Magpies co-coach Craig Philpott regularly labels Jonah Lowe and Mason Emerson as the future of Hawke's Bay rugby.
So it was no surprise to hear Clive midfield back-winger Lowe and Hastings Rugby and Sports winger Emerson had both re-signed with the Hawke's Bay Rugby Union this week through until the end of the 2018 season. Their re-signings follow break-through seasons for the pair on the national scene last year.
Lowe was awarded the Magpies 2016 Back of the Year award. He also represented the fifth placed Baby Blacks at the World Junior Rugby Championship in Manchester and is currently training as a replacement player with the Super Rugby Championship-winning Hurricanes.
Considered unlucky by many not to be playing for the All Black Sevens in Wellington this weekend after an outstanding nationals for Hawke's Bay in Rotorua a fortnight ago, Emerson, made the Magpies left wing jersey his own in 2016. He also played for New Zealand Under 20s against Australia in May and has recently been invited to attend All Black Sevens training camps.
"Both Mason and Jonah are exceptional locally produced talents. While only 20 years of age, they have consistently shown over the past two seasons that they are stars on the rise. We are excited that they have re-committed to Hawke's Bay rugby," Hawke's Bay Rugby Union CEO Mike Bishop said.