - your source for all things rugby in the Waikato
Your source for all things Waikato Rugby: Bunnings NPC & FPC, women's rugby, club competition, community rugby,
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In NZ, I don't think so, but he might have been involved in some form of coaching in Ireland when he was forced to retire.
Hoeft was mainly the scrum/set piece coach so I would assume White would take on a similar role. I expect Gibbes to be hands-on.
