NPC 2023

Dan54

@Chris said in NPC 2023:

With Sanzar considering this,
Super Rugby to run from May to September, and the Rugby championship being played in October/November to an unprecedented autumn spot that aligns better with the northern hemisphere
or shifting the Rugby Championship from a winter/spring slot to the southern autumn, in which the four-team tournament would likely start in March..

Under a proposal discussed at the SANZAAR table, Super Rugby would continue through the July Test window, with Test players absent. Sources say the three Tests could even be played as midweek fixtures, like State of Origin, and involve bye or split rounds to minimise the impact on Super Rugby, without halting the competition.
Where would that leave NPC.

Chris the idea of RC moving to March was binned, I know Hamish McMouth said it was being considered still, bit Sanzaar basically said another case of Hamish mouthing rubbish. It won't work early for anyone including from money clubs in NH.

Dan54

@Stargazer said in NPC 2023:

That's a blast from the past:

He's been playing for Southern club here in the Naki, since he came home. He obviously got someone to work on farm during calving , which is what stopped him last season or so.

Stargazer

Stargazer

Mr Fish

@Tim said in NPC 2023:

@mikedogz Is Miracle Fai’ilagi playing for Counties this season?

He's in the Samoa WC training squad so might not matter whether he's signed with CM or not to be fair.

Stargazer

Tasmanmako We’re excited to welcome Tom Marshall and Tim O'Malley back to our team for the season ahead

*possibly the worst-kept secret in Ta$man.

Tom joins us from his Japanese club @nec_gr_official and Tim returns after a stint overseas in 2022.

More signing announcements will come next week before the entire squad is announced at the end of July.

#FINZUP #2021reunion

Stargazer

Stargazer

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Bovidae

Taranaki earlier stated that Daniel Waite had been granted a release to pursue a contract in Japan but he's named in that squad.

Mr Fish

Bit tough on Josh Lord haha.

Stargazer

So some ABs named in NPC squads, and others aren't?

Bovidae

I'm not sure why they wanted to have a separate category for the ABs, as the same could apply for PI-eligible players who won't be playing in the NPC. Just name a full (larger) squad.

SouthernMann

@Bovidae said in NPC 2023:

I'm not sure why they wanted to have a separate category for the ABs, as the same could apply for PI-eligible players who won't be playing in the NPC. Just name a full (larger) squad.

It's a flex.

Bovidae

Of course it's self-promotion but they failed that too by excluding Lord.

Chris B.

Mako have signed Will Gualter.

Grooter

@Chris-B was very impressed by him when he got some game time with the Crusaders this year

Chris

@Chris-B

hopefully he gets game time in his proper position of Centre he isn't really a wing.

Chris B.

@Chris said in NPC 2023:

@Chris-B

hopefully he gets game time in his proper position of Centre he isn't really a wing.

I'm waiting to see our squad for the year and then who gets picked for the ABs.

I'm thinking most likely our first choice midfield and wings will be 11. Springer, 12. Aumua, 13. Nankivell, 14. Tavatavanawai - not sure whether we'll have Fetuli Paea or not - he may already be in Italy.

Then there's Dave Havili, Big Leicester and Will Jordan - can't imagine we'll have Will. (Don't think we'll have Sevu Reece). In the same iffy AB boat, Finlay Christie, Ethan Blackadder and Shannon Frizell - we won't have Lomax!

If a couple of ferners were picking the AB RWC squad, I'd be able to do another music medley as we marched to the title!

Tim

@Chris-B said in NPC 2023:

Nankivell

Won't be available. URC starts in September.

Chris B.

@Tim Google tells me you're right. I thought he must be hanging round till after RWC since he's in the NZ XV.

Gualter probably will get plenty of time at centre then.

The Silver Fern

NPC 2023