NPC 2025

[Bovidae]

I see that Fletcher Morgan, who played for the Highlanders Bravehearts, was encouraged to move south by Rugby Southland with the possibility of earning a Southland Stags contract if he played well during the club season.

[Bovidae]

Yarrows Taranaki Bulls Announces Core 2025 Squad for Bunnings NPC Season

The Yarrows Taranaki Bulls have confirmed 23 players currently contracted for the 2025 Bunnings NPC season, retaining...

[Bovidae]

With Taha Kemara gone until 2026, Waikato will need to find another 1st 5. Hopefully D'Angelo Leuila is returning, and Aaron Cruden has indicated he is keen to play for another season. However, there will be a spot for someone via club rugby.

[Mr Fish]

@Bovidae said in NPC 2025:

With Taha Kemara gone until 2026, Waikato will need to find another 1st 5. Hopefully D'Angelo Leuila is returning, and Aaron Cruden has indicated he is keen to play for another season. However, there will be a spot for someone via club rugby.

Barely played for them last year really. Waikato need another young guy to come through or maybe lure Cashmore from BOP with Kale Trask now back.

[Bovidae]

Kemara tended to start until his injury. From what I've seen from the club rugby team lists most of the starting 1st 5s are all very young themselves. The exception is Wharenui Hawera (Marist) who now plays for BOP. Ironically, the player who could be the next long-term 1st 5 (Daniel Ticklepenny) is stuck behind him so either comes off the bench or is at fullback.

[Mr Fish]

@Bovidae sorry yes was more a comment that Waikato are already used to making do without him. Only managed three matches last season.

[taniwharugby]

Have to assume Pellegrini is looking for an npc side?

[frugby]

@taniwharugby said in NPC 2025:

Have to assume Pellegrini is looking for an npc side?

Harbour presumably all over that.

[Yeetyaah]

@Bovidae said in NPC 2025:

D'Angelo Leuila

I bought some of his jerseys off him last year and he told me he is signed to come back this year.

[Yeetyaah]

@Bovidae said in NPC 2025:

Daniel Ticklepenny

Helluva name holy shit

[ARHS]

@Bovidae Where is Quinn Collard playing? Could he be a contender?

[Bovidae]

@ARHS Collard was playing for Thames Valley last year. He was selected in the Heartland XV squad.

[ARHS]

Thanks. I just wondered if he might be looking for a step up to npc level after that

[Fredsaua12]

Josh Jennings might be a shout for Waikato. Was at Waikato Uni for a couple years before moving back to Chch and leading Linwood to the title last season. Can’t see him getting a run in Canterbury this season

[Bovidae]

Filipo back again as coach.

Waikato Rugby Confirms 2025 Head Coaches for NPC and FPC Teams

Waikato Rugby is proud to announce the appointments of its premier team coaches for its upcoming season. Following...

[taniwharugby]

Dale McLeod, Northland coach has taken up a role with the Dragons, I believe Northland will be making an announcement on his replacement in the next week or so.

The Official Website of the Dragons

[Mr Fish]

@taniwharugby Good get for Dragons.

[taniwharugby]

@Mr-Fish and a good move for him

[Steven Harris]

@Bovidae Tai Cribb has signed with Auckland for this years 2025 Bunnings NPC , was locked in a bidding duel with Southland and Northland but opted for the short trip up the motorway.

[Bovidae]

@Steven-Harris Disappointing as Waikato doesn't have much depth at lock. If Tucker doesn't return we'll be really thin. I hope Filipo has someone lined up. Maybe Eti gets promoted early, but it will rely on McWhannell staying fit.

I'm curious if McAlister opts to stay up north. @Chris is he signed for Canterbury?