Magpies looking beyond second-tier status

Hawkes Bay are investing in their players' future in a concerted effort to retain their rugby talent this year.

They're implementing a business plan that will not only commit their players to the province but make them want to play for the Magpies, Hawkes Bay Rugby Union chief executive Ian Condon said.

Heading that plan is a commitment by players to a career programme and winning promotion to the first division, the gateway to professional and international rugby.

Condon was reluctant to mention figures but it is no secret that it is investing about $250,000 in a bid to win first division status this season.



Determined not to lose any strength after winning the division two title for the past two seasons and missing the jump after losing the promotion-relegation match to Bay of Plenty last year, Hawkes Bay gained the services of Auckland B first five-eighth Tumai Edwards.

National sevens players Amasio Valence (Counties-Manukau) and Tafai Ioasa (Wellington) have also joined Hawkes Bay. They are runaway favourites to win the second division, says the TAB. The Magpies are paying $1.75, Counties-Manukau $5.50, Manawatu $6 and Nelson Bays $7 - the four who made the semifinals last year.

Counties have lost star players such as halfback Kevin Senio to Bay of Plenty, centre Casey Laulala to Canterbury and forwards Kristian Ormsby (Wellington) and Wayne McEntee (Waikato).

They have retained try-scoring wingers Sitiveni Sivivatu and Jona Qio and New Zealand Colts first five-eighth Stephen Donald.

"We're relying on team spirit," team manager Alan Dawson said.

After playing Italy, Auckland and King Country, the Counties squad spent four days in Taupo in the lead-up to tomorrow's opener against North Otago at Pukekohe.

Newly promoted North Otago's 62-0 win over South Canterbury last Saturday could mean a much closer competition in the division.

Under coach Glenn Moore, North Otago have been shaping up nicely and Auckland's Ponsonby club player Brett Williams, nephew of All Blacks great Bryan Williams, has plugged their troublesome first five-eighth position.

Some of Manawatu's younger players such as locks Jason Eaton and Hayden Triggs have grown with the squad, providing more depth to this year's team.

Their pack will be boosted by the return of Grant Polson and Bryan Matenga from the Crusaders Development squad.

Thames Valley have new locks, Tyrone Maullin who was No 3 at Natal last season and Andy Springgay, a former England schools, under-19 and under-21 player.

Marlborough, under coach Alex Wyllie, are depending largely on last year's squad which includes NZ Divisional players Eddie Hekenui and James Stewart-McDonald.

- NZPA