Highlanders 2021
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@Stargazer if that's the case I hope they have a good one squirreled away. Apart from Blackadder (who seems to be injury prone), Grace is the only loosie I am excited about. But this is a Highlanders thread so I will leave it there.
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@Stargazer said in Highlanders 2021:
@Crazy-Horse If they keep Cullen Grace at 6, yes. MMT is definitely better than Douglas. But I understand from the media that the Crusaders will fill all holes in their squad from their own academy.
Yeah that was quoted in the media and I believe from sources that’s their preferred option now.
the academy players from both regions spend alot of time around the Crusaders training being simulated into the culture,therefore are ready to slip into the squad. -
This suggests that Frizell isn't going anywhere and ... that Ash Dixon has indeed not been offered a contract. Are they nuts?
The Highlanders have already bolstered their stocks by bringing in former Crusaders teammates Billy Harmon and Fetuli Paea, both of whom will aide the departures of new Blues flanker Dillon Hunt and out-of-contract trio Ash Dixon, Teihorangi Walden and Josh McKay.
Experienced midfielder Rob Thompson has also confirmed he has ended his time with the Highlanders, while head coach of the past three seasons Aaron Mauger wasn’t offered a contract renewal following this year’s campaign.
Predominantly a No. 8, Himeno will have stern competition for a starting role given the rise of Marino Mikaele-Tu’u this season, while the franchise also boasts All Blacks flanker Shannon Frizell in what is looking a strong loose forward contingent.
Highlanders sign Japanese test star for 2021 Super Rugby Aotearoa season
The widespread change in personnel over the Super Rugby offseason has continued at the Highlanders.
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nothing actually on the Highlanders socials...top notch communication once again
when i look at this list of departing players i can only assume we're looking to save some money and fill the ranks from locallygutted about Ash but Ricky Jackson has been pretty handy for Otago....hopefully Paea is what we've been looking for in midfield...thats where im most worried
edit:
I see a "7" on his back in one of those pics, might also where we see him filling in
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Are we sure Dixon wants to continue? Some of his recent comments about milestones seem to suggest he is thinking of retiring.
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@Bovidae I have no idea what Ash wants, but would be surprised if he wants to hang up the boots when he's going so well. Maybe going to Japan to earn a bigger pay check? Would be well-deserved after so many years of loyal service to both Highlanders and Hawke's Bay.
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One way to increase the value of Super rugby Aotearoa as a product (in Japan at least) would be to get one or two JP internationals in every Super team. This will probably also help jersey sales/team wear. I'll look out to see if there is more Highlander stuff around.
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@gt12 hadn't clicked you were in Japan
I assume it has to do with Tony Brown and is connections with Japan as much as anything, plus the Highlanders have a few Japanese before and loads of our kiwi guys going and playing in japan
I'd be happy if we started to build more bridges with Japan though
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@Kiwiwomble said in Highlanders 2021:
@gt12 hadn't clicked you were in Japan
I assume it has to do with Tony Brown and is connections with Japan as much as anything, plus the Highlanders have a few Japanese before and loads of our kiwi guys going and playing in japan
I'd be happy if we started to build more bridges with Japan though
Been here too long (Edit: Had beers with Brown at my sisters way back in the day when he was playing in Ota - he's a really genuine bloke)
The Chiefs have an agreement with Kobelco (or did have) and I think these types of things are a good idea. I'm sure that Brown's relationship with the JRFU makes the Landers a good place to recruit from too.
I bang this drum all the time, but if we have these types of relationships and had Japan in the Southern championship, we could solve a few player drain issues.
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@gt12 said in Highlanders 2021:
One way to increase the value of Super rugby Aotearoa as a product (in Japan at least) would be to get one or two JP internationals in every Super team. This will probably also help jersey sales/team wear. I'll look out to see if there is more Highlander stuff around.
I seriously hope we're not going to sign Japanese/foreign players for the sake of attracting foreign coin, if there are sufficient talented NZ players available in a position. I'm only okay with it if franchises struggle to fill spots. I disliked the signing of players like Kobus van Wyk and Joe Marchant for that reason (the Canes/Blues didn't need them).
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@gt12 yeah, had the pleasure of meeting tony when at school, was a good bloke then, my mum still tells the story of driving my dad and a few of the otago guys around bars in dunners...tony having to sit in the boot as he was the new kid...a different time
agreed in general, i think we can keep the NPC local...but the Franchises are businesses and rely on profile so we should do whats needed to make them successful
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I'm not really that keen on it either, but if it is an important money thing, I can live with it.
The Kobelco relationship has been very good for us - BBBR stayed and took his sabbatical there, we got Cruden back from there, etc. So, I don't like it, but 1 player from those teams isn't necessarily the end of the world.
For the Landers, I could see them plugging a few holes with players like this - although I'm not sure that they need another loose forward. But, maybe that is the point - they have too many good players to attract one more good piece, so this gives them that.
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@Kiwiwomble he’s a bit of a jack of all trades and has played all back row positions. I thought he played well in the RWC despite being moved around. That Ireland match he was Japan’s main ball carrier and I thought was outstanding.
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And from this article.
They already have All Blacks No 6 Shannon Frizell, Marino Mikaele-Tu’u, James Lentjes and new recruits Kazuki Himeno and Billy Harmon, who has been excellent for Canterbury in the Mitre 10 Cup. “There are still a few gaps to fill,” Brown said. “We need to find a lock and an outside back. “We’ve made a couple of really good signings. I’m not sure they've been announced yet, I think that will be in the future. -
in Browny we trust
