Training squad for Stags v Fiji's Nadroga named

Jan 23

Jan 23 Training squad for Stags v Fiji's Nadroga named

Rugby Southland is just weeks away from a historic match against Fijian side Nadroga, and head coach of the Southland Invitational side Dale MacLeod is looking forward to the opportunities the game will bring.

“While this game is going to be great for the Rugby Southland brand, what I am most excited about is seeing how some of our region’s best U19, Premier and Southland B players take up the challenge alongside our current Stags group.”

At the end of 2019 Dale MacLeod put the call out to the region asking for clubs to put forward their best players, and currently the Invitational side has a training squad of 35 players, including 20 players fresh out of the Go Bus Southland Wide Premier Club competition, adding extra motivation for the upcoming season.

“At this time of year it can be hard for players to stay motivated and focus on the game, our boys have been training in their own time over the holiday break, simply because they want to be a part of the final squad.”

The side will be a make up of players from Woodlands, Marist, Pirates Old Boys, Star, Blues, Barbarians, Edendale, Wyndham, Te Anau and Midlands. The squad will train over the next three weeks, with a squad of 30 being named prior to two final trainings the week of the game.

Players selected are being rewarded for not only their efforts over the holiday break, but for their commitment to Southland and its rep teams in 2019, with MacLeod highlighting the Southland B’s South Island title.

“It was a great result for the Southland Bs and their coaching staff, so it’ll be great to reward some of their players”.

“The combinations on field and at trainings are what I’m most excited to see, with 15 of last season’s Stags combining with the region’s best up and comers, it’s going to be a really special occasion for the players and their families.”

Coaches will also be involved with the squad, with MacLeod giving them an opportunity to further develop their own coaching skills.

Southland Invitational XV V Nadroga Fiji , 6pm Kick Off Thursday February 13, Fred Booth Park Waimumu.

Tickets available at iticket.co.nz

Training Squad

Woodlands

Joe Walsh, Cole Williams, Matt James, Curtis Williams (Academy), Charles Alaimalo, Lewis Ormond, Tauasosi Tuimavave, Josh Moorby.

Marist

Shaun Stodart, Aleki Saili (Academy), Lio Tosi

Star

Chris Apoua, Leo Wiki (Academy), Greg Pleasants-Tate

Blues

Jacob Payne (Academy), Ben Paulin, Arese Poliko (Academy), Jay Renton, Osika Kaufononga, Ryan Taylor (Academy), Ray Tatafu