WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) Rule changes designed to speed up the game and keep the ball in play will be introduced in Super Rugby tournaments in Australia and New Zealand this season as.
Crusaders loose forward Whetu Douglas has to work hard if he wants to maintain a starting jersey
Crusaders loose forward Whetu Douglas has to work hard if he wants to maintain a starting jersey 4 February 2021
The Cantabrians are preparing for an internal hit out tomorrow, before their first pre-season match against the Highlanders next Friday in Temuka.
Douglas says there s great competition in the team.
Super Rugby Aotearoa kicks off on February 26.
SUPER RUGBY WITH PROPERTY VENTURES REAL ESTATE - YOUR INVESTMENT PROPERTY SPECIALISTS.
New Zealand s teams are among the favourites for gold after failing to capture the top prize in Rio – the men finishing fifth and the women claiming silver – but the threat of cancellation still lingers because Covid-19 continues to rage in Japan after resurging since last November.
Teaukura Moetaua/Getty Images
Etene Nanai-Seturo is first concentrating on Super Rugby Aotearoa with the Chiefs. Nevertheless, Nanai-Seturo seems relaxed about the situation he and his team-mates face if the sevens takes place at an Olympics which could be dramatically affected by tough Covid-19 restrictions, something New Zealand hasn’t been gripped by since last year, but is normal overseas.
Blues centurion James Parsons has pulled the pin on his playing career.
Former All Black and Blues hooker James Parsons has pulled the pin on his playing career due to lingering concussion symptoms. The 34-year-old was late last year named in the Blues’ squad for the 2021 Super Rugby Aotearoa campaign, but has made the call to retire after receiving medical advice. “Firstly, I want to thank NZ Rugby, the Blues, North Harbour rugby and Takapuna club for the opportunities they’ve afforded me,” the two-test All Black said in a statement. “For me, it’s not about sadness, it’s about celebration. I’ve been very fortunate to represent my two home teams, the Blues and North Harbour Rugby, over a hundred times each which is a dream come true, and to play two tests for the All Blacks is something I’ll never forget.”
Photo: Photosport
After spending much of last season s Super Rugby Aotearoa campaign recovering from a thumb injury, he returns to some tough competition in the fullback position at the 10-time Super Rugby champions.
Will Jordan is looking to build on his breakout 2020 season which helped the Crusaders to the Super Rugby Aotearoa title and resulted in selection to the All Blacks.
With Brayden Ennor out for the season with an ACL injury, Havili s previous experience in the centres will give coach Scott Robertson another option.
However, 26 year old Havili has made it clear that he is gunning for the fullback position in 2021.