BOP 2024

[Snollygoster 0]

In the absence of anyone else I thought I would start this . A big chunk of the BOP team has been released via social media so here's a list of those that are confirmed and possible additions :-

Hookers...Kurt Ekland

From last year Taine Kolose is playing club rugby and I'm unaware where Nathan Vella is. Sione Tupai is another option.

Props...Aiden Ross
Benet Kumeroa
Josh Bartlett
Pasilo Tosi

I'm assuming that Jeff Thwaites and John Afoa won't be returning. From last year Alex Johnson is playing club rugby. Fa'auma Kupita, looks an option as does Aotura Seeling,

Locks...Justin Sangster
Manaki Selby Ricket
Naitoa Ah Kuoi
Samasi Paea

Loose Forwards...Nikora Broughton
Jacob Norris

I'm not sure what is happening with Sam Cane but assume he will be part of the team. Joe Johnson (played for the Bay and Waikato previously) is playing club rugby as is Grady Forbes (brother of Cole who played a couple of games as a reserve for BOP last year). Brooke Mitchell, Aisake Vakasiuola (from the Chiefs under 20's), Etonia Waqa and Penitoa Finau are options.

Half Back...Richard Judd

I'm pretty sure Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi will be confirmed. I assume Leroy Carter is now termed an outside back.

First Fives...Kaleb Trask
Lucas Cashmore

I'm unsure of what the injury situation is with Cashmore but Trask is back playing club rugby after 14 months injured. I'm unsure where Wharenui Hawera, from last year is. I like the look of Taine Craig-Ranga from last years Toa.

Midfield...Seamus Bardoul
Reon Paul

Lalomilo Lalomilo from last year has been playing club rugby. Kase Meyer is a possiblity.

Outside backs..Leroy Carter
Codemeru Vai
Fehi Fimeanganafo
Emoni Narawa
Cole Forbes

All sorts of options here. Ngaroha McGarvey-Black, Roderick Solo, Joe Webber, Sekuni Tanimo or Frank Vaenuku. An interesting option could be the slightly built Fletcher Carpenter who must be the top points scorer in local club rugby.

So, that's all I know which probably isn't that much. There is still loads of of players yet to be named. I haven't watched much club rugby and I understand there are plenty of new players playing there. Most of my suggestions are from those who played last year or from the Chiefs under 20 team.

Anyway the team so far seems to have a familiar look to it with plenty of experience, a fairly solid forward pack and loads of speed out wide.

Does anyone know about any other signings, possible signings or what I have got wrong ?

[SouthernMann]

Surely Veveni Lasaqa is one of your loosies?

[Bovidae]

@Snollygoster-0 A lot of player signings have been announced on the BOP FB page, including Vasaqa.

Wharenui Hawera plays his club rugby for Hamilton Marist but then plays for BOP.

[Snollygoster 0]