The Silver Fern

@jamsb He had been appearing at second five for HSOB during the club rugby season

I saw a harlequins squad named the other day, is that essentially the Waikato B squad?

@taniwharugby I believe both Latu and Dale's connection goes back to the Sydenham club in Canterbury which saw Dale recruit Latu down to Southland and then again to Northland. This season he returned to Sydenham for club rugby and now with Canterbury

@Daffy-Jaffy Is Australian qualified through grandparents too

Have also heard Kalyn Ponga and Ryan Papenhuyzen both interested

@Bovidae said in 2025 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia:

Surely they will want a few more Aussies in the AUNZ team.

5 waratahs have been named, Daniel Botha, Matt Philip, Pete Samu, Tane Edmed, and Darby Lancaster

@Landers92 said in Crusaders 2026:

@Chris said in Crusaders 2026:

I Moananu is leaving the Crusaders I believe to head the to Blues.
Manumaua Letiu has been signed to replace him.

I posted a month or so ago in another thread(maybe the 2025 blues or crusaders one?) about being told Moananu was heading to Auckland. It sounded likely it was the blues but couldn’t get a definitive answer then. Just asked again and it sounds likely that it is the Blues. Bradley Slater situation has thrown a spanner with the decision supposedly

I've seen confirmed rumours for four 2026 Blues hookers now. Eklund and Mullan staying on and now with Slater and Moananu getting signed. Has the slater signing fallen through or is one of Eklund or Mullan not returning?

IIRC Norris spent some time packing down at lock for the Mooloos last season

@Yeetyaah I think he did his acl in club rugby a couple of weeks ago

@KiwiMurph I guess some people only see what they want to see. Came on in both the semi final and the final and did what he does best, carry hard and fast into contact and win line-outs. It was only a few years ago when he was the main component of the lineout in the final against the Blues at Eden Park and was praised for his ability to disrupt the opposition ball. I noticed him come off the bench in these last two games and have that same presence at lineout time. And in the final despite apparently being anaonymous, I recall him instantly taking about three carries as soon as he came on the field and all being strong through contact and breaking the advantage line.

@Bovidae What's the deal with Naitoa Ah Kuoi? Not selected in squad or named as unavailable due to injury

@pakman and Peter O'Mahony

@African-Monkey With Savea, Sione Havili, Lotu Inisi, and Alamanda Motuga all leaving, I wouldn't be surprised to see Moana looking to bring in an experienced option to the loose forwards. This will probably be their area to focus on for recruiting with Miracle and Semisi Tupou Taeiloa the only stand out players left.

If Murphy Taramai is returning to Harbour, is he a potential signing for Moana?

@Steven-Harris Mark Tele'a gone before NPC? Luke Donaldson did start off at Canterbury then a season at BOP, and I believe tried to make the Auckland squad last year which probably explains the switch to Harbour.

@sparky I genuinely think the All Blacks would be just as well off without any Blues players in their side.

@Steven-Harris Have heard that Drua also have Angelo Smith as one of their signing targets for next season too

@taniwharugby Is it confirmed that LMH is leaving for his french contract before or after NPC?

Is Rova confirmed to be with Wellington for NPC? Had heard possibility he could be back for Canterbury. He has only only featured in one game of club rugby this season and that was for his Lincoln Uni club in Canterbury

@Mr-Fish said in Māori All Blacks 2025:

4 Josh Lord

Just out of curiosity, what is Josh Lord's heritage