Home is blue and white as Auckland build for future

Ali Williams

With a cluster of signings yesterday, Auckland's plans to regain their place as the country's premier union took a decisive step forward.

Auckland have secured 16 players for varying lengths of time up to the end of 2008, spearheaded by All Blacks Ali Williams and Doug Howlett, plus six other past internationals to go with a clutch of players already on the books for coming years.

All the signings are from this year's squad - so no sign of the returning Troy Flavell from Japan, who is understood to have been weighing the merits of Canterbury, Wellington and Auckland in a bid to reignite his All Black ambitions.

Instead, Auckland's big emphasis has been on developing talent through its high performance and academy programmes. Nine players from the academy have either played in the NPC or been on the fringe this season.

"The common thread for a lot of us is that this is home, this is where a lot of our family and friends are," Howlett said.

Test lock Williams reckons the numbers who have re-signed "really shows the enthusiasm and passion for the blue and white colours".

"Now it's up to us as a group to come together and get that dominance back that Auckland rugby once had. But the fact we've got so many young players is huge."

Williams has had time off after the All Blacks campaign but is back for Friday night's crucial NPC clash with Wellington at Eden Park.

He has relished watching Auckland's exhilarating form this season, feels mentally refreshed and likes what he's seen in terms of the culture within the squad.

"I don't think I've seen it this tight for a long time and that's definitely showing on the field. It's fantastic rugby. Some of it looks pretty crazy and suicidal, but when it works - and as they've shown it can work more often than not - it's great."

Several prominent players, including Keven Mealamu, John Afoa, Angus Macdonald, Justin Collins and Joe Rokocoko, have already been contracted until at least next year or beyond.

The one notable exception is wing Tony Koonwaiyou, but Auckland Rugby Union chief executive David White is optimistic he will re-sign.

White reckons Auckland's preference for nurturing its own talent should dispel some myths about the way big unions operate in the New Zealand professional environment.

Canterbury are most commonly cited for hoovering up talented players from the provinces, but White won't criticise their approach.

"They've been outstanding and you can't knock them," he said. "But they've got a different approach from us. We've got the biggest population, the most players and we should be able to pick and develop them.

"That's not to say we will never recruit from outside the franchise, but this shows the rest of the country we're organised, have good playing depth and [coach] Pat Lam has done a very good job of developing closeness with the guys."

Wellington yesterday confirmed the re-signings of All Blacks Piri Weepu and Ma'a Nonu, with senior prop Joe McDonnell and hooker Mahonri Schwalger, for a further two years.

AUCKLAND'S SIGNINGS

Until end of 2008

Steve Devine.

End of 2007

Ali Williams, Doug Howlett, Brent Ward, Sam Tuitupou, Isaia Toeava, Brad Mika, Tasesa Lavea, Jerome Kaino, Daniel Braid, Kurtis Haiu, Ben Atiga.

End of 2006

Jamie Helleur, Taniela Moa, James Somerset, Semisi Telefoni.