Magpies coach Brock James has announced his 2024 squad to contest the NPC at their annual season launch hosted at the Old Church Restaurant last evening. Both the Magpies and wider Tui squad were announced to over 200 sponsors at the iconic venue as they took the opportunity to get up close and personal with players across both squads. The final Tui squad to contest this seasons Farah Palmer Cup is due to be confirmed next week.

The Magpies, again to be captained by Central Rugby and Sports Tom Parsons, includes 24 of the squad who last season secured the Ranfurly Shield going on to contest the NPC final before losing narrowly to champions Taranaki. Ere Enari, Danny Toala and Neria Fomai return after a year away on Samoan RWC duties while ex Magpie and current Highlander Hugh Renton returns after 5 years away with Tasman Mako.

Players who have secured contracts for the first time include NZ Under 20’s tighthead prop Josh Smith (HRS) and lock Tom Allen (Havelock North), Old Boys Marist hooker Dylan Homan, Central loose forward Semi Vodosese and exciting young backs Meni Manase (MAC) and Andrew Tauatevalu (Pirate).  Lolani Faleiva returns after missing all of 2023 with a serious leg injury but after returning with great form with Taradale which saw him make his international debut with Samoa in June, returns for his second year with the Magpies

Head coach James was excited by the assembled squad stating ‘We've got some great consistency in our pack and some exciting additions in the backline. We have players returning after gaining some valuable world cup experience whilst also rewarding some players who have performed consistently at club level and then made the step up in our preseason games against Manawatu’.

With the unavailability of all of but 1 of last years outside backs Caleb Makene, Lolagni Visinia, Chase Tiatia, Ollie Sapsford, Anzelo Tuitavuki and Jonah Lowe through injury or late termination James and his coaching staff have bolstered the backs with experienced and talented cover with Australian 7’s and Brumbies utility back Ben O'Donnell, fullback/first five Mat Proterhoe, Rebels winger Lukas Ripley and ex Highlanders outside back Freedom Vahaakolo joining the backs. Namibian international and hard running midfielder Le Roux Malan will join the squad after round 1 once his commitments with MLR rugby are completed.

James added ‘Zelo requesting a termination last week is a big loss and provided another challenge, but we believe the players we have assembled including our young local developing players will more than make up for those departing players. We are excited by the energy and the enthusiasm of the group that we have selected and look forward to seeing them step up and perform throughout the NPC’

James confirmed that Samoan international Danny Toala will play for Samoa during the Pacific Nations Cup and therefore will be unavailable during the middle part of the campaign.

Hawke’s Bay Rugby CEO Jay Campbell agreed with his head coach when confirming ‘With every squad there is excitement, but the 2024 Magpies is now 5 to 6 years in the making and with the new additional players adding real quality and depth across the Magpies,  fans and supporters should be equally upbeat about their team’s chances of success this season.’

The Magpies first game of the NPC is against North Harbour in Albany on Sunday 11th August before the first home game of their campaign against the Southland Stags, Saturday August 17th kicking off at 4:35pm.

Tickets are available for all home games at hbmagpies.flicket.co.nz while season tickets and hospitality opportunities are still available for all games.

Promising young backs Bryson Ioane  (HRS) and Kere Penitito (NOBM) have assembled with the squad for the next few weeks as injury cover.

Article added: Monday 29 July 2024