NPC 2026

Waikato have announced their new coach - Leon Holden. A great appointment given his experience in Europe and NZ. Let's see if the assistant coaches also change.

A previous announcement.

Southland have re-signed Manson, Shearer and Aho until 2027.

Neil Barnes is back for another year. The article says that Teihorangi Walden is the new Academy Manager.

@taniwharugby Hopefully he'll be playing plenty of NPC in those 3 years

@Duluth who knows, maybe a new coach will be able to get more out of him at int, but if he plays more npc, im cool with that too.

It might just be an admin mistake but I note that in the Chiefs player profiles:

@Bovidae ooooh wouldn't complain though

Moana Pasifika sign another former Otago No8.

Waikato is now with New Balance.

@Bovidae ooooooof that does not excite me. I knew a kit supplier was coming and heard it wasn't one anyone would expect. I bought the AUNZ Invitational jersey and wasn't impressed with the quality. The sizing was also crazy small as they fit 2 sizes smaller.

@Yeetyaah The Force have a kit by New Balance. As long as the design doesn't change as Waikato is one of the few PUs who haven't changed their jersey over time.

Heard Auckland head coach Steven Bates coaching group has been moved on
Jono Hickey has been pushed into a role with the union so I guess Bates is looking for a new coaching team be interesting to where he’s goes ,could’nt be any worse than looking at Doug Sanft from Marist who had success with Manukau and would have a great understanding of what’s running in the Auckland comp

Taranaki needs to new head coach.

Two more seasons for Reon Graham

The weekly draw is in the article.