Rugby: Samoan back JJ Taulagi signs for Magpies

Tom Parsons with the Ranfurly Shield after the Magpies win in Pukekohe in 2014. Photo/File

Samoan outside back JJ Taulagi and former Hawke's Bay lock Tom Parsons will both play for the Magpies in this season's NPC campaign.

The pair's signings were announced by Hawke's Bay Rugby Football Union CEO Jay Campbell yesterday.

Described by Campbell as "a blockbusting outside back" Taulagi, 24, played under Magpies assistant coach Josh Syms at St Kentigern College in Auckland. He made 10 Super Rugby appearances for the Queensland Reds from 2014-2016 and seven for Japan's Sunwolves last year. He made his debut for Samoa last year.

Taulagi will play his club rugby for Napier Technical who open their Nash Cup campaign with a home game against Hastings Rugby and Sports at Whitmore Park next weekend.

"I'm really excited about the opportunity to become a Magpie this year and do my best for the team and my province," Taulagi said.

Parsons, 27, played 15 games for the Magpies between 2012 and 2014. He ranked playing in the Bay's 27-21 Ranfurly Shield win against Counties-Manukau in Pukekohe in 2014 as the highlight of his playing career.

"I will be giving my all to ensure that we work hard towards further success this season," Parsons said last night.

"I told you when I left the Bay I would be back. I didn't expect to be away that long ... it just worked out that way."

A son of former Magpie Rod Parsons and older brother of fellow lock Ben Parsons, who made his Magpies debut last year, he played for the Manawatu Turbos during the 2015, 16 and 17 seasons. Some of his best rugby was against the Magpies and he is looking forward to doing the same for the Magpies against the Turbos.

"I've signed a one-year deal with the Magpies and if it goes well I'll be keen to stay on," Parsons said.

Before transferring to Manawatu Parsons played his club rugby for Hastings Rugby and Sports, the same club his brother has played for in recent seasons. However Parsons confirmed the pair will play for Central along with Magpies midfield back Pasqualle Dunn this season.

"We've decided to return to the home club, the club we played all our junior rugby for," Parsons said.

Central will have an away round one Nash Cup fixture against Taradale next weekend. Parsons is looking forward to playing against his former flatmate, Taradale lock-loosie Andrew "Red" Gardner.

"Tom is Hawke's Bay to the core. It's fantastic to have him home and back in black and white," Campbell said.

Magpies head coach Mark Ozich echoed Campbell's comments.

"They are quality young men with proven ability and will add value both on and off the field. Also their commitment to play club rugby in the province will help provide competition and the valuable sharing of knowledge," Ozich said.

Other Nash Cup matches next weekend will see defending champions Napier Old Boys Marist host Napier Pirate Rugby and Sports at Park Island, Clive host Havelock North at Farndon Park and MAC host Tamatea at Flaxmere's Ron Giorgi Park.