NPC - news, injuries etc
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@Stargazer that will be interesting,I am not to sure..
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Confirmed
The Hawke’s Bay Rugby Union this morning announced the return of former Magpies Captain and talisman, Brendon O’Connor and the signing of exciting young Hurricanes and New Zealand Maori lock Isaia Walker-Leawere to the Magpies squad for the 2019 Mitre 10 Cup.Both players hail from Poverty Bay, having been schooled at Gisborne Boys High School.
“Brendon is an extremely popular figure around the Bay for the commitment and uncompromising standards he set while playing here between 2013 and 2015 and will be fondly remembered for leading the Magpies during their successful shield tenure. It is fantastic to have a player of his professionalism and character in our leadership mix for the upcoming campaign” HBRU CEO, Jay Campbell stated today.
O’Connor has been plying his trade with the Leicester Tigers in the English Premiership since leaving the Magpies and has played an integral part, playing 73 games over the 4 years with the Tigers. Magpies Head Coach, Mark Ozich added. ‘’we’re extremely honored he chose to return to the Magpies over many other unions who were chasing him for his services. He’ll certainly add to our depth across our loose forwards and provide vital leadership in what looms as an exciting and tough season ahead,”
“Playing and living in HB was a real highlight in my playing career and I’m excited to be able to return and play in the black and white hoops and I will be doing everything asked of me to help the Magpies and secure a successful campaign” O’Conner said today.
Exciting young Hurricanes and NZ Maori lock/loose forward Isaia Walker-Leaware has signed a three-year contract to play his provincial rugby for Hawke’s Bay.
The former Gisborne Boys High School and age group star moved to the capital after school and has represented Wellington in the Mitre 10 Cup and is currently a permanent feature of any Hurricanes match 23.
Walker-Leaware says ‘’I’m really excited for a new challenge with Hawke’s Bay and challenging the experienced guys in the team for a starting spot and helping the Magpies win trophies. I’ve heard through my mates within the ‘canes and Maori about how much fun the environment is and I am looking forward to being part of it.
Walker-Leaware also confirmed that ‘’The move to the Bay also helps me get closer to my family in Gisborne and also my partners family based in Waimarama’’
Magpies coach Mark Ozich confirmed that ‘’It’s great to have Isiah commit to the Magpies. He is a powerful ball carrying forward who will compliment others in our forward pack well. The fact that he can play lock and loose forward is a real bonus and we are looking forward to adding his abilities into a very capable team. It’s great that Izzie’s parents and family will be in closer proximity to him and having them here during home games will no doubt make these games even more special’’
Hawke’s Bay Rugby Chief Executive Jay Campbell confirmed ‘’Hawke’s Bay rugby tried securing Isiah to join our academy when he was a raw boned promising talent at Gisborne Boys High but sometimes the timings and circumstances don’t align. We certainly welcome him with open arms, now that he wishes to make the Hawke’s Bay his home.’’
‘’That Izzie (and Choona) have committed to Hawke’s Bay Rugby illustrates the great culture and environment that our coaching and management staff are creating’’
O’Connor is expected to return to New Zealand from travelling through Europe at the end of the month and be available for the Magpies pre-season game against Waikato in Taupo towards the end of July. While Walker-Leaware will report for Magpies training alongside his Hurricanes team-mates once their super rugby commitments are over.
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Ta$man HP squad for the preseason game in and against Wellington on Wed 3 July:
Central Rugby Club
Braden Stewart, Timoci TavatavanawaiMarist Rugby Club
Samiuela Moli, Leopino Maupese, Julius Togafau, Jacob Norris, Taina Fox-Matamua, Sam Briggs, Jamie SpowartMoutere Rugby Football Club
Ben FinauNelson Rugby Football Club
Kershawl Sykes–Martin, Sosefo Vaka, Isaac Salmon, Isaiah Miller, Willi Havili, Tima Faingaanuku, Nick FoxleyRenwick Rugby Club
Mike Vaeno, Quinn Harrison-JonesStoke Rugby Club
Blair Prinsep, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Anty Burnett, Declan SmithWaimea Old Boys Rugby Club
Campbell Parata, Michael StringerWaitohi Rugby Club
Taine Cragg-Love, Fetuli Paea
So, despite being spotted in Auckland, Willi Havili is still with Ta$man.
