• Auckland NPC coach Craig McGrath names 37-man squad to contest Bunnings  Warehouse NPC.
• Unique ‘reverse jersey presentation’ to take place Friday 2nd August at Grammar TEC  Rugby Club after the pre-season match between Auckland and Counties to honour those who have played an influential role in players’ lives.
 

A new-look Auckland NPC team will be launched during an emotional occasion after their first preseason match this Friday 2nd August against Counties Manukau.

The newly-named Auckland Gulls squad will present jerseys to those who have played an influential role in their rugby journeys thus far.

It is a chance for players to show their appreciation for those who have helped them to reach this point in their careers and it will be a first in Auckland Rugby’s 141-year history.

The players will present their jerseys to a range of people, including mothers, fathers, best mates, and even loved ones who have passed.

Media are invited to attend and interview players and recipients. Please register your attendance by contacting Auckland Rugby media manager Aaron Ryan aaron.ryan@aucklandrugby.co.nz | +64210373232

Media stories:

Ben Ake: He will present his jersey to his uncle Faalaa Ioane who his mum calls his “home coach” and taught Ben everything he knows.
Lolagi Visinia: Auckland local returns home after being unable to make the squad for the last few seasons, he will present his jersey to the wife (Lata Visinia) of his late brother.
Ola Tauelangi: a Tongan kid, who moved from Australia seeking opportunities in New Zealand, joined Auckland’s newest rugby club Puketapapa Roskill Sports Club after not being signed by any team. He will present his jersey to the club’s Chair, who has been his family away from home.
Zarn Sullivan: He will present it to his girlfriend (Gemma Gibson) who’s been his support system during his season-ending injury with The Blues (Super Rugby Pacific).

Event: Auckland Rugby NPC Reverse Jersey Presentation
Date: Friday 2nd August
Location: Grammar TEC Rugby Club, 36 Reihana Street, Orakei, Auckland 1071
Time: 3:30 pm (Kick-off against Counties Manukau at 1:00 pm)

2024 Auckland NPC Squad:

Ben Ake, Nigel Ah Wong, Sione Ahio, Edward Annandale, Tomas Aoake, Joshua Beehre, Adrian Choat, Che Clark, Caleb Clarke, Michael Curry, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Taufa Funaki, Joshua Fusitua, Sam Hainsworth-Fa’aofo, Alex Harford, Bryce Heem, Kemara Hauiti-Parapara, Akira Ioane, Reiko Ioane, Niko Jones, AJ Lam, Jordan Lay, Sama Malolo, Harry Plummer, Marcel Renata, Millennium Sanerivi, Anton Segner, Payton Spencer, Zarn Sullivan, Angus Ta’avao-Matau, Xavier Taele, Caleb Tangitau, Ola Tauelangi, Tanielu Tele’a, Tuaina Tualima, Xavier Tito-Harris, Patrick Tuipulotu, Soane Vikena, Lolagi Visinia.

Article added: Monday 29 July 2024