Southern
Last year: Champion
Coach: John Leslie (second year), assistants Kees Meeuws (second), Peter McIntyre (first)
Forwards: Mike Mata’afa, Tafa Tafa, Jay Tofaeono, Naryan Strickland, Steve Salelea, Jake McEwan, Jack Taylor, Bede Dodd-Edgar, Rewi Pomare, Ned Pene, Corban Agar, Aron Einarsson, Jordan Dwight, Konrad Toleafoa, Drake Hemi, Mika Mafi, Jermayne Maika, Brad Horne, Chris Lyons, Keanu Vanisi, Harry Taylor (captain)
Backs: Wilson Driver, Bailey Moody, Tonga Nau, Fionn McKenna, Ben McCarthy, Jack Leslie, James Te Pairi, Maika Rhind, Jamie Crawford, Truman Cuff, Jack Belcher, Kairdyn Hatch, Josh Buchan, Jordan Hand, Henri Mitchel-Collie, MacKenzie Haugh, Paul Tupai
No-one had their eyes on Southern emerging in the rear vision mirror.
The Magpies finished the round robin in fifth and most punters had them scheduled for an early exit in the playoffs. But they beat Dunedin 41-32, edged Kaikorai 36-33 in an epic semifinal, and upset Taieri 26-20 in the final.
There will be no surprises if they are back in the final this year, though. They have a hardened crew of veterans returning and have added some new talent.
Veteran prop Mike Mata’afa and powerhouse No 8 Mika Mafi are the senior statesmen in a forward pack that includes hard-working loose forward Brad Horne.
Highlanders under-20 lock Konrad Toleafoa will play at No 8 and learn the craft from Mafi. He shone during the under-20 campaign and shapes as a very promising player.
Prop Naryan Strickland will help offset the loss of Sonny Mulipola.
Former Otago Whaler and Melbourne Storm under-20 player Tonga Nau is an interesting addition. He will slot in at halfback and compete for starts with Wilson Driver and Bailey Moody.
Ben McCarthy has transferred from Alhambra-Union and will slot in at first five.
Fullback MacKenzie Haugh and midfielder Paul Tupai have oodles of experience and first five Jack Leslie starred last season.
Taieri
Last year: Beaten finalist
Coach: Jason Macdonald (third year), assistant Dave Hunter (second)
Forwards: Cam Allan-McNeill, Ben Fosita, Mitchell Mahoni-Rae, Caleb Hughes, Brady Robertson, Morgan Jones, Keegan Ferguson, Joshua Hill, Joshua Scobie, Shea Robertson, Harvey Amende, Jesse Hutton (captain), Brodie Hume, Reuben Kerr, Jacob Bolwell, Eric Peita
Backs: Bob Martin, Kace O’Neill, Trey Russell, Samuel Waitoa, Caleb Leef, Matt Whaanga, Te-Korohi Rupene, Mitchell Scott, Josh Whaanga, Marc Rooney, Joe Cockburn, Chicayne Pryor, Taylor Fiddes
Taieri was one game away from the perfect season last year.
The Eels won all of their round robin games and blew through the playoffs with ease. But they came up against a determined Southern side in the final and some late brilliance from Mackenzie Haugh denied Taieri the finish most were expecting.
They are still grumpy about that in Mosgiel. And the Eels have had some further setbacks. Loose forward pairing Sam Fischli and Leroy Ferguson have left the fold. Ferguson has headed to Southland to try his luck, and Fischli is playing professionally in the United States.
Another loosie, Nick Henderson, is still struggling with a shoulder complaint but may play towards the end of the season.
Jesse Hutton and Brodie Hume will carry the load in their absence and rookie Eric Peita has big wraps.
Taieri will have a couple of bruising midfielders with the same surname. The Whaanga brothers will link up. Josh is fresh from the Highlanders under-20 campaign and was a star player in a talented John McGlashan first XV last year, while Matt has played in the Southland club competition for the past two years but has committed to a full season with the Eels. He is currently with the Hurricanes, though.
Veterans Mitchell Scott and Kori Rupeni return for another stint. Scott turned back the clock last season with a tremendous season at centre.
The ranks look thin at first five, though. Caleb Leef is making the move from fullback to pivot and rookie Samuel Waitoa will compete for a starting spot there as well.
