Fresh look to sides for new season Rugby

• Published date: 07 April 2022
• Publication title: Clutha Leader

OWAKA RFC

(Swamp Hens)

2021 finished: 8th

Last champions: 1962

Predicted 2022 finish: 7th

Season preview: A new look to the Owaka management team has brought a fresh and exciting approach. Numbers are tidy for the most part and there is a fantastic team resolve to bring some pride and respect back to the red and blue. Owaka’s results in the past few seasons haven’t replicated the effort put in by most. There is a brighter future just around the corner at Swamp Hen Park. Will it be this season?

Coach: David Sleeman

Assistant Coaches: Steve Sheppard and Georgia Mason

Manager: Regan Gillespie

Medic: Rachael Landreth

Captain: TBC

Player gains: Vili Afoa, Connor Mills, Panapa Leleimalefaga, Zach Filo, Vita White, Sene Te’o, Matt Barton, Misipati Lapa Tautala, Penetekoso Tevaga, Desmatini Fiame.

Player losses: Dom Grinton, Scott McLaren, Rhys Evans, Lucas Tuuaga, Hadley Clark, Laumua Ieru, Kasio Ulufale, Vavae Lesa, Jonty Sopp, Ben Peter.

Squad

Forwards: Craig McCormick, Cameron Burgess, Ben Burgess, Tom Jenks, Francis Parker, Chris Preddy, Chris Chittock, Ieru Leteu, Vili Afoa, Dave Woodrow, Desmatini Fiame, Hamish McDonald, Connor Mills, Joel White, Todd Keen, Panapa Leleimalefaga.

Backs: Zach Filo, Vita White, Tai Davis, Sene Te’o, Penetekoso Tevaga, Misipati Lapa Tautala, Asu Mati Nei, Hunter Cleland, James Maclean, Jayden Stoop, Hemi Waenga, Jeremy Gray, Josiah McLay, Takyhara Ieru, Lochie Hannah, Matt Barton, Matthew Jackson.

Players to watch: Connor Mills, Vili Afoa, Hunter Cleland, Sene Te’o.

CLINTON RFC

(Wild Horses)

2021 finished: 7th

Last champions: 1986

Predicted 2022 finish: 9th

Season preview: Plenty of wheeling and dealing has gone on behind the scenes at Clinton this summer. They bring a very young and exciting squad into this season with plenty of players not having experienced premier rugby before. There is a smattering of experienced players in key positions who will be key to forming combinations and leading from the front. Plenty to be excited about at the Stables for this season, but most definitely the future.

Coaches: Mark Wells & Rhiane Smith

Manager: Tim Grant

Assistant manager: Jake Williams

Medics: Tracey Burnet and Glynn Lawrence

Captain: TBC

Player gains: Macrae Sanderson, Ben Witt, Callum Maze, Mike Luxmoore, Jake Heslop, Jed Gollan, Blake Dodds, Garrett Flack, Ryan Soper, Sean Anderson, James Bereicua, Jimmy Sinclair, Marcus Frost.

Player losses: James Matheson, Jake Williams, Mitch Turner, Glynn Lawrence, Marcus Parker, Fletcher...