England age grade star Matt Protheroe signs for NZ club

Former England Under-18 and Under-20s star Matt Protheroe has made the rare move to New Zealand after being released at the end of the season by Ospreys.

He has signed for Hawke’s Bay, with both the ‘Magpies’ and the player himself confirming the move this morning on social media, with the Welshman writing: “Looking forward to the new challenge with the Magpies.”

The 27-year-old follows in the footsteps of former age-grade teammate and England centre Joe Marchant, who also went to New Zealand in a bid to widen his game. He will join the likes of Brad Weber, Folau Fakatava and Nick Grigg who are already wearing the famous black and white of Hawke’s Bay.

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While born in Swansea, Protheroe represented England at both Under-18 level and Under-20 level, although he was never capped at senior level and remains dual qualified.

Protheroe is known for his versatility –  primarily playing as a full-back or fly-half. He began his professional career with Gloucester, where he made a total of nine appearances from 2015 to 2017.

He joined Bristol Bears in 2017, marking 35 appearances and scoring 20 tries for Pat Lam’s side.

He signed for his hometown side Ospreys in 202o and made over 30 appearances before being released without a club as a free agent at the Liberty Stadium.

He is now joining one of New Zealand’s most famous clubs. Rugby in Hawke’s Bay began in 1875 when the Napier Football Club adopted rugby rules.

The Hawke’s Bay Rugby Union was formed in 1884, involving four clubs: Napier, Union, Hastings, and Petane.

They won the Ranfurly Shield in 1922-27, 1934, and 1966-69. The Union produced 50 All Blacks, including Kel Tremain and Israel Dagg. Hawke’s Bay won the NPC second division championship multiple times from 2001 to 2005 and rejoined top-level domestic rugby in 2006.

In 2009 they made a bid to become a Super Rugby side but nothing ever came of it.