Four re-signings add stability to NPC front row

Canterbury’s scrum will continue with steel and stability, with four front row forwards all committing their futures to the region. 

Sydenham’s Brodie McAlister has signed on to the end of the 2025 NPC campaign, along with Prop’s, Oli Jager, New Brighton (2024) Fletcher Newell, Lincoln University (2023) and Tamaiti Williams, Burnside (2022). 

“Growing up here in Christchurch, it’s always been my dream to play for Canterbury, so to have it locked in for the foreseeable further is a bit of a dream come true really,” said McAlister. 

The 24-year-old and Shirley Boys Old Boy made his NPC debut in 2018 and has made 32 appearances. 

Newell, a product of North Canterbury, echoed those sentiments, ‘Growing up, all I wanted to do was to play for Canterbury, so to get the privilege to do that is pretty exciting. Having Dad and the rest of the family here, able to watch me on the side-line is a pretty special feeling.”

The tighthead prop has won 16 caps in the red and black and is seen as a real anchor of the sides forward pack. 

Jager, the hardnosed Irishman commented, “Canterbury feels like home, ever since I set foot in Canterbury and going to that first training at New Brighton, I’ve loved it here. Everyone’s very welcoming and this is 100% where I want to play my rugby.”

Jager made his debut for Canterbury in 2016 and has since gone on to earn 41 caps. 

“I missed a bit of time last year through injury, so I’d really like to have a solid year. There are some great senior guys around in the squad and good coaches that I know will help me develop further.” Said 21-year-old Williams as he looks to add to his 10 caps. 

The 2022 Bunnings Warehouse NPC draw is set to be released later this week.