Tima Fainga'anuku has returned from France. -
Anyone posted the Canterbury WTG? As below. Great spread of clubs represented. Despite finishing the initial club season round robin in third, Marist Albion once again doesn't feature at all. No Crusaders obviously. I'd say there is only six guys in this group who've played NPC.
2019 Canterbury Wider Training Group:
Jarvis Wallace (Belfast)
Mena Tukana (Belfast)
Sorby Sorvea (Belfast)
Connor McManus (Burnside)
Dustin Coveney (Burnside)
Junior Ratuva (Burnside)
Cam Bailey (Christchurch)
Henry Saker (Christchurch)
Hugh Renton (Christchurch)
Will Tucker (Christchurch)
Alex Harford (High School Old Boys)
Hamish Munroe (High School Old Boys)
Mitch Gibson (High School Old Boys)
Ollie Knopp (High School Old Boys)
Antonio Shalfoon (Lincoln University)
Harrison Courtney (Lincoln University)
Josh Bokser (Lincoln University)
Nic Souchon (Lincoln University)
Rameka Poihipi (Lincoln University)
Sam Gilbert (Lincoln University)
Troy Hallett (Lincoln University)
Gibson Popoalii (Linwood)
Inga Finau (Linwood)
Tepasu Thomas (Linwood)
Seb Siataga (New Brighton)
Tim Murgatroyd (Prebbleton)
Tom Brand (Prebbleton)
Richie Asiata (Shirley)
Suia Maile (Shirley)
Cameron Powell (Springston)
Sam Cottam (Springston)
Matt Tuala (Sumner)
Samu Tawake (Sumner)
Judah Gawith (Sydenham)
Brodie McAlister (Sydenham)
Caleb Aperahama (Sydenham)
Josh Aileone (Sydenham)
Sam Matenga (Sydenham)
Matt Letoga (University of Canterbury)
Harry Kirk (Waihora)
Players unavailable due to NZ U20 commitments:
Shilo Klein (High School Old Boys)
Cullen Grace (Lincoln University)
Fergus Burke (University of Canterbury)
Dallas McLeod (Christchurch)
The 2019 Mitre 10 Cup campaign kicks off on 8 August, with Canterbury's first game away to Waikato on Saturday 10 August. Maddock will name his 2019 Canterbury Mitre 10 Cup squad in July.
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@Chris said in Mitre 10 Cup - news, injuries etc:
@shark A bunch of The Canterbury u/19s from last season in that group but a lot of Crusaders plus Daniel Lienart-Brown,Sali Tokalani,Reed Prinsep,Josh McKay maybe Luke Whitelock if he doesn't make WC to come into the M10 squad.
Yeah of course. Plus potentially the U20s. The actual Canterbury squad won't resemble the WTG at all.
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I doubt they'll play, but good to see Tepasu Thomas and Gibson Popali'i get shown some recognition with good club form. Thomas is in the Romano mould where he's very strong in the tight and Popali'i can play at 10 or 12 and has been one of Linwood's best this year. I was impressed with his distribution and especially his running game from what I've seen of him.
Could do with some more New Brighton players however haha.
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@African-Monkey yeah great to see club form recognised to be honest I will not be sorry to see Maddock gone after this season
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@Stargazer said in Mitre 10 Cup - news, injuries etc:
Ta$man HP squad for the preseason game in and against Wellington on Wed 3 July:
Central Rugby Club
Braden Stewart, Timoci TavatavanawaiMarist Rugby Club
Samiuela Moli, Leopino Maupese, Julius Togafau, Jacob Norris, Taina Fox-Matamua, Sam Briggs, Jamie SpowartMoutere Rugby Football Club
Ben FinauNelson Rugby Football Club
Kershawl Sykes–Martin, Sosefo Vaka, Isaac Salmon, Isaiah Miller, Willi Havili, Tima Faingaanuku, Nick FoxleyRenwick Rugby Club
Mike Vaeno, Quinn Harrison-JonesStoke Rugby Club
Blair Prinsep, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Anty Burnett, Declan SmithWaimea Old Boys Rugby Club
Campbell Parata, Michael StringerWaitohi Rugby Club
Taine Cragg-Love, Fetuli Paea
So, despite being spotted in Auckland, Willi Havili is still with Ta$man.
Tima Fainga'anuku has returned from France.I can’t recall his name so don’t know if he’s listed above....that Kiwi-cum-Aussie-cum-Kiwi first five that’s in the Crusaders development system?
