Allen to face Japan A in Levin tonight

Paddy Allen in A Rugby PB v EC clash. Picture by Paul Rickard

Ngati Porou East Coast and former Poverty Bay loose forward Paddy Allen (pictured in action for the Coast against Poverty Bay last year) is in the Hurricanes Development squad to face Japan A in Levin tonight.

Allen, who played his club rugby for Ngatapa and Ruatoria City and captained the Coast in the Heartland Championship last year, is on the bench for the 5.30pm clash.

Coast coach Troy Para said Allen, who has been mustering sheep in Blenheim for the past four weeks, was his and assistant coach Wayne Ensor’s nominated player.

“Paddy and Kareti Palmer (hooker) were out standout players last season and the Hurricanes were looking for a player who can play at six, seven or eight, which Paddy can.

“I spoke to Paddy last night and he’s hoping to be back playing for Ruatoria City this weekend.”

The Hurricanes side also features former Gisborne Boys’ High first 15 squad member Blade Thomson, who will make his return from a shoulder injury that has put the No.8 out of Super Rugby action for several weeks.

The Hurricanes side also contains other players from their Super Rugby squad including first five-eighth Ihaia West.

It is the final game of Japan A’s three-match tour. They beat Highlanders A 13-12 and the Blues A 34-27 in their other games.

Meanwhile, All Black winger Nehe Milner-Skudder returns to Super Rugby tomorrow in the Hurricanes’ clash with the Sunwolves in Wellington.

Milner-Skudder has not played since dislocating his shoulder against the Springboks in October of last year.