Brock James has announced his 39 man squad that will represent Hawke’s Bay in this year’s Bunnings NPC.

The 2025 Magpies squad features 32 players who have previously represented the Magpies plus the return of ex Napier schoolboy and Blues star Zarn Sullivan and Moana Pasifikas promising loose forward Mircale Fai’ilagi.

Head coach James and his coaching staff has shown faith in club form with Maddison Trophy winning Taradale players Mikaele Tapilii and Hadlee Hay-Horton joining Anaru Paenga-Morgan, Andrew Tauatevalu (Pirates), Kere Penitito, Dylan Homan and Kade Manuel (NOBM), Jeriah Mua (HRS), Valentino Taito (Havelock North) and promising central prop Lachie Gunson all securing fulltime contracts for the first time. Will Cole who is currently playing for the NZ Under 20’s in Italy is upgraded to the full squad alongside several of his fellow wider squad members from last year.

Head coach James was ‘I am really excited to have some great continuity once again in our Magpies squad. In addition to the great experience we have there are a number of players included from both Super Rugby and our Hawke's Bay club rugby on the back of some really strong performances this season.

The Magpies leadership has been tweaked with James confirming that Jacob Devery will join Tom Parsons as co-captains in 2025 confirming that ‘Both players bring experience, leadership and a real competitiveness to take our group in the direction we are wanting to go’

Notably missing from last years squad include experienced Magpies Josh Kaifa and Joel Hintz who have both retired, Taradale halfback Sam Wye (Counties) and Ben O’Donnell who have taken contracts elsewhere and Josh Gimblett who is still recovering from shoulder surgery.

Hawke’s Bay Rugby CEO Jay Campbell agreed with his head coach when confirming ‘Brock and his coaching staff have assembled an experienced and talented squad with continuity in mind but equally rewarding those players who have performed consistently in club rugby and taken their opportunities with the wider training group and it will be exciting to see these young men run out in front of friends and family during the course of the NPC.’

The first opportunity to see the 2025 version of the Magpies is at McLean Park this Friday afternoon at 5:30 in a preseason against rivals the Manawatu Turbos. The Magpies first game of the NPC is against Counties-Manukau on Sunday August 3rd. Tickets for this Fridays game is available at flicket.co.nz or can be purchased at the gate.

2025 Hawke's Bay Magpies Full Squad

Forwards

Pouri Rakete-Stones

Tim Farrell

Hadlee Hay-Horton

Joe Apikota

Josh Smith

Isaac Salmon 

Lachie Gunson*

Jacob Devery

Kianu Kereru-Symes

Dylan Homan

Valentino Taito*

Isaia Walker-Leawere

Geoff Cridge

Tom Parsons

Hunter Morrison

Devan Flanders

Mikaele Tapili

Hugh Renton

Miracle Fai'ilagi*

Frank Lachore

Cooper Flanders

Sam Smith

Jeriah Mua

Backs

Folau Fakatava

Ere Enari

Kade Manuel

Harry Godfrey

Lincoln McClutchie

Will Cole

Nick Grigg

Kienan Higgins

Lukas Ripley

Anaru Paenga-Morgan*

LeRoux Malan

Neria Fomai

Jonah Lowe

Kere Penetito

Zarn Sullivan*

Andrew Tautevalu

* - Uncapped squad member

Unavailable for selection

Will Tremain

Josh Gimblett

Hannon Brighouse

Kustino Savea

Tom Allen - Loan to Auckland