NPC 2025

[Steven Harris]

@Trig …Big issue for Lstu was staying within a game plan not to mention looking for the miracle offloads

[Dan54]

@zedsdeadbaby said in NPC 2025:

It’s a bloody debacle.

Also I note Canterbury spelt it Fly Halfs too.

Give me my fraction named positions any day.

I'm so happy I not only one who feels this way!

Especially with NPC , which I admit to being my favourite comp!
Have to say I really starting to look forward to it as well, a shield challenge in Manaia this weekend to help stoke the fire.

[Bovidae]

@cgrant said in NPC 2025:

What is the squad for those who do not have Instagram ?

I don't have Insta and can still see the links sent. Maybe it's different on a phone. That's why I always use a graphic.

[cgrant]

OK thanks!

[Bovidae]

There are some pre-season games happening this Friday/Saturday. I've seen Manawatū v Canterbury and Counties Manukau v Northland listed. There must be others too.

[Fredsaua12]

@Bovidae said in NPC 2025:

There are some pre-season games happening this Friday/Saturday. I've seen Manawatū v Canterbury and Counties Manukau v Northland listed. There must be others too.

The Canterbury vs Manawatu game is next week on the 25th July is it not?

[Bovidae]

@Fredsaua12 It could be. I can't remember the date when I saw it.

[Snollygoster 0]

BOP plays Counties on July 26th

[Bovidae]

@Fredsaua12 said in NPC 2025:

The Canterbury vs Manawatu game is next week on the 25th July is it not?

A check shows you are correct:

The Turbos will kick off their 2025 campaign preparations with two strong preseason matchups:

Friday 18 July – Turbos vs Hawke’s Bay (away)
Friday 25 July – Turbos vs Canterbury – 2:00 PM, Johnston Park – Feilding

[Bovidae]

Another pre-season game:

[WoodysRFC]

@Bovidae said in NPC 2025:

Another pre-season game:

With the addition of Faletoi Peni, that'd likely be the first choice backline, not a bad squad this season.

[Bovidae]

It appears that Waikato are determined to be the last province to announce their squad - again. We might even have a pre-season game before next Thu!

I see that Rameka Poihipi has returned home to play for BOP. I assume he is fit.

[antipodean]

@SouthernMann said in NPC 2025:

@Steven-Harris said in NPC 2025:

Hearing Northland have signed the younger brother of Brumbies utility forward Tom Hooper , Lachlan Hooper 21 years old 6’5 112 Kgs
Lachlan who played for Australia U20 in 2023 like his brother can play 6 or lock equally well is considered by many observers in Australia as an outstanding prospect and I believe the Blues and the Highlanders will be keeping a close eye on his progress

We are well known collectors of 6'5 six-locks. He will fit in well with Will Sotdart, Oli Haig, TK Howden and Quinten Holland.

Do the Hooper boys have NZ links?

Tom's girlfriend's family is Waikato based.

[KiwiPie]

Mighty Steamers squad

[Bovidae]

Robertson did say that some ABs will be released to play NPC so it will be interesting to see which players are in that group. A few from the 3rd test hadn't played in a while either through non-selection or injury. That was ALB's first game since April, for example.

[Canes4life]

@Bovidae said in NPC 2025:

Robertson did say that some ABs will be released to play NPC so it will be interesting to see which players are in that group. A few from the 3rd test hadn't played in a while either through non-selection or injury. That was ALB's first game since April, for example.

You'd imagine anyone that didn't play in the third test that needs some game time. Then there's players like ALB that you've mentioned and Ruben Love who have played little rugby of late. I'd like to see Welly throw the 10 jumper to Love.

[Duluth]

[Yeetyaah]

From what I've heard Waikato are naming their squad at some stage this week. Waikato behind the pack as usual and have posted absolutely nothing. They've been taking membership jersey pre orders without even showing the jersey, I've emailed about this with no reply.

[Bovidae]

@Yeetyaah There is a picture of Tepaea Cook-Savage wearing the jersey on the Insta page. Same jersey with a new major sponsor.

I agree that the interaction with supporters has been appalling. I think it was last year when WR drip-fed the squad as other PUs have done this year. At least that builds some anticipation.

[Yeetyaah]

@Bovidae was a specific members only jersey I think, they did something similar last year but had photos weeks in advance so it was ready for the season.