Looking at the squads announced so far, it seems that the players signed for Japan are less likely to play NPC than those going to Europe.
@bayimports I see that Palmer has come back to BOP from Otago.
Someone asked about the naming of the Waikato squad on the Mooloo FB page. Next Tuesday (July 21) after the club final this Saturday.
@bayimports Riley Hohepa is a good pick up for the steamers
@WoodysRFC Hastings Boys old boy. Was part of their 2017 Top Four winning side.
@MacDazzler said in NPC 2026:
@WoodysRFC Hastings Boys old boy. Was part of their 2017 Top Four winning side.
Feel like I've seen the name pop up in Southland club rugby too
@WoodysRFC said in NPC 2026:
Where's Udy-Johns from?
Yeah, as @macdazzler says, Hastings Boys, he's bounced around though, played for Southland for a season and a bit over in Oz. This is his first Magpies squad (although should have made it earlier).
@Canes4life A Laumape/Brown midfield partnership doesn't sound that bad either. Brown is quality. It's a shame Brett Cameron is out for the season because they have the makings of a decent side and strong 10 is probably the one thing they're missing.
@bayimports Looks like a decent team, our propping stocks are looking good, all 3 halfbacks are class and even with probably 3 All Blacks out for SA in the Outside Backs, there's some gas out there too. Pretty well balanced all things considered though wouldn't mind more midfield cover.
Looking at the squads announced so far, it seems that the players signed for Japan are less likely to play NPC than those going to Europe.
Is that because the seasons slightly overlap?
No overlap of actual seasons but Japan teams start their pre-season about four months before the competition starts.
@BellsGeorg said in NPC 2026:
Canterbury squad has been sent out a day early, via email. No real surprises.
I see Williams is named. Hopefully that's a sign his rehab is going well.