Hawke's Bay rugby 2018
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From the HBRU website:
Preparation for Magpies Season into full swing
The men’s club rugby season is already onto the second round and for Magpies coaches Mark and Josh Symes, they are in the processing of keeping an eye on their potential Magpie players. Josh says of the 34 contracted players that will be announced at the end of July, 12 will be Super Rugby Players, while the remainder will come from the talent already in the Bay. One player that could make a much-welcomed return to the Black n White jersey is All Black Israel Dagg. Izzy has had an unfortunate run of injuries over the last 2 seasons and might struggle to be fit in time for the All Black Tri Nations games later in the year. “We hope that Izzy can continue to be an All Black in 2018 but at the same time, he would be welcomed back to us with open arms. He’s a top player, one of the best in New Zealand and he would make a huge impression in our squad.Josh says the wider training group for the Magpies, approximately 45 players, are mixing club rugby and training with on field training and strengthening with the Magpies every week. However, the coaching roster is mindful of players not getting overworked, with scheduled breaks from Magpies training every three weeks. The Magpies have pre-season games against Wairarapa Bush at Queens Birthday weekend in Featherston, against the Manawatu Evergreens in Palmerston North on July 1, Waikato in Taupo on August 4 and a second match against Manawatu, which will hopefully be seen played on the new turf at McLean Park on Friday 10th August just a week before the Mitre10 cup kicks off. A squad of 34 professional contracted players will be announced at the end of July along with a few other players, who will provide injury cover during the Mitre 10 Cup. One player missing from the roster in 2018 is first five Ihaia West, who is heading to Europe after the Super rugby season. Josh says that although West will be missed, there is plenty of depth in the number 10 jersey with Tiaan Falcon having served his apprenticeship as well as stepping up to Super Rugby with the Chiefs. Other’s in consideration for the position include Danny Toala, Lincoln McClutchie and the more experienced Dan Snee. also doesn’t expect to see to many changes within the leadership group which will call on the experience of the likes of last year’s captain Ash Dixon, Gareth Evans, Brad Weber, Michael Allerdice and Ben May. “They are hugely experienced and like our other Super Rugby players they are looking forward to returning and performing at their best.”"Tri Nations"
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Nice new speedway track, just needs a poleline and a wall
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Are you back in the Bay, yet, Stockcar86?
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@number-10 Not yet. Under contract for house down there, but need to sell up in Auckland first - house goes on the market next week, so hopefully fully cashed up within a few weeks, and back in The Bay before the NPC starts
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Just read this edit in the USA Eagles squad announcement:
UPDATE 6/3: Tony Lamborn and David Tameilau replaced by Vili Toluta'u and Greg Peterson.I've tried to find out why Lamborn is out of the squad, but all I could find is that he's unavailable, and no reason why.
I have no idea whether he's planning to return to the Magpies this season, but - whatever the case may be - I hope hasn't suffered a serious injury. -
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Does anyone know whether Nick Palmer will be a Magpie again in 2018? Or is Sam Ulufonua meant to become his replacement?
Palmer has played 4 games for the Waratahs and a number of club games this season and has been injured since late April/early May. He's expected to be available again end of July/early August. I don't know what kind of injury he had, but he was allowed to walk without crutches only since last week. So if he's still contracted to the Bay, he'll be quite undercooked when he arrives. Not a good thing, considering Cridge hasn't played any rugby either, as far as I know. I hope Allardice can stay in one piece this year.
Btw, I found this article about Palmer (published in Feb 2018).
Waratahs player Nick Palmer's Super Rugby road to recovery
A little over a year ago, the 26-year-old couldn't sit up because of a hamstring injury. He struggled to make himself a cup of coffee in the morning and had to stand straight-legged when using the toilet.
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I just read on the website of Oyonnax that they haven't been able to retain Hika Elliott (after his first year of a 2-year contract). Partially because they were relegated to Pro D2, which has budgetary consequences, and partially because of the mandatory recruitment of at least 15 players that have come through French academies (was: 12) this upcoming season.
I haven't read anything about Hika retiring. I know he's back in the Bay, playing for Tamatea. Has anyone heard anything about his plans?
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Very disappointing to us, but you can't blame the guy if this is true. Would have loved to have him at fullback this season; he'd be a great mentor to all our young backs and, especially, a great help to young Tiaan. Just wondering whether we'll ever see him back in black and white? He'll probably go overseas if he doesn't make the RWC squad next year.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/rugby/news/article.cfm?c_id=80&objectid=12088558
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@stargazer said in Hawke's Bay rugby 2018:
Very disappointing to us, but you can't blame the guy if this is true. Would have loved to have him at fullback this season; he'd be a great mentor to all our young backs and, especially, a great help to young Tiaan. Just wondering whether we'll ever see him back in black and white? He'll probably go overseas if he doesn't make the RWC squad next year.
Well, with this and the Crusaders he really is dead to me!
Nah, a couple of months of easier rugby might see him have a proper tilt at the 2019 RWC.
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