Dunedin
Last year: Semifinalist
Coach: Tumua Ioane (second year), assistants Gifford Henry (second) Mark Grieve-Dunn (first)
Forwards: Oscar Cowley-Andrea, Kees Scott, Hunter Fahey, Harry Press (co-captain), Fatai Koloi, Jack Clement, Ayden Lloyd, Rohan Wingham, Sepa Vaka, Reuben Palmer, Jamie Mowat, Callum Whatley, Liam Trainor, Charlie Perkins, Konrad Lotu-I’iga, Michael Appert, Jay Davis, Max Ratcliffe, Hame Toma, Tom Hume
Backs: Tim Hogan, Cory Berkett, Ajay Faleafaga, Cam Burgess, Ben Shepherd, Joe Devlin
Gene Te Amo (co-captain), Jayden Tegg, Oscar Schmidt-Uili, Joe Cooke, Ben Paku, Tommy Clout, Tyler Diack, Kyan Rangtutia, Max Webb
Dunedin coach Tumua Ioane saw encouraging signs in pre-season but the Sharks have had some key departures.
Club player of the year Josh Retter has moved to Auckland. First five Thorn Parkes had a blinder of summer for the Otago Volts and has headed overseas to play cricket in the United Kingdom. Openside Ed Whyte (Australia) and halfback Devon Olliver-Bell (Wellington) are big losses too.
On the positive side, Dunedin has picked up massive Highlanders under-20 lock Reuben Palmer and talented loosie Max Ratcliffe.
The rest of the vacancies have been filled with players from the colts side.
Loosehead prop Hunter Fahey is one to watch, and fullback Ben Paku falls into that category as well. First five Ajay Faleafaga will drive the team around the paddock, and prop Rohan Wingham is on the rise.
There is pace out wide in the form of Oscar Schmidt-Uili, who was on the cusp of the Otago side last year.
Fellow outside back Joe Cooke is another handy player.
Kaikorai
Last year: Semifinalist
Coach: Andy Hunter (second year), assistants Matt Direen (second) and Paul Grant (first)
Forwards: Harrison Morton, Hayden Michaels, Jackson Dempster, Liam McIntosh, Lucas Casey (co-captain), Michael Strydom, Mitch Pryde, Moana Takataka, Nasili Ikahihifo, Oscar Graham, Phil Taua, Semisi Tupou Taeiloa, Sidney Fidow, Zack Cleaver-Donovan
Backs: Ben Miller, Charlie Marsh (co-captain), Filipo Whitehouse-Opetaia Tovio, George Thomas, Jacob Mika, Jordan McEntee, Kane Johnston, Layne Opetaia, Mefi Tupou, Nic Proffit, Nico Bowering, Ollie Foote, Troy Anstiss
Kaikorai had one boot in the final last season but let a 30-11 lead slip against Southern, and the 36-33 extra-time loss in the semifinal at Bishopscourt hurt.
Kaikorai blooded a lot of new talent last year and has some exciting additons this season.
But there have also been a couple of big losses up front. Prop Jonah Aoina has signed with Southland, and his scrumming ability and handy knack of scoring tries will be sorely missed.
Otago hooker Henry Bell is playing rugby in the United States and will miss the club season.
Highlanders wider training squad member Hayden Michaels is a good pick-up. He is a quality loose forward, and Lucas Casey, who will co-captain the side, is another fine loosie.
Midfielder Filipo Whitehouse-Opetaia Tovio had a strong season last year and was rewarded with a spot in the New Zealand Barbarians team for the recent Super Rugby under-20 tournament.
Highlanders under-20 winger Mefi Tupou is one to watch, and Ollie Foote, who had an injury-interrupted season last year, is an exciting player with a lot of pace.
Intercept king Jordan McEntee is back on the team list and sure to get another run-away try or three. Ben Miller and Nic Proffit will share the first five duties.
Harbour
Last year: Quarterfinalist
Coach: Jeremy Wara (first year), assistants Ewan Brumwell (first) and Thugana Ruinga (first)
Forwards: Hagan Free, Mathan Schaaf, Angus Hewitt, Tane Vatuvei, Ben Fakataha, Tevita Pole, Joey Williams, Siake Kata, Solomon Pole, Rocky Momosia, Eli Tonga, Lucas Goverts, Sam Pauni, Mitch Regan, Olly Parkinson, Taylor Dale, Junior Foisa
Backs: Nathan Hastie, Jordy Ruck, Obey Samate, Aleki Morris, Jerome Misiloi, Marckis Schaaf, Willie Tufui, Samu Folaumoetui, Opeti Samate, Mouhnir Ramach, Toby Kennett, Waisake Naholo, Ben Pringle, Mason James, Mone Samate-Palu
Harbour has a new coach and Jeremy Wara promises to bring new ideas to the club.
