Canterbury B Wider Training Squad Announced
A 70-man Wider Training Squad has been announced for Canterbury B, as the NPC and B’s coaching group look to identify the best talent from throughout the region.
By casting the net far and wide, it is hoped the wider training programme, which will encompass 4 weeks of training throughout Metro, North Canterbury and Ellesmere, will provide the coaches with all of the tools to select the best players in Canterbury Club Rugby.
“I learnt last year that there is a ton of talent throughout our club rugby system,” said B’s Head Coach Scott Pawson, “having this Wider Training Group allows us to have a more robust selection process, and that’s not to say that selection can’t be forced by those not in this wider group, but it ensures that we have taken as many steps as possible to select the best side.”
“It’s really important that we get out to our community, to Ellesmere, North Canterbury and to town here, so having trainings around the region allows everyone an opportunity to get to a home training, and give us the best opportunity to identify talent.”
Pawson, who is also the Head Coach of New Brighton, will be joined in the coaching group by Sydenham’s Mark Croft (Forwards), Lincoln University’s Jason Pawson (Backs) and Darfield’s Mervyn Todd (Defence).
“They’ve all got pedigree from their time in the club system, just like the players doing well at club level, it’s great reward for guys who have had success coaching our club teams too.”
The Canterbury B programme is especially important for the NPC team, with the team providing a pathway for players to step up into the professional set up.
“Our B’s programme provides a meaningful pathway for our players to stay involved in Canterbury Rugby and provide the opportunity for us to call on the best possible players for our NPC side.” Said NPC Head Coach Marty Bourke.
“Our Club Rugby is the best in the country, and having a strong B’s programme allows us to retain the best talent in Canterbury.”
“We saw last year that the B’s programme provided important players to our campaign, guys who made their debuts like Tom (Heywood) and Blair (Murray), so as we push towards a title challenge this year, we want to have players who are prepared to step up and show their talent.” Bourke said.
The team trained at Christchurch FC last night, before heading out to Kaiapoi and Prebbleton in the next couple of weeks, before returning to Rugby Park for the final week. The finalised Canterbury B squad will be announced following club finals weekend on the 29th and 30th of July.
Initial Canterbury B Wider Training Squad:
Josh Duckworth - Ashley RFC
Alvar Gimeno Soria - Belfast RFC
Connor Newton - Burnside
Joel Lam - Burnside
Ben Alexander - Darfield
Alister Collins - Darfield
Jordie Gray - Glenmark-Cheviot
Nick Hyde - Glenmark-Cheviot
Andrew Hull - Glenmark-Cheviot
Harrison Allan - Glenmark-Cheviot
Freddie Gibson - HSOB
Zack Patai - HSOB
George Coull - HSOB
Ben Funnell - Hurunui RFC
Connor Smith - Kaiapoi RFC
Zac Andrews - Kaiapoi RFC
Caleb McStay - Lincoln Rolleston
Jayden Horgan - Linwood
Tahu Kaa - Lincoln University
Brian Lealiifano - Lincoln University
Charlie Murray - Lincoln University
Lachie Marshall - Lincoln University
Anaru Paenga-Morgan - Lincoln University
George Reeves - Lincoln University
Jack Sexton - Lincoln University
Liam Pratt - Lincoln University
Angus Hammett - Lincoln University
Shun Miyaki - Marist Albion
Elliot Smith - Marist Albion
Filipo Veamatahau - Marist Albion
Rico Syme - Marist Albion
Zak Healy - Marist Albion
Caleb Grace - Marist Albion
Moeaki Toma - Marist Albion
Joe Taylor - Marist Albion
Callum Simpson - New Brighton
Tyson Belworthy - New Brighton
Gabriel Francesconi - New Brighton
Keegan O'Donnell - New Brighton
Alex Yallop - New Brighton
Brook Toomalatai - New Brighton
George Prain - Oxford RFC
Danny Brooker - Oxford RFC
Ted Coleman - Prebbleton
Tim Murgatroyd - Prebbleton
Josh Charlton - Prebbleton
Harry Murray - Saracens
Kynan Stowers-Smith - Shirley
Sam Scott - Southbridge
Jack Best - Southbridge
Jason Montin - Springston
Terrence Graham - Sumner RFC
Ollie Lewis - Sumner RFC
Kurtis Arlidge - Sumner RFC
Max Hughes - Sydenham
Nick Foxley - Sydenham
Tumama Tu'ula - Sydenham
Ethan McDonald - Sydenham
Olly Ryan - Sydenham
Sebastian Flynn - Sydenham
Kieran Charlton - University
Angus Henare - University
Sam Cottam - University
Thomas Heywood - University
James White - University
Jae Broomfield - University
Cody Lokotui - University
Bradley Fifita - University
Bailey Clarke - Waihora
Liam Robinson - Waihora