RUGBY - Ranger signs for Northland

Northland's chances of being competitive in next year's Air New Zealand Cup just sped into top gear with the news that star winger Rene Ranger has signed for the province for another two years.
Speedster Ranger was one of the stars of the Northland team that narrowly missed out on a quarterfinal spot in this year's competition, yet finished ahead of fellow Blues Super 14 franchise teams Auckland and North Harbour.
Ranger's signing means Northland has a solid core of players to build on leading up to the start of the competition in August, head coach Bryce Woodward said.
And while Northland's long-suffering fans will have been delighted at Northland's Air NZ Cup form, Woodward wasn't, saying four wins out of a possible 10 was not good enough and he expected better next season.
Ranger, a dynamic outside back, has played 24 games for Toll United Northland and has been selected in the Blues for the 2009 Rebel Sport Super 14 competition. Woodward said Ranger will be a key component of the Northland backline and a vital member of the team.
Northland Rugby Union chairman Andrew Golightly said retaining Ranger was pleasing given that he is a local player.
"We were confident we would secure Rene but it was a challenge given his hectic schedule with the New Zealand Sevens and the Blues training. He is crucial to Northland so we respect the loyalty he has shown in continuing his career with us," Golightly said.
"He is an example of the talent Northland does produce and also has developed through our academy. He should be an inspiration to all local players who aspire to wear the Cambridge Blue jersey."
Woodward said Northland had so far also signed up props Bronson Murray and Justin Davies, captain Gus Collins, loosies Joel McKenty and John Cocker, fullback Jared Payne, halfback Rhyan Caine, first five eighth Lochie Munro and midfield backs Aden Dewes and Derek Carpenter.
Woodward said as well, a promising young hooker from elsewhere in the country, "who has played to a very high standard at age group level" was close to signing, as was a Northland winger who has been plying his trade overseas.
The squad would also rely on the best performing Northland club players.
Woodward said contracted players were already working to improve their fitness and techniques and to get them in the right frame physically and mentally to handle a demanding year of rugby.