SBS Bank Southland Stags Sign Michael Manson

The SBS Bank Southland Stags are pleased to announce they have signed rapid outside back Michael Manson.

Manson, 21, is playing for Invercargill Blues this Go Bus Senior Club Rugby Season and is no stranger to the south, growing up in Invercargill.

The former Otago Boys High School student has an impressive record in both Rugby and Track Athletics. Michael currently has a personal best of 10.8 seconds over one hundred metres and was a top three national sprinter before setting his eyes fully on rugby.

His playing record to date includes OBHS 1st XV, the NZ Secondary Schools Barbarians XV, NZ Secondary Schools XV, Red Bull Ignite 7’s as well as Highlanders U20’s.

Last season Michael was linked to Otago for the Bunnings NPC but has made the move back to his roots with encouragement from Rugby Southland and the Stags coaching staff.

“I am extremely excited to get in the Stags jersey” said Manson when asked about the new opportunity.

“Playing with the lads down in Southland will be a season I’ll always remember”.

For coach James Wilson it is a signing several seasons in the making.

“I’ve wanted to get Michael in a Stags jersey as soon as I took on my coaching role at Rugby Southland”, said Wilson.

“We gain raw speed and strength with Michael, who not only is a fine finisher in the outside channels but also creates opportunities with his high work rate and willingness to get his hands on the ball. “

“It’s great to have a Southlander return home, playing in our Premier Club rugby competition, and represent the Southland Stags.”

Michael Manson is currently in the High-Performance group training weekly and will be hitting the field in a weeks’ time for Blues.