NPC - news, injuries etc
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Willie Rickards steps down as Taranaki coach.
Rickards steps down as Yarrows Taranaki Bulls Head Coach
By Glenn McLean Willie Rickards 12-season association with Taranaki Rugby has ended after the Yarrows Taranaki Bulls ...
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@Stargazer had heard Ioane had been looking elsewhere, maybe to help with negotations?
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New Zealand Rugby (NZR) needs more time to make a decision on the future of the men’s national provincial competition.
However, NZR chief executive Mark Robinson confirmed the Farah Palmer Cup would revert to its old model in 2021, and the Heartland Championship would return in its usual form after a year off.
The Farah Palmer Cup was this year revamped, with the teams splitting into north and south pools, a model mooted for the men’s provincial competition.
It remains unclear exactly when a decision will be made on the Mitre 10 Cup, but Robinson indicated it could be post Christmas.
Regardless what decision is made, Robinson confirmed provincial unions (PUs) were set for an approximate 10 per cent cut in funding next year.
NZR typically dishes out $30 million annually to the 26 PUs, with amounts varying from union to union depending on various factors, including registered playing numbers.
Asked if change was imminent, Robinson was noncommittal but said one thing was clear, there wasn’t 100 per cent unanimity across the board.
“Which is why we have to take a little more time now, work through with our stakeholders and finalise that.”
Canterbury coach Reuben Thorne and Wellington counterpart Leo Crowley have both expressed a desire for the premiership and championship model to be axed, meaning all 14 teams are eligible to win the title.
Robinson said he’d heard both sides of the argument, with those keen for the promotion/relegation format to remain arguing it allows more teams to feature in playoff rugby.
“There’s pros and cons, depending who you talk to.
“We’re going back with a whole range of information and documents to PUs in the middle of next week, and then we’ll see feedback on that.”
Facing a $40 million financial hit in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, slashing costs was primarily behind exploring a major revamp, although dwindling crowds and a general drop in interest also played a part.
It’s understood the north-south option would save about $700,000 on travel and accommodation in the men’s NPC.
However, with the Farah Palmer Cup reverting to its old form, it seems unlikely the men’s competition will go down the north-south road.
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Southland Stags coach Dale MacLeod has six players locked in for the 2021 Mitre 10 Cup while a further 10 players have agreed verbally to retunring. Joe Walsh, Greg Pleasants-Tate, Flynn Thomas, Isaac Te Tamaki, Rory van Vugt, and Charles Aliamalo were already signed on multi-year deals which ensures they will back for the 2021 season. MacLeod said they were working through contracts with a further 10 players from this year’s squad who had indicated that they want to return.Once MacLeod has a firmer understanding of what players he will have returning from this year’s squad they will then go about “filling the gaps”. The bulk of those gaps will be filled through club rugby, although he said they were in discussions with “three or four” players who have played at Super level. An obvious fit would be outside back Solomon Aliamalo, given his younger brother is already part of the Stags and he was now signed with the Highlanders for Super Rugby. MacLeod said Solomon Aliamalo was certainly a player they were interested in. “Obviously he would be a good fit for us, but the thing is Otago will want him, and Canterbury are chasing him. Sometimes we get shuffled to the bottom of the queue.” This year’s Southland Stags player for the Year and captain Tony Lamborn has indicated he is keen to return although is yet to re-sign. With Lamborn missing out on a Super Rugby contract he is assessing his options, in regard to possible overseas opportunities. -
Taranaki Rugby officials have reported a high number of inquiries, locally and overseas, from interested parties wanting to coach the Bulls championship squad in 2021. The union will head to the market before the end of the year to replace former head coach Willie Rickards, who resigned at the end of the 2020 Mitre Cup season. Taranaki Rugby chairman Andrew Thompson and chief executive Laurence Corlett said the union was optimistic a head coach could be appointed by February before a new coaching group was announced.I wouldn't be surprised if Neil Barnes gets the job, if he wants it. He is a current assistant and is still based in Taranaki (dairy farmer).
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Maori All Black Sean Wainui is moving from Taranaki and will be playing his rugby for the Bay of Plenty Steamers in 2021 Mitre 10 Cup season .
Not great news for Taranaki , but you would have to say not unexpected given the circumstances in and around finances and a new coach coming onboard ..
A good pick up for the Steamers who would be looking to further stamp their credentials as a Premiership team. -
@Bovidae you well be right , from what I have heard Wainui won’t be the profile name they are chasing ..
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@Steven-Harris BOP must be flush with money.
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@Bovidae BOP are the North Island version of Ta$man Invitational XV. Probably have been since 2019.
On a serious note: It's strange because I thought they have a good development programme and they should be able to develop good players from their own player pool.
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Wasn't sure where to post this - but Keepa Mewett (Bay of Plenty) has been doing a series of one on ones with various people (mainly ex. Bay of Plenty players on their careers, goal setting, fitness regimes etc. Very interesting and worth a watch. I think Mike Delany was the last and Jared Hoeata is next.
The RAW HQ Podcast: link text
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