The Hawks were not far off the pace last season despite undergoing a rebuilding year. But a lot of the players who established themselves will have to do it all again.
Wara is still assessing his squad but he can call on a solid core.
Experienced centre Aleki Morris will captain the side but is making his way back from injury, so may miss a few early games.
Obeys Samate will have an extended run at first five, former All Blacks winger Waisake Naholo will be pressed into action, and halfback Nathan Hastie is making his way back from injury and is highly rated.
Expect big things from No 8 Taylor Dale, who has been trusted with getting the ball over the advantage line, and fellow loosie Olly Parkinson has impressed.
Outside back Sala Halaleva has been ruled out for the season with a foot injury and hooker Austin Atiga has moved back to Auckland, so they are a couple of big losses for the club.
University
Last year: Quarterfinalist
Coach: Russell Lundy (first year)
Forwards: Ricky Jackson, Oahu Davey-Phillips, Josh Policarpio, Hiro Kasuya, Charles Englebrecht, Eamon Flannery, Ben Strowger-Turnock, Ale Aho, Mitchell Tinnock, Sam Masterton, Connor McKenzie, Will Riley, Tahnay McCracken, Lanson Randell, Louis Magalogo, Aaron Withy, Ma’ole Faletolu, Liam Geddes, Will Stodart, Josh Dickson, Sean Withy, Daniel Lienert-Brown
Backs: Brad Campbell, Kemara Hauiti-Parapara, Amedeo Ventresca, Jacob Waikari-Jones, Henry Williams, Hugo Lynch, Robert Fridd, Mac Harris, Emeka Ilogu, Ivan Hill, Jeremiah Asi, Aaron McMurray, Isiah Opai, Jermaine Pepe (captain), Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Scott Gregory, Josh Timu, Martin Bogado
Some have graduated and moved on. But University has a good crew of returnees and new coach Russell Lundy is hoping his side will go deeper in the competition this season.
The students scraped their way into the playoffs with two wins from eight games but were dispatched 43-20 by Taieri in the quarterfinals.
Lundy led John McGlashan College into the First XV top four finals last year and has some good young talent to work with again.
Varsity will have to make do without clever halfback Kieran McClea, who captained the side last year but is playing in the United States. Highlanders under-20 halfback Brad Campbell looks a very good replacement, though.
Midfielder Emeka Ilogu is injured but is expected back from the second round.
Outside backs Jeremiah Asi and Jermaine Pepe are deadly finishers and first five Jacob Waikari-Jones controls the play nicely.
Josh Policarpio is a powerhouse in the front row and look out for promising lock Mitchell Tinnock. He has very big frame and has put in a big effort in the pre-season. He will be joined by Ben Strowger-Turnock, who has played age-group rugby in Wellington.
Green Island
Last year: Seventh
Coach: Hayden Finch (first year), Matthew Lobb (first)
Forwards: Shane Fikken, Heath MacEwan (captain), Harvey Meyer, Jesse Va’afusuaga, Delanney McKenzie, Zion Tofilau Lui, Thomas Ryan, Richie Buchanan, Ronan Dynes, Tino Vakaloa, Brett Kingsbury, Marco Ventor, Atu Katoa, Sunia Makasini, Dylan Garaway, Leni Apisi, Max Meffan, Oliver Haig, Ethan De Groot
Backs: James Arscott, Mosese Palelei, Mathew Gray, Finn Hurley, Jone Naivalulevu, Bradley McPate, Caleb Williams, Inoke Naivalulevu, Zion Niha, Devin Stapley, Meihana Schooner, Riley Lucas, Nelson Yorston, Sam Gilbert
Green Island will have a team this weekend. But what about the following weekend and the ones after that?
Coach Hayden Finch said the Grizzlies were struggling for numbers and were still recruiting. That is not a good sign just days out from the season opener.
The list of missing from last year is almost as long as the way home from Timbuktu.
Veteran forwards Peter Mirrielees and Josh Clark have retired. Lock Jared Williams is unavailable for the premier grade side. And scrub out Meli Kolinisau (North Otago), Sitiveni Tupou (health), Harry Hanson (Manawatu) and Tom Marshall (UK) from the pack.
The backline has taken some hits as well.
