The Hawke’s Bay Rugby Union this morning announced the return of former Magpies Captain and talisman, Brendon O’Connor and the signing of exciting young Hurricanes and New Zealand Maori lock Isaia Walker-Leawere to the Magpies squad for the 2019 Mitre 10 Cup.

Both players hail from Poverty Bay, having been schooled at Gisborne Boys High School.

“Brendon is an extremely popular figure around the Bay for the commitment and uncompromising standards he set while playing here between 2013 and 2015 and will be fondly remembered for leading the Magpies during their successful shield tenure. It is fantastic to have a player of his professionalism and character in our leadership mix for the upcoming campaign” HBRU CEO, Jay Campbell stated today.

O’Connor has been plying his trade with the Leicester Tigers in the English Premiership since leaving the Magpies and has played an integral part, playing 73 games over the 4 years with the Tigers. Magpies Head Coach, Mark Ozich added. ‘’we’re extremely honored he chose to return to the Magpies over many other unions who were chasing him for his services.  He’ll certainly add to our depth across our loose forwards and provide vital leadership in what looms as an exciting and tough season ahead,”

“Playing and living in HB was a real highlight in my playing career and I’m excited to be able to return and play in the black and white hoops and I will be doing everything asked of me to help the Magpies and secure a successful campaign” O’Conner said today.

Exciting young Hurricanes and NZ Maori lock/loose forward Isaia Walker-Leaware has signed a three-year contract to play his provincial rugby for Hawke’s Bay.

The former Gisborne Boys High School and age group star moved to the capital after school and has represented Wellington in the Mitre 10 Cup and is currently a permanent feature of any Hurricanes match 23.

Walker-Leaware says ‘’I’m really excited for a new challenge with Hawke’s Bay and challenging the experienced guys in the team for a starting spot and helping the Magpies win trophies.  I’ve heard through my mates within the ‘canes and Maori about how much fun the environment is and I am looking forward to being part of it.

Walker-Leaware also confirmed that ‘’The move to the Bay also helps me get closer to my family in Gisborne and also my partners family based in Waimarama’’

Magpies coach Mark Ozich confirmed that ‘’It’s great to have Isiah commit to the Magpies.   He is a powerful ball carrying forward who will compliment others in our forward pack well.  The fact that he can play lock and loose forward is a real bonus and we are looking forward to adding his abilities into a very capable team.  It’s great that Izzie’s parents and family will be in closer proximity to him and having them here during home games will no doubt make these games even more special’’

Hawke’s Bay Rugby Chief Executive Jay Campbell confirmed ‘’Hawke’s Bay rugby tried securing Isiah to join our academy when he was a raw boned promising talent at Gisborne Boys High but sometimes the timings and circumstances don’t align.  We certainly welcome him with open arms, now that he wishes to make the Hawke’s Bay his home.’’

‘’That Izzie (and Choona) have committed to Hawke’s Bay Rugby illustrates the great culture and environment that our coaching and management staff are creating’’

O’Connor is expected to return to New Zealand from travelling through Europe at the end of the month and be available for the Magpies pre-season game against Waikato in Taupo towards the end of July. While Walker-Leaware will report for Magpies training alongside his Hurricanes team-mates once their super rugby commitments are over.