NPC - news, injuries etc
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While Cruden has been weighing up the possibility of donning the green and white hoops of Manawatu for some time, he has now indicated that playing in the Mitre 10 Cup is unlikely.
“I said while I would love to, at this stage and where things are at, it’s not a possibility, unfortunately, for the season coming,’’ Cruden told Stuff News.
With Cruden contracted to one of the Japan Top League clubs for 2021 (rumoured to be as Dan Carter’s replacement at the Kobelco Steelers), the insurance costs of bringing the former All Black into the Manawatu set-up would be astronomical. With the Top League pre-season likely to get underway as early as next month, fitting the Mitre 10 Cup into Cruden’s calendar would also be almost impossible.
Otere Black, meanwhile, could potentially be on the move away from Manwatu to the Bay of Plenty – though the Blues man has said “nothing is settled”.
Nehe Milner-Skudder, having signed a two-year deal with the Highlanders, is another who could be back playing for Manawatu while Rob Thompson will likely be a major presence in the mid-field.
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Confusing headline; shouldn't that be unavailability?
Aaron Cruden confirms Mitre 10 Cup availability
The 2020 Mitre 10 Cup will be unlike any provincial competition New Zealanders have witnessed for some time with a slew of current and former All Blacks expected to be on show due to the postponement of rugby around the rest of the world.
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@Stargazer Otere moving to BOP so he can sign with the Chiefs? Wouldn't mind tbh.
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@Yeetyaah I doubt it. First of all, it's completely unnecessary to switch provinces to sign with another SR franchise. Second, his contract with the Blues expires in 2021, not this year, and BB is still to take a playing sabatical at some point, too.
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@Stargazer contracts mean fuck all these days when it comes to switching teams. Lomax is probably the most recent example.
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@Stargazer off the top of my head, Squire moved from the Chiefs to the Landers, Savea got out of his and went north.
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@Stargazer said in Mitre 10 Cup - news, injuries etc:
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Confusing headline; shouldn't that be unavailability?Availability "the fact that something can be bought, used, or reached, or how much it can be "
It didn't say available
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@Yeetyaah said in Mitre 10 Cup - news, injuries etc:
@Stargazer contracts mean fuck all these days when it comes to switching teams. Lomax is probably the most recent example.
yeah, lomax stung a bit, was hoping he'd hang around long term
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This article suggests Fraser Armstrong (Manawatu) will be playing for Wellington this year.
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@Canes4life Yay 🙄 I used to think he was a good player but he has been shown up considerably in the last 2 games.
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PIC Steelers announce Kerr and additional 2020 signings
Long-time PIC Steelers representative Baden Kerr will return to the province for the Mitre 10 Cup in 2020 with the union announcing 12 signings for this season.
The former Blues first-five eighth has been playing for the Honda Heat in Japan but returned home during the Covid-19 outbreak and is set for a third stint with his hometown team.
With first-five being such a pivotal position and the experienced Kerr being back in the region it became an obvious thing to ask the 39-cap Steeler to commit to playing the 2020 season.
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The 31-year-old made is a reliable pivot and outstanding goal-kicker. He will join returning PIC Steelers players Riley Hohepa and skipper Orbyn Leger as candidates to play in the number 10 jersey this season.
Also joining the union is Blues front rower Ezekiel Lindenmuth and former Auckland lock Lyndon Dunshea – the latter has linked with Waiuku Brian James Contracting for the club season.
Manurewa pair Pele Cowley (halfback) and Viliame Taulani (loose forward) have been rewarded for strong club form and have been given 2020 contracts.
Lock Mickey Woolliams returns to the PIC Steelers on the back of playing for Karaka in club rugby while All Blacks Sevens star Sione Molia will also represent the province this season with the Sevens program on hold.
Highlanders wingers Kirisi Kuridrani and Tevita Nebura have also both picked up PIC Steelers contracts once again while Johnathan Kawau (Bombay), Kalione Hala (Karaka) and Joseph Casey (Ardmore Marist) have also been rewarded with contracts.
The union will add some more signatures in the coming weeks.
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See also this media release on the Mako website: https://www.tasmanrugby.co.nz/news/mako-wider-training-group-side-to-play-wellington-named -
Good to see some provinces have been proactive after the cancellation of the Heartland competition.
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I haven't been paying a lot of attention to Sky's tv guide, but I just noticed that they're broadcasting the 1996 NPC 2nd Division Final between Northland and Southland on Sky Sport 1 (9.30pm).
I wish I'd kept an eye on it; I may have missed some good games.
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@Stargazer I was just watching it looking a sprightly David Howell, you should’ve they’ve had some good games on. It’s been really good seeing them the old players etc.
Stuff
