This morning Rugby Southland had the pleasure of announcing our 2019 SIT Zero Fees Southland Stags Squad. The event was celebrated by staff, sponsors and players alike.

“The squad of thirty five we have assembled is still one of the most local Mitre 10 Cup squads in the country, 26 of whom are from Southland.We also have players such as Marty McKenzie and Mike McKee who have returned to their home province after a few years away, but we are still proud to claim them as our own” Head coach Dave Hewett said.

– Advertise on whatsoninvers.nz –

We are excited about the squad, they are gelling very well and the new players in the squad are going to bring their own individual strengths to the Southland Jersey

Elliot Dixon will be returning to the province, although with an upcoming international club deal in Japan, the Union and Elliot have some processes to go through before he can take the field.

– Advertise on whatsoninvers.nz –

This season kicks of against Northland at Rugby Park Stadium Thursday August 8th, followed by a Ranfurly Shield challenge against Otago on August 17th in what will be one of the biggest derby’s of the Mitre 10 Cup.

The 2019 SIT Zero Fees Southland Stags Squad is as follows:

Props

– Advertise on whatsoninvers.nz –

Joe Walsh – Woodlands
Ethan De Groot – Invercargill Blues
Chris Apoua – Star
Shaun Stodart – Marist
Morgan Mitchell – Toronto Arrows

Hookers

Flynn Thomas – Marist
Brayden Mitchell – Star
Greg Pleasants-Tate – Star

Locks

Manaaki Selby-Rickit – Star
Ben Fotheringham – Marist
Ray Tatafu – Invercargill Blues
Mike McKee – Asia Pacific Dragons

Loose Forwards

Ben Paulin – Invercargill Blues
Taine Te Whata – Invercargill Blues
Charles Alaimalo – Woodlands
Matt James – Woodlands
Phil Halder – Marist

Number 8’s

– Advertise on whatsoninvers.nz –

Bill Fukofuka – Invercargill Blues
Pasilio Tosi – Marist
Elliot Dixon – Highlanders

Halfbacks

Jay Renton – Invercargill Blues
Nico Costa – Woodlands
Logan Crowley – Taranaki

1st Five Eights’

Mitchell Taylor – Invercargill Blues
Scott Eade – Marist
Marty McKenzie – Chiefs

Midfield

Ray Nu’u – Green Island
Javaan Fa’amoe- Ioane – Marist
Seb Wileman – Queensland Reds
Moses Faletolu – Woodlands

Outside backs

Lewis Ormond – Woodlands
Issac Te Tamaki – Pirates Old Boys
Rory Van Vugt – ENC Barbarians
Josh Moorby – Woodlands
Lausii Taliauli – Brumbies

Coaches

Head Coach- Dave Hewett
Assistant Coach (Attack Coach) Jason Kawau
Assistant Coach (Defence Coach) Dale MacLeod

Captains

Captain: TBC
Vice Captain: TBC

SIT Zero Fees Southland Stags Squad

Meet Your 2019 Southland Stags Squad (video + full list)