Former All Blacks wing Waisake Naholo will return to first-class rugby in New Zealand during this year's NPC after being named in Canterbury's 2021 squad.
Former All Blacks wing Waisake Naholo will return to first-class rugby in New Zealand during this year's NPC after being named in Canterbury's 2021 squad.
Japan star Kazuki Himeno will get his first taste of action in Highlanders colours this weekend, but his Super Rugby Aotearoa debut will have to wait another fortnight.
It's been the theme of the national provincial competition this year, with big names falling to minnows, surprising blowouts and the Ranfurly Shield steadily making its way around the country.
It's been the theme of the national provincial competition this year, with big names falling to minnows, surprising blowouts and the Ranfurly Shield steadily making its way around the country.
Coach Tai Lavea has made a host of changes to the Counties Manukau Steelers ahead of their week three Mitre 10 Cup clash with Northland at Navigation Homes Stadium in Pukekohe on Sunday.
Coach Tai Lavea has made a host of changes to the Counties Manukau Steelers ahead of their week three Mitre 10 Cup clash with Northland at Navigation Homes Stadium in Pukekohe on Sunday.
Without All Blacks playing in the Mitre 10 Cup, the competition will lose plenty of its stardust over the coming weeks, and the impact of their departures will differ for each province.
All Blacks Nepo Laulala and Dalton Papali’i, as well as World Cup-winning former All Black skipper Kieran Read, have been named in the Counties Manukau Steelers side for their opening Mitre 10 Cup match against Tasman on Saturday night.
The Highlanders have retained most of last week’s team to play the Crusaders in Christchurch on Friday night but the addition of a former Queensland Reds winger should get fans excited.