NPC 2025
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@Fredsaua12 said in NPC 2025:
Caleb Makene also playing Club Rugby for New Brighton in Christchurch. looks as if Canterbury are trying to bring in a few mid 20's aged guys to provide depth for them.
Or as I have been saying around how it is difficult for older guys to support themselves. Makene is an example, where he has gone back to where he studied, and potentially has connections for employment opportunities. Just a stab in the dark around that.
I think @Bovidae has hit the nail on the head around NPC's role. Due to the failure of SANZAR/NZR to invest properly into proper development or even B comps for Super. It becomes a defacto second tier comp. Not because it was designed to to do it, but because it is the gap it can fill.
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@Fredsaua12 I think he even got a game or two for Crusaders development earlier in the season
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The reason NPC is so important is still development, and have heard NZR say as such. A development comp in super doesn't fill that need , neither do academies etc. Too learn rugby young players have to be playing with and against older heads etc. I agree it's a problem, I know a few in Naki team have played NPC and MLR etc to make ends meet. Others have jpbs (Mike Bent is a farmer etc), The preoblem reamains the the likes of mainly the super franchise bases are in cities etc and generally got more access to sponsorship etc. There are unions like the Naki etc that still make money and have fairly robust systems in place, and others like Manawatu, Southland etc are always going to sruggle. I have no idea what answer is, and doubt whether any of us do, if it doesnt involve dropping a couple of teams.
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@SouthernMann Caleb is back in Christchurch, starting a family. He won't be playing for the Magpies, but hasn't ruled out playing for Canterbury .
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Going before the NPC.
Taranaki Rugby farewell Ricky Riccitelli 💛🖤
Ricky was contracted for the 2025 Bunnings NPC season; however, we have granted him an early release to take up a contract in France.
With 81 games in the Amber and Black jersey, he leaves behind a lasting legacy and memories that will last a lifetime for Yarrows Taranaki Bulls fans.
Thank you, Ricky. One of the proudest to wear the jersey -
Northland HP squad to face Auckland tomorrow
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Was happy today, mate from golf rung me up, what's tour seat numbers etc at Yarrows Stadium. Was getting a season ticket etc, has been reluctant last few years citing price of beers etc, but says I not missing out anymore. I want to actually be there! Great stuff, the more the merrier for me!
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@taniwharugby Marley Murphy is ex-Hamilton BHS and was playing in BOP. He must have moved for more opportunity.
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@Bovidae plays for Kamo but didn't start the early rounds so unsure when he turned up...I haven't seen him play yet.
There is 1 9 spot for certain up for grabs, can't recall if we have signed a 2nd one behind Nock...so maybe 2 spots
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Otago U19 squad. As usual, the team features players from all over the country. Plus one from South Africa and a lad who was in the Aussie Schools side last year.
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NPC contenders match tonight- Auckland 42-12 Northland. Played in pouring rain at AURFC. Northland led at halftime.
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@Daffy-Jaffy any idea who was in the Auckland side? I don’t think Auckland published a list
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@Duluth they chose not to release team lists this year, to stop other unions scouting players. Auckland Union want first pick.
And fair enough too. Similar to back in the 2010s when 1st XV sides in Auckland would be clogged up with guys from all around the country and take up spots in Auckland /Blues age group sides, only for them to go back to where they came from as soon as they left school.
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Have posted this in the Landers thread. But here too. Josh Tengblad to play for Auckland in the NPC. Have heard from two sources in Dunedin
