Rugby Southland confirms signings and sevens teams
The Southland Stags have confirmed three returning players for 2020.
Outside backs Isaac Te Tamaki and Rory van Vugt, along with loose forward Charles Alaimalo have committed to Southland for the 2020 and 2021 seasons, pleasing new head coach Dale MacLeod.
“All these men have huge potential, and to have them committing to Rugby Southland for another two years is great for our game,” MacLeod said.
“It shows they believe in what we are doing and the direction that we are heading in. All three have the potential to play Super Rugby.”
For van Vugt (22) and 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 Te Tamaki putting in standout performances in at wing and centre, and van Vugt combining on the wing. They played premier rugby for Pirates Old Boys and ENC Barbarians respectively.
Alaimalo (20) joined Southland from the Waikato in 2019, playing for the 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. He has endless opportunities ahead of him, with a Super Rugby call up his next goal
MacLeod was confident the eight other contracts that have been offered will be signed before Christmas, bringing the signings to 18.
MacLeod has been encouraged by the attitude of the players that want to re-sign 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).
Meanwhile, Rugby Southland have announced the Southland Men’s and Women’s Representative Sevens teams who will play at the Regional Sevens Tournament this weekend.
Southland men will play five games against Canterbury, Otago, Tasman, South Canterbury and Mid Canterbury. The top five in the men’s pool qualify for Nationals.
Southland women will play four games against Otago, Canterbury, Tasman and Mid Canterbury. The top three in the women’s pool qualify for the Nationals.
The tournament is the qualification round for the TECT National Sevens in Tauranga , December 14th-15th 2019.
Regional Sevens Tournament Timaru, Saturday 30th November 2019, Alpine Energy Stadium
Men’s Squad: Leigh Bristowe (Captain), Jack Capil, Charles Alaimalo, Alatini Vaihu, Sosi Tuimavave, Rory van Vugt, Bram Fodie, Henry Earland, Jarel Hemehema, Toka Sopoaga, Kalani Elder, Brad Kooman. Coach:Dan Cavanagh
Women’s Squad: Cass Yee (Captain), Sipa Saili, Michelle Neho, Elawhyshes Curran, Teilah Templeton, Devon Grey, Hana Bryant, Kirsty Thwaites, Grace Earland, Libby Pannett-Miller, Krishanee Tamou, Maddison Grieve, Tessa Hewlett. Coach: Mere Baker
