The region’s favourite son will finally run out forthe Stags again when they host Canterbury in an NPC game at Rugby Park in Invercargill.
Ethan de Groot has not played for his beloved Stags since November 2020 — yes, November, as it was a Covid-delayed campaign.
The popular prop has obviously had a very good excuse for missing so many games as he has been establishing himself as a regular for the All Blacks.
His Southland return is possible tonight as he missed the All Blacks’ trip to South Africa with a minor neck injury and needs a blow-out now he has recovered.
Southland already have some of the most loyal fans in the NPC — they have officially had a crowd of 11,000 for their past two home games combined — and the return of de Groot should be a significant attraction.
Otago will also get some front-row help following the release of a dozen All Blacks squad members.
Prop George Bower, who went to South Africa as injury cover, is available for Otago for their must-win game against Counties-Manukau on Sunday.
Young hooker George Bell will play for Canterbury against Southland tonight.
Loose forwards Samipeni Finau and Luke Jacobson will join Waikato when they host Hawke’s Bay in Hamilton, Pasilio Tosi (Bay of Plenty) and Josh Lord (Taranaki) will clash in Tauranga, and Harry Plummer and Patrick Tuipulotu will play for Auckland against Northland.
Three All Blacks will appear in Tasman’s first defence of the Ranfurly Shield — David Havili will help Tasman in its Ranfurly Shield defence at Lansdowne Park, and Billy Proctor and Ruben Love join Wellington.
