Magpies 2021

[Number 10]

There was an attempt to sign him before the NPC started.

[Billsy111]

@number-10 Hope they do get him. Be a good man to have.

[Stargazer]

Question is, where do you slot him in? I can't see more than a bench spot for him at the moment.

[Billsy111]

@stargazer I agree, but imagine him coming off the bench, and running at a tired defence.

[Number 10]

CEO Jay Campbell on SENZ this morning.

After advertising, shortlisting for next Magpies coach occurs this week and the successful candidate should be announced in a couple of weeks.

Josh Syms is in the mix.

[Billsy111]

@number-10 I don't know who the other candidates are, but I hope Josh gets it, or at the very least is kept in the mix. He's done a hell of a good job.

[Stargazer]

Ash Dixon highlights, as posted on the Magpies' FB page:

https://www.facebook.com/hbmagpies/videos/472765080603824/

Another link: https://fb.watch/8TsLtLb2Yo/

[Stargazer]

Interview with Tom Parsons from approx. 21:45.

Near the end, he says in more less this wording that - in addition to the guys going to Japan (I assume that's only Ash and Tiaan) - there may be another couple who will move on to other things, it's just the time of their life, but at this stage ... he thinks the core group of the team, the main young fellas who he thinks will be the backbone of the side going forward, will be sticking around.

I've heard Sir JK say on the Breakdown a few weeks ago that Brendon O'Connor has signed with a team in the USA (MLR). I assume Bryn Evans is another one who may be moving on (retiring?).

Also, Falcon is going into the last year of his contract in Japan, so he may come back next year?

https://player.whooshkaa.com/episode?id=921032

[Stargazer]

Does this mean that Gareth Evans is also returning to Otago, and not just the Highlanders? Or am I reading it the wrong way?

“To go back to the place where it all started for me, with Dunedin RFC at club level, Otago at provincial level and Super Rugby with the Highlanders, as well as the opportunity to play with my brother, made it an easy decision to return.”

[Nepia]

@stargazer said in Magpies 2021:

Does this mean that Gareth Evans is also returning to Otago, and not just the Highlanders? Or am I reading it the wrong way?

“To go back to the place where it all started for me, with Dunedin RFC at club level, Otago at provincial level and Super Rugby with the Highlanders, as well as the opportunity to play with my brother, made it an easy decision to return.”

While I'd rather see him stay, I think he'll get more game time in Otago.

[Number 10]

[Stargazer]

@number-10 There are always more deserving players than there are prizes, but I think this year's winners are spot on.

Looking at who people voted for on FB and instagram, People's Choice award was a race between McClutchie, Parsons and Dixon.

This has really been an excellent season for McClutchie thus far, so good to see him claim most prizes!

[Stargazer]

[Stockcar86]

Since we didn't get Joe Schmidt, I'm pretty happy with that

[Nepia]

@stockcar86 said in Magpies 2021:

Since we didn't get Joe Schmidt, I'm pretty happy with that

I'm happy with that and we didn't get Joe Schmidt.

[Stockcar86]

@nepia said in Magpies 2021:

@stockcar86 said in Magpies 2021:

Since we didn't get Joe Schmidt, I'm pretty happy with that

I'm happy with that and we didn't get Joe Schmidt.

bleh, more NOBM bias

[Stargazer]

The Magpies have also lost scrum coach Francisco Deformes. He becomes the new forwards and setpiece coach of the Toronto Arrows in the MLR.

[Stargazer]

UPDATE

2021 Magpies playing/training with:

Moana Pasifika
'Apikotoa
Enari
Fomai
Funaki
McClutchie
Toala
Tuitavuki
Visinia

Highlanders
Evans, B
Evans, G
Fakatava
Mikaele-Tu'u

Hurricanes
Flanders
Parsons
Rakete-Stones
Walker-Leawere (injured for the SRP season)

WTG
Jacob Devery
Harry Godfrey?

Chiefs
Lowe
Retallick
Weber

Crusaders

WTG
Kereru-Symes
Kaifa

Rebels
Ili

Brumbies
Ollie Sapsford

Waratahs
Cridge

Top League One (Japan)
Dixon (Green Rockets Tokatsu)
Falcon (Toyota Verblitz)

Major League Rugby (USA, Canada)
Faleiva (Magpies apprentice prop) (Toronto Arrows)
Makene (Utah Warriors)
O'Connor (Rugby New York)
Robinson-Bartlett (Toronto Arrows)
Tusitala (Old Glory DC)
Waa (Austin Gilgronis)

Coaches
Mark Ozich (Western Force)
Francisco Deformes (Toronto Arrows)

[Higgins]

@stargazer

That is a lot of players that played predominantly in the Nash Cup and Maddison Trophy last season that will need to be replaced by the local clubs. Any idea where the NBHS and HBHS firsts and seconds school leavers are headed?

[Stargazer]

@higgins said in Magpies 2021:

@stargazer

That is a lot of players that played predominantly in the Nash Cup and Maddison Trophy last season that will need to be replaced by the local clubs. Any idea where the NBHS and HBHS firsts and seconds school leavers are headed?

Not yet, but keeping an eye on it. If social media is anything to go by, we've lost quite a few school leavers to other provinces, this year, but not necessarily because they have been poached by academies. I've seen some posts about one or two players going to Oz (league?), but didn't recognise them from the tiny photos.

I think we'll know more when we see the player listst from HB club rugby (if HBT is going to publish them), team lists from Hurricanes region academy games and Hurricanes development teams, and obviously, the 1st XV team lists (to see who's doing another year at school). Assuming Covid doesn't ruin things (the HB Sevens tournament in Waipuk has been cancelled).

If I find info, I'll post it in the relevant HB club, academy or school rugby thread.