The 2020 SIT Zero Fees Southland Stags Squad is starting to take shape, with a further three signings.

There were seven  2019  squad members who were already signed for 2020. Ethan De Groot, Manaaki Selby-Rickit,, Matt James, Ray Tatafu, Viliamai Tosi, Ray Nu’u, Josh Moorby.

Backs Isaac Te Tamaki , Rory van Vugt , along with forward Charles Alaimalo have all signed contracts for 2020 & 2021, much to the pleasure of head coach Dale MacLeod.

“All these men have huge potential, and to have them committing to Rugby Southland for another 2 years is great for our game”. It shows they believe in what we are doing and the direction that we are heading in. All 3 have the potential to play super rugby.

Rory and Isaac celebrate one of their many tries during the 2019 season GETTY IMAGES

For Rory van Vugt (22) and Isaac Te Tamaki (24), it will be their third season back with Southland, with Isaac and his partner Anataia making the region home in 2018, and Rory making the trip down from South Otago in 2018 for a call up in the Stags Mitre 10 Cup set up. Since then both players have proven their worth, with Isaac putting in standout performances in at wing and centre, and Rory combining on the wing. Isaac and Rory both played premier rugby for Pirates Old Boys and ENC Barbarians respectively.  

Charles in action in their win over Counties Manukau

Charles Alaimalo (20) joined Southland from the Waikato in 2019, playing for Woodlands' premier club side. He was recently named in the 2019 Southland Sevens squad. At just 20, Charles proved during the 2019 campaign that he was a player of real ability, playing big minutes for a young player(19 at the time) He has endless opportunities ahead of him , with a Super Rugby call up his next goal

Dale MacLeod is confident the  eight other contracts that have been offered will be signed before Christmas, bringing the signings to 18. This would a great way to start  2020.

MacLeod has been encouraged by the attitude of the players that  want to resign with the Stags for 2020 and by the players that have started to prepare and train  for the contracts being offered in 2020.

Current 2020 Signed SIT Zero Fees Southland Stags

Forwards

Ethan de Groot (Blues/Highlanders)

Manaaki Selby-Rickit (Star/Highlanders)

Ray Tatafu (Blues)

Charles Alaimalo (Woodlands)

Matt James (Woodlands)

Lio Tosi (Marist)

Backs

Ray Nu’u (Highlanders)

Isaac Te Tamaki (Pirates Old Boys)

Rory van Vugt (ENC Barbarians/ Atlanta Major League Rugby)

Josh Moorby (Woodlands)

Article added: Wednesday 27 November 2019