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Otago Daily Times
01-08-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Different jersey, same focus for Stag Day victor
Charlie Powell has a perfect record on Stag Day. Granted, he did play for Southland last season and helped them wrestle the Donald Stuart Memorial Trophy off Otago on Southland rugby's biggest day of the year. He plans to be part of the heist again — but this time to bring it back to Dunedin. The 25-year-old Englishman has switched allegiances. He loved his time in Southland, but the utility back has signed with Otago and has a unique insight into how much the game means to Southlanders. "I was lucky to get a Stag Day last year. It was awesome and I'm trying to get a win again this year," he said. "It's a massive day. The Southland supporters are probably the best I've ever experienced, so I know a little bit what to expect, but it's good. "I'm very excited." Yeah, Powell might not get such a warm reception now that he is in blue and gold rather than maroon. The rivalry has always been strong, but the Stag Day promotion has put more of a spotlight on the traditional fixture. The Southland fans bring enormous passion and they have been loyal through some very lean years. Powell said the best way to counter the fans' passion tomorrow afternoon was to remain focused. "I think for us as players, we're just focused on doing our roles on the pitch. "I've heard very good things about the Otago supporters too, so I think it'll be a pretty hostile environment." Powell grew up in Bristol and spent about seven years signed with the Bristol Bears. He did not always play and spent a year on loan to the Jersey Reds. When the chance to play for the Stags came up, he jumped at it. It was an opportunity to see some of the world and play rugby at a high level. He had a stint with the Manly Marlins in the Shute Shield this year, but has returned to New Zealand. "I'm not going to hide the fact that I'd absolutely love to play Super Rugby. I want to play the highest level I can play. I'm naturally pretty competitive. "For me, it's just chasing the highest level of rugby I can play. Chasing the best version and quality I can bring myself." The chasing starts again tomorrow. Veteran utility back Scott Gregory has been named on the left wing for Southland and Powell is on the right for Otago. Otago livewire Jona Nareki has been