Magpies 2020
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@kiwimatrix Interesting. It might be someone like Joe Apikotoa, too, unfortunately.
I assume we don't need Zac Guildford, but he's also back playing club rugby for Tech.
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@Stargazer It's definitely not Sona. I spoke with him the other day about the reports he was coming back, and he said he knows nothing about it. He said he wished it was true, but it's not.
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I saw Jason Shoemark out running up this way prior to lockdown, looking fit and covered a decent amount of ground while I was in traffic
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@taniwharugby said in Magpies 2020:
I saw Jason Shoemark out running up this way prior to lockdown, looking fit and covered a decent amount of ground while I was in traffic
Seriously mods, how long do we have to wait for the down vote button.
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@Nepia think he is doing Rugby Development stuff down your way (by your way, I mean HBians that live there) anyway isnt he?
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@taniwharugby Yes, he works for the HBRU as a Academy Player Development Manager.
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Confirmed: Sona Taumalolo has signed with the HBRU! This was posted on the HBRU Facebook page this morning:
TAUMALOLO RETURNS TO MAGPIES One of Hawke’s Bays favorite sons will return to pull on the Magpies jersey for the 2020 Mitre 10 Cup. Former Tongan international, Chiefs and Magpie prop Sona Taumalolo has signed with Hawke’s Bay and will add vital experience to what will be an exciting Magpies team and season for fans. Taumalolo who has been playing in France for Perpignan, Racing Métro and Grenoble since 2012 and is looking forward to the chance to add to his 61 caps and 18 tries for the Magpies. “I am really excited to return to Hawkes Bay with the chance to again pull on the black and white jersey. I look forward to sharing my experience with the young team and playing in front of the Magpies fans once again” Magpies Coach Mark Ozich was naturally delighted to have Taumalolo join his squad this season “ It’s great to have Sona back in the Bay and with the magpies for the 2020 Mitre 10 cup. We’re looking forward to working with him and he’s a great addition to our squad with a proven track record. For Sona and his family I know it’s an exciting time to return home and be amongst family and friends.” HBRFU Chief Executive Jay Campbell shared in Ozich’s delight having worked with Taumalolo during his previous stint in Hawke’s Bay. “Sona is a crowd favourite amongst Magpies fans and the fact he wanted to return home and represent Clive and the Magpies before he hangs up his boots epitomises what these teams mean to him. I’m sure everyone will be excited to see him running out on McLean Park once again” Taumalolo, wife Di and family will soon be back and New Zealand and once through the isolation process will be looking to settle in Hawkes Bay. • Hawke’s Bay, 61 games, 18 tries, 2005-2011 • Chiefs, 52 games, 15 tries, 2009-2012 • Tonga, 20 Tests, 4 tries, 2011-2015.
I'm not even sure he played for Racing MĂ©tro, unless it was on loan, but it's strange that they don't mention his last two years in France for Provence Rugby.It looks like this text is the same as this HBT article:
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/hawkes-bay-today/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503460&objectid=12345033
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@Billsy111 said in Magpies 2020:
@Stargazer It's definitely not Sona. I spoke with him the other day about the reports he was coming back, and he said he knows nothing about it. He said he wished it was true, but it's not.
Sneaky Sona.
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At 16, Kianu Kereru-Symes playing for Otago Rugby club side Harbour, possible movement ? -
@stargazer You would have thought he would be good enough to start a club match?
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@NateHill74 Or injury cover for the Highlanders? Their only fit players are Ash Dixon and Liam Coltman. Ricky Jackson still not back from injury, I think, and Nathan Vella (called up as cover for Jackson) still suffering from concussion symptoms, apparently.
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@Stargazer Ricky Jackson is playing for University in club rugby in Dunedin this week
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@NateHill74 Hmm, still, maybe an extra injury cover until Vella is okay?
I don't even want to consider the possibility that he'd move from the Magpies to Otago.
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@Billsy111 Spoke to Sona again tonight. Said he was swarn to secrecy, so couldn't say anything. I said bring a big ugly expatriate Kiwi lock with you, as it seems Brodie won't be pulling on the Jersey.
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@Billsy111 Are you referring to Donimic Bird? Would fit seemlessly into the Central HB pack in Brodie's place!
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@Higgins And in the Magpies pack in Allardice's place, assuming he may miss the season because of his shoulder reconstruction surgery (I've no idea how long recovery after such surgery lasts but it sounds like something that could take a while).
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I didn't expect him to go anywhere else, but good to see the confirmation that Mikaele-Tu'u is in the 2020 Magpies squad. He has improved massively this year. It's clear that the players that have left the Highlanders (L Whitelock & Elliot Dixon in particular) were blocking his path and it's good that he now has the opportunity to grow.
I can only wish that our other young SR players will soon get that opportunity, too.
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hbmagpies: The barnstorming #8 has been a standout for the Highlanders this season and his name has been thrown around in the All Black mix, we are delighted to have Marino as a part of a special looking group of loose forwards this season.
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@Stargazer Impressive forward pack shaping up for Hawkes Bay. Who are your starting tight five?
