@chris-b That ABs profile is old. Havili's Crusaders profile from 2016 also had him at 88, but they changed that to 95kg at the end of that year. Considering his age, I find it entirely credible that a beginning SR player gains that amount of weight in the early years of his career.
Chris B. said:
SammyC said:
Chris B. said:
@sammyc I think he might start out on Seta's wing?
If I were David, I'd be pretty keen to hold onto that fullback slot, because he's a bit small for a Super rugby midfielder.
I think he'll struggle to deny Jordan, though. "Bigger, stronger, faster"! Still plenty of work- ons for Jordan in terms of accuracy, but he's an exciting prospect!
Surely there isn't a huge difference in size between Havili and Ryan Crotty?
Tim Bateman is even more of a shrimp and he did pretty well at 12 for us last year.
David's pretty consistently listed at 88kgs on the internet. Even smaller than Bateman. Crotty is listed variously at 91kg and 96kg.
I'd guess he's more likely the latter. Saw him running on the sidelines with SBW at Traf. Park and he's quite a solid unit - though by no means a big midfielder.
David marking up against people like Nonu and SBW is giving away 20kgs.
Havili's Crusaders & Tasman profile: 95kg / 1.84m
Crotty's Crusaders profile: 96kg / 1.81m - All Blacks profile: 94kg / 1.81m
Tim Bateman's Crusaders profile: 91kg / 1.82m
World Rugby considering Rugby Championship-style women's competition
World Rugby is hoping to build a Rugby Championship-style competition for women sooner rather than later, according to women’s rugby boss Katie Sadleir.
Northern Hemisphere nations play a women’s Six Nations tournament annually but Southern Hemisphere teams have lacked regular Tests in the past, with Australia and New Zealand the only regular XVs programs down under.
The biggest difficulty for Australia and New Zealand is their distance from the Six Nations countries, often making the cost of travelling north for matches outside of World Cups prohibitive.
It would be unlikely for the Southern Hemisphere to exactly replicate its Rugby Championship for women, with South Africa and Argentina having little presence when it comes to Women’s XVs, but World Rugby is looking at options to introduce a regular competition similar to the Six Nations.
The notion of an annual competition in the Oceania region is something World Rugby is looking at seriously, especially with New Zealand and Australia bidding for the next Women’s Rugby World Cup.
“We've got six regions but we’re also looking at the potential for cross-regional competitions and I know that New Zealand has been having conversations with Australia.
“They've been having conversations with other teams in the Northern Hemisphere to see what is possible and World rugby is keen to support those initiatives.”
Australia has been vocal about its need for more Tests with Wallaroos coach Dwayne Nestor hoping for a five-Test schedule in 2019.
World Rugby has delved into some reserve funding as it looks to help the women’s game grow across the globe.
“There has been no competition (in the Southern Hemisphere) so we’re picking up the international competition calendar and sitting down with the top unions and saying, ‘What makes sense here?’
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The Southern Hemisphere is set to host its first Women's Rugby World Cup in 2021 with Australia and New Zealand both bidding for the tournament. ..
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"I've had a look at both bids. There's a New Zealand and Australia bid -they're both very impressive.
"I'm particularly interested in the impact beyond and I think the things that both of the bids are trying to do are really good in terms of developing rugby within the union but also looking at the wider Asia-Pacific region, so fantastic.
"The decision's made by Council. Our role is just to evaluate information and make sure they've got the information presented to them in an objective way."
The World Rugby Council will announce the 2021 Women's Rugby World Cup host on November 14 after its final meetings of the year in Dublin.
Sign New Zealand Secondary Schools rugby team hooker Tyrone Thompson now!
That's the advice from Thompson's Napier Boys' High School 1st XV mentor Brendon Ratcliffe to Hawke's Bay Magpies coach Mark Ozich in the wake of Thompson's selection in the national team at the weekend.
Thompson is the sole Hawke's Bay player in the New Zealand side that will play Tonga Schools in Brisbane on Thursday, the Australian Schools Barbarians in Brisbane on Monday and the Australian Schools in Brisbane on October 6.
"I picked Israel Dagg out of Lindisfarne College for the Magpies in 2006. I know it's unusual to pick a forward for a Mitre 10 Cup team while still at school but Tyrone is that good ... he has the size and mentality required. With the injury concerns the Magpies have at hooker Tyrone could be useful to the squad when he returns from Aussie," Ratcliffe said.
He pointed out Thompson is already taller than All Blacks hooker Codie Taylor and only 2kg lighter at 106kgs.
Ratcliffe confirmed the Hurricanes, Chiefs and Crusaders franchises are showing interest in Thompson, who captained NBHS to second place at the National Top Four tournament in Palmerston North earlier this month.
Thompson, 18, said he intends to use the Brisbane trip to enhance his value before making a final decision on his base for next year.
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About Josh Gimblett
"Josh is more a lock than a six and this was his first full season at six. He is not a flash player but he has the backbone and engine you build a team around. He can hit 36 rucks in a game but doesn't make a song and dance about it ... he is the Andy Earl or Todd Blackadder-type of player. He has a massive future and is considering options in Wellington and Canterbury," Ratcliffe explained.
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About Patrick Teddy
Ratcliffe heaped kudos on Teddy for the manner in which he made a successful transition from hooker to tighthead prop this season.
"This is his first year as a tighthead. He did it for the good of the team and is now one of the top three tightheads in New Zealand Secondary Schools rugby. This versatility will help him in the future."
Ratcliffe pointed out Teddy has a couple of playing options for next year to consider and is also hoping to do a building apprenticeship.
@nepia Yep, I didn't look at the jerseys properly. Should have posted this in the Magpies v Harbour thread. 
Even more reason to change the result! 
My reaction is the same. I fear it will reduce the meaning of the RWC if you have a tournament like this every year and what effects will it have on the countries that miss out? Not a positive one, that's for sure.
@bovidae Haha, that goes a step further than Richard Turner turning off his mic during the Magpis v Harbour game, so he could eat a pie.