Highlanders winger Jake Te Hiwi, who plays in the midfield for Green Island, is out for the season with an ankle injury. Hard-running centre Levi Harmon is still struggling with an injury and requires more surgery. And first five Finn Strawbridge has retired.
Green Island is battling to fill all the vacancies. But there have been some gains. The Grizzlies have picked up centre Caleb Williams, who starred for Southland Boys’ last year.
First five Mosese Palelei (Feilding High School) has joined the campaign, as has teenage midfielder Riley Lucas from Canterbury.
Loose forward Ronan Dynes returns to the club and Heath MacEwan, who will captain the side, will move from the flank to hooker this season.
Zingari-Richmond
Last year: Eighth
Coach: Shaun Bovey (first year), assistant David Reedy (first)
Forwards: Alex Nettleton (captain), Israel Otunuku, Thomas Komisi, Isikeli Vite, Aone Lolofie, EJ Lam Cheung, Honour Kioa, Lawrence Leung-Wai, Pete Taylor, Chris Bell, Will Milns, Tofatuimoana Solia, Dylan Petaia, Simon Pupualii, Koliniusu Lepa, Tamati Moana-Orupe, Ciaran Jansen, Jeff Thwaites, Max Hicks, Josh Bekhuis, PJ Sheck
Backs: Brynmor Workman, Shaun Driver, Thomas Johnson, Anzac Tipene, Tama Apineru, Sefo Muasika, Ratu Karamaena, Willie Time, Sosaia Fonua, Vijay Kingi, Connor Newlands, Callum Donaldson, Alani Misieli, Hawera Adams, Siua Fonua, Ezekiel Tuigamala, Marty Banks, Jonah Lowe
Zingari-Richmond could be the big mover this season.
The perennial battler has tended to languish deep in the bottom half of the standings.
But the top six might not be such a stretch for the Colours. They have assembled a monster-sized forward pack and they have key players in the backline.
Hard-running prop Israel Otunuku has joined the club and that man knows his way through a tackle. Former New Zealand Schools hooker Aone Lolofie is another highly-rated youngster.
Loose forward Tofatuimoana Solia is carrying an injury but he will be a menace for defenders when he returns, as will Simon Pupualii who had an injury-interrupted season last year. Alex Nettleton’s leadership shapes as key for the Colours as well.
Willie Time is one of the more destructive ball-runners in the grade and vastly under-rated. He will team up with Tama Apineru, who is another quality player. And Thomas Johnson is back from country rugby to run the cutter from first five.
Zingari-Richmond was just one more win away from making the playoffs last year and looks to have got stronger, whereas a couple of the other teams may have dropped back.
Alhambra-Union
Last year: Last
Coach: Scott Opetaia (first year), assistant Allan Wheeler (second)
Forwards: Tyron Pelasio (captain), Teddy Davis, Troy Tararo-Ruhe, JT Taylor, McKenzie Hunter, Keenan Rush, Pato Reyes, Arnold Dinh, Sammy Collins, Fitu Faailo, Bryce King, Benji Tupu, Ben Kay, Dave Tangi, Ben Latu, Issac Smiler, Jimmy Eteuati, Lemanu Filifili
Backs: Rasta Khatri, Henry Wragg, Tui Samuelu, Lotu Solomona, Will Saile, Oscar Anderson, Simi Ului, Tommy Nicholson, Kiesuke Mitsugi, Chase Roberts, Siaosi Fifita, Varani Crawley, Lawrence Wadham
Plan A for Alhambra-Union is to claw its way up the standings. But the offseason threw up more snakes than ladders.
Key playmakers Levi Emery and Ben McCarthy have moved on. Emery has gone to Southland, and McCarthy has headed to Southern.
If you put a rosy spin on it, you would call it a development year. It is certainly shapes as a tough season for the Broncos.
Oscar Anderson has transferred from Zingari-Richmond and will slot into first five in McCarthy’s absence. He is a good communicator and thinks on his feet well.
Winger Lotu Solomona has volunteered to play fullback. He was looking for a new opportunity.
Outside back Simi Ului is another player to watch. He has good instincts and a wide skillset.
Tyron Pelasio will captain the side from the boot of the scrum and he brings a ton of experience. He coached the Southern Bush Pigs to a national title in the New Zealand Under-85kg Club Cup last year.
Rookie lock McKenzie Hunter is a promising talent and openside Ben Kay is a turnover specialist.
- Team lists provided by clubs.
