22 Mako named in NZ Super Rugby squads
By Peter Jones [Marlborough App]
The two South Island franchises have snapped up the majority of the Tasman players included in the New Zealand-based 2023 Super Rugby Pacific squads.
Nine Mako players have picked up full contracts with the champion Crusaders, while eight players from the top of the south NPC province will turn out for the Highlanders.
So far, with the Moana Pasifika and Fijian Drua squads still to be finalised, 22 Tasman players will be involved in Super Rugby next year.
Newcomers to the competition include winger Macca Springer and halfback Noah Hotham, who are with the Crusaders, plus prop Luca Inch who gets his chance with the Highlanders.
Tasman players in NZ Super Rugby sides.
Crusaders: Quinten Strange, Ethan Blackadder, Sione Havili Talitui, Noah Hotham *, David Havili, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Macca Springer *, Sevu Reece, Will Jordan.
Highlanders: Andrew Makalio, Max Hicks, Hugh Renton, Shannon Frizell, Mitch Hunt, Pari Pari Parkinson, Fetuli Paea, Luca Inch *.
Chiefs: Atu Moli, Alex Nankivell.
Hurricanes: Tyrel Lomax.
Blues: Anton Segner, Finlay Christie.
* denotes player in debut season