Highlanders 2024

[Tim]

@george33 Any idea who will replace RTS? One of the U20 centres?

[Stargazer]

Looking at the NZ-based Super Rugby 10s that are coming off contract after this season (AFAIK):
Harry Plummer
Josh Ioane
(Rameka Poihipi - more a midfielder, but he looked good at 10)
Rivez Reihana
Lincoln McClutchie

[george33]

@Tim Leo Gordon and Che Clark to replace RTS and Robinson and alot of interest in Chiefs lock also but nothing set in stone yet

[Bones]

@gt12 said in Highlanders 2024:

Their best bet would be to lure PUJ

I'd much prefer Lam at centre.

[george33]

Think it has been mentioned that blues next season squad is probably only 3 or 4 players moving on and Beauden, Nepo,Tom r the big names or have I forgotten 1 maybe

[Tim]

@george33 Beehre or Craig in the squad next year?

[SouthernMann]

Going back to Steven Harris' comment. We certainly wouldn't knock the gift horse in the mouth of a top quality back from the big city.

[Stargazer]

Players have been released early from their contracts before. Can't be 100% sure it isn't a player who's signed with the Blues for 2024 (and beyond), although unlikely.

[frugby]

Without knowing for sure... Patrick Tuipulotu could be the player, potentially because his wife Phoenix Karaka is moving back to the Southern Steel?

[SouthernMann]

@friedrugby fantastic addition, potentially. Not the can excitement machine we are hoping for. But engine room grunt is good.

[frugby]

@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2024:

@friedrugby fantastic addition, potentially. Not the can excitement machine we are hoping for. But engine room grunt is good.

And further to this, his Japanese team was Toyota... who just so happen to have Steve Hansen as a head honcho, who is good mates with Peter Keen (Nature Strip)... Himeno came from there, Smith and Dickson going there. All signs lead to Paddy,

[frugby]

And to add to that, the Blues have supposedly heavily chasing a lock.

[frugby]

@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2024:

@friedrugby fantastic addition, potentially. Not the can excitement machine we are hoping for. But engine room grunt is good.

An yes, this is true... though it is an excitement machine we are truly after. Anyone got a theory as to why it could be Ioane, Clarke, Telea etc.

[Tim]

Enjoying the Kremlinology.

[SouthernMann]

@friedrugby said in Highlanders 2024:

And to add to that, the Blues have supposedly heavily chasing a lock.

Just hope not one of our locks

[Tim]

@SouthernMann McWhannell has been talked about in the media.

[george33]

@Tim haven't herd about those boys but Beehre must go close

[george33]

@friedrugby think this is all rumors as those 3 are all locked in at blues not sure on Caleb tangitau tho currently in the U20 and Blues but can't say if he's signed for 24 but I would imagine he is

[SouthernMann]

@george33 you don't need alll those outside backs though do you...

[george33]

@SouthernMann Perofeta will shift into 10 for Beauden and RTS moving on not sure on JRK status he may b looking for more game time