Magpies coaches Josh Syms and Brock James have announced their 2022 NPC squad at a Hawke’s Bay Rugby Union season launch breakfast in Napier this morning where the squad and members of the 2022 Big Barrel Tui squad were introduced to sponsors.
The bulk of the successful 2021 Magpies has returned, with only talismanic captain Ash Dixon and Tiaan Falcon (both playing in Japan) and experienced loosie Brendon O’Connor, now playing and residing in New York. Front rowers Jacob Devery and Namatahi Waa and Ex All Black flanker Gareth Evans, while named, have been ruled out for the year with injury.
This seasons squad features 2 current All Blacks, 5 Samoan and 4 Tongan Internationals while 27 players have had super rugby experience. Scottish international Nick Grigg who has been playing for Osaka Hurricanes in Japan also joins the squad to provide depth across the midfield and who alongside exciting new utility back Chase Tiatia should provide the backline with some additional x-factor and top level experience.
New to the squad for the first time are Havelock Norths openside flanker Sam Smith and Central Rugby & Sports NZ Under 20 star Harry Godfrey. After being out for much of last years campaign Isaia Walker-Leawere and Connor McLeod make timely returns from injury. While after a 4 year hiatus, vastly experienced prop Mark Braidwood returns to add depth amongst the front row cover.
Magpies head coach Josh Syms said “With the departure of Ash and Brendon we lose a significant amount of experience from our group. It though excites me that we have more players than ever having gained Super Rugby experience and we are looking forward to seeing new leaders develop and all players adding valuably to our team”
“With the late departure of Geoff Cridge who has taken up a contract in France we needed to replace him with a big, athletic player and through the relationships amongst our Magpie international representatives we are delighted to sign fellow Tongan international and Moana Pacific lock/loose forward Sione Tu’ipulotu” Syms added
Tu’ipulotu alongisde Walker-Leaware and the vastly experienced ex All Black Bryn Evans will help develop young talented locks Frank Lochore and Tiakai Fabish as they look to establish themselves at first class level.
New Magpies assistant coach Brock James is excited about the squad saying ‘’The work done over the last 4 years by this group of players and the staff has put Hawkes Bay rugby in a very strong position. A large part of the squad has collected some very valuable experience through super rugby this year, plus a few very positive additions to the playing group I am really looking forward to the challenge of this years Bunnings NPC”.
Promising Napier Tech front rower Lewis Bush, MAC’s barnstorming number 8 Tupou Ma’afu-Afungia, NOBM fullback Paoraian Manuel-Harmon and Central midfielder Zack Simpson have all been rewarded for great club form by being included as 2022 Magpies apprentices as they are set to join the squad at various times during the campaign to continue their development. Last years ‘apprentice’ prop Lolani Faleiva and squad replacement player Tiaki Fabish earn fulltime spots for the first time.
Hawke’s Bays 2022 Bunnings Warehouse NPC campaign kick-offs on Saturday August 6th against Waikato at FMG Stadium before returning to face Counties-Manukau at McLean Park on Friday August 12th. Before that the Magpies face the challenge from neighbours Poverty Bay at McLean Park tomorrow at 3.05pm.
Article added: Friday 29 July 2022