Magpies 2021
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NZR's announcement has already been posted in the Exodus thread, so I post the Magpies announcement here.
From the Magpies' Facebook page:
Magpies captain and Hawke’s Bay Rugby centurion Ash Dixon has announced he is heading to Japan on a two-year deal to play in the new Japanese League which begins in January 2022.
Dixon (32) brought up his 100th game for the Magpies in last year’s memorable Ranfurly Shield victory over Otago and so far amassed 109 games for his beloved Magpies and as their most consistent player over a number of years, Dixon will depart for his new Japanese adventure at the end of the Magpies 2021 Bunnings NPC campaign.
Hawke’s Bay Rugby CEO Jay Campbell said. “Ash arrived in the Bay as a highly promising hooker out of Christchurch Boys High and when he leaves will have worn the black and white jersey over 100 times; captain for many, won the Ranfurly Shield three times, won trophies and just as importantly won the hearts and minds of fans throughout the country for the way he conducts himself on and off the field and being always giving 100% every time he represented Napier Tech, Magpies, Highlanders and the Māori All Blacks. Ash departs as one of the greats to represent our province.”
Campbell added ‘It has been a privilege to be involved with someone who is the consummate professional. An absolute competitor who set huge standards for himself and his teammates which he was never willing to compromise and a real leader of men. While it’s a massive loss for the Magpies, I know Dicko will be absolutely driven to add another chapter to his legacy before he says sayonara’
Magpies head coach Mark Ozich added ‘ Ash leaving for Japan is an exciting time for him and his family and a new challenge for a real warrior of New Zealand Rugby. Whilst losing someone of Ash’s ability, stature and leadership is a huge loss, I can understand the timing is right for him. He will be a massive loss to the Magpies, Highlanders and New Zealand Rugby. We wish him well and I certainly appreciate all he has done for me personally and the Magpies over a long period of service.
Dixon said it was a difficult decision to leave.
“I’ve been incredibly grateful for the love and loyalty the Bay has shown me over the years and to play over 100 games for this prestigious province is something I will cherish forever’’
And added ‘’To all the staunch supporters who have supported myself and the magpies through thick and thin you are not forgotten…thankyou’’
Dixon will captain the Magpies when they defend the Ranfurly Shield against Otago on Saturday at Mclean Park on Saturday afternoon in their second NPC match.Hawkes Bay Magpies
Magpies captain and Hawke’s Bay Rugby centurion Ash Dixon has announced he is heading to Japan on a two-year deal to play in the new Japanese League which begins in January 2022. Dixon (32) brought...
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The HBRU have fortunately realised that this is what they have a website for. They've published the announcement of Ash Dixon's departure here:
https://www.sporty.co.nz/magpies/newsarticle/106849?newsfeedId=1229594
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@stargazer said in Magpies 2021:
Ha, Mrs SG just suggested signing up Kahn Fotuali'i as injurcy cover/replacement. He has been playing club rugby in Manawatu this year (since returning from France?).
Thoughts?
Brilliant!
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@delicatessen Actually I don't think that's a bad idea. The Halfbacks left around the Bay are IMO not up to that level. Kahn has a wealth of experience, and would help give the forward pack direction.
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Might be a bit late.
Kahn Fotuali'i was named in the Horowhenua Kapiti squad on July 10.
*Former Crusaders halfback and Samoa representative Kahn Fotuali'i has been named in the Horowhenua-Kāpiti training squad and could well wear a red, white and blue jersey this season.
Former Crusaders halfback named in HK squad
The 39-year-old halfback would be a valuable edition to the 2021 team.
He is one of six players from outside Horowhenua-Kāpiti vying for three available spots in the team to fill the import player quota, along with Izzy Foai, Keenan Gillson, Bryn Gordon and Benedict Grant from Manawatū, and James So'oialo from Wellington.
Fotuali'i, now aged 39, has played rugby all over the world, however, this season he played club rugby for Freyberg in the Manawatū competition - coincidentally the same club current Horowhenua-Kāpiti coach Chris Wilton played for in his heydey.
Wilton said having an experienced international player like Fotuali'i available would be invaluable, not only as a player, but also as a mentor for all players within the Horowhenua-Kāpiti team.
"He might be in the twilight of his career but he just wants to give back to the game. He is still very classy and would add so much to the team," he said.
Little more than a decade ago Fotuali'i was arguably one of the best halfbacks in world rugby. Just watch the highlights reels.
He must have came close to All Black selection after forcing incumbent All Black halfback Andy Ellis to the Crusaders bench for much of that 2010 Super Rugby championship.
Fotuali'i then represented Samoa, captaining the team after making his debut against Japan in 2010. He went on to play 35 times for Samoa.
In 2011 he joined top Welsh side Ospreys. In 2014, he signed with Northampton Saints and played there for three years, before playing three season at Bath. In the 2019-20 season he had signed with French team Montpellier.
Earlier in his career he played for both Hawke's Bay and Ta$man, but he has never played in a Heartland Championship.
Meanwhile, Wilton and HK assistant coach Aleni Feagaiga have named a large training squad to start preparing for the 2021 Bunnings Heartland Championship.
Training began earlier this week at Playford Park for the 36 players named.*
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Saw an ex magpie post this on FB and a lot of other ex magpies posting their lack of surprise. A reliable source tells me the mentioned person would struggle to get back into HB province as there wouldn't be a bridge he hasn't burnt.
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@magpie_in_aus I thought that kit was Guildfords tbh
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@stargazer said in Magpies 2021:
I honestly don't see the need to post this in the 2021 Magpies thread. It's not news, and it's not relevant.
It's interesting though isn't it.
God damn you're sensitive. -
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@yeetyaah yeah it is. A previous team mate of his posted a link to that trademe then a few of his other ex magpie teammates were saying they weren't surprised.
He's working with men's mental health type work (ala men's medicine/amend). There is a bit of annoyance with a few of those people who owes money etc about this as they haven't heard from him to either repay or at least reach out.
@Stargazer can you link me the magpies 2015 season thread I will repost in there.
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@magpie_in_aus said in Magpies 2021:
@Stargazer can you link me the magpies 2015 season thread I will repost in there.
It’s fine here
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Oh no. Can't we offer them either (or preferably both) of Messrs Hammett or Philpott? https://www.nzherald.co.nz/hawkes-bay-today/news/super-rugbys-western-force-want-hawkes-bay-magpies-coach-mark-ozich/5JRBXYPPE3CNEPMYUQZAKFOSFU/
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@higgins said in Magpies 2021:
Oh no. Can't we offer them either (or preferably both) of Messrs Hammett or Philpott? https://www.nzherald.co.nz/hawkes-bay-today/news/super-rugbys-western-force-want-hawkes-bay-magpies-coach-mark-ozich/5JRBXYPPE3CNEPMYUQZAKFOSFU/
Downvote!!!
But agree on Hammett and Philpott as alternatives .
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Unfortunately, Ozich has indeed signed with the Force. The media release doesn't say for how long. Damn, it's great for him, but so disappointing for us.
So what now? Josh Syms to take over and become head coach, next season?
And who to come in? Is Tafai Ioasa good enough to make the step up from Hastings Boys'?I don't remember what Brendon Ratcliffe's stint as Magpies Head Coach was like ... if it was good, can we steal him from Napier Boys'?
Who else is there, in Hawke's Bay or the rest of NZ?
