Blues 2021
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@Steven-Harris while Tua would still only be a rookie option for Blues, he really has missed another opportunity with him getting/needing surgery now, particularly as he was looking in career best form last year.
When he broke his hand a couple of seasons back, he also missed out on picking up plenty of minutes, IIRC this was when the Blues moved Reiko to 12 after plenty of injuries.
He is still only 23 so has time on his side.
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The Blues have found a kindred spirit as they plan a long-term restoration of their regional development programme.
Ganellen Construction have confirmed their support as naming partner of the Blues Development teams and the soon-to-be-announced development programme.
Ganellen has been operating in New Zealand for 11 years. In that time, they have been associated with several high-profile projects in Christchurch as part of the regeneration of the city, and in Auckland central with high rise projects including Crest Apartments, Horizon Apartments, Eden View Apartments and Alexander Park.
The unique partnership is more than a straight commercial arrangement, with Ganellen sharing much of the same ethos as the Blues when it comes to developing talent.
“Our policy is to hire people based on shared values and passion and promote from within which builds a loyal, experienced team, while mentoring and coaching enhances our people-focussed culture,” said Ganellen Director, Mitch Blunden.
“When we are looking to bring young people into our business, all we are looking for is someone with passion and commitment.
“We can provide everything else to make them a leader in the construction industry.
“And that our approach can provide a positive opportunity in partnership with the Blues.”
Blues CEO Andrew Hore said a cornerstone of the future for the organisation is sustained long-term development.
The organisation has been engaged for several months with their provincial unions and stakeholders in revamping the development programme, which will be unveiled this month.
“When we met with Ganellen we realised there is a shared vision of mentoring young people and what success looks like in a values-based organisation,” he said.
“They came on board earlier this year but much of our programme and plans were curtailed with the effects of the coronavirus.
“The timing is now ideal to press-on and we are looking forward not just to their support, but the unique opportunity for us to share the expertise and experience from both Ganellen and the Blues to help nurture young people to realise their dreams.
“It is a unique partnership that is exciting for the Blues and our provincial unions.”
Several development players have been included in the enlarged Blues squad for pre-season training, including the Interim Training Contracted players.
The Sky Super Rugby Aotearoa competition gets underway on February 28 with Blues membership and details of the pre-season Footy Fest occasion at Eden Park at www.blues.rugby.
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How the Blues won a three-way tug-of-war to secure one of New Zealand's brightest young talents
With just seven weeks until a potential Super Rugby debut, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens opens up to RugbyPass about how he was at the centre of a tug-of-war between three Kiwi franchises.
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@Tim from the Highlanders thread last week
@Steven-Harris said in Highlanders 2021:
keep an eye on Hamden Tuipulotu.., younger brother of .
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@Stargazer I'm keeping a list in this post:
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@Stargazer said in Blues 2021:
Kereru-Symes
Was he with the Blues for a while last year? I'll keep an eye out for him.
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@Nogusta said in Blues 2021:
@Tim Eden I think? Halfback originally from Otahuhu College then did last 2 years of his schooling at Rotorua Boys. NZ Schools in 2018 so may be one of this years ITC.
2019, so younger still. I watched both games live and thought he looked the better of the two halfbacks in the NZS team. The other was Max Hughes from CBHS.
