The recruitment of a 34-year-old prop from Ireland might have raised a few eyebrows in New Zealand this weekend.
All Blacks star Aaron Smith has made it two wins from as many outings in his return to provincial rugby as Manawatu beat Otago 27-14 in Palmerston North on Saturday.
All Blacks star Aaron Smith has made it two wins from as many outings in his return to provincial rugby as Manawatu beat Otago 27-14 in Palmerston North on Saturday.
Former All Blacks star Waisake Naholo is set to make his return to first-class rugby in New Zealand after being named on the bench for Canterbury this weekend.
Auckland travel to Inglewood for their Round 5 clash with Championship team Taranaki this Saturday afternoon.
Head coach Alama Ieremia has named a strong and experienced Auckland team to take on Otago in Dunedin this Saturday afternoon. Out of the 23 that Ieremia has named, 14 were involved in the Super Rugby Aotearoa competition, including six All Blacks.
Auckland have named a powerful 40-man squad for this season's Mitre 10 Cup as they look to clinch their second domestic title in three years.
Injured All Black Dalton Papalii is to make his return to the field this week after five weeks on the sidelines.
Auckland have named five All Blacks in their Mitre 10 squad as they mount the defence of the title they won in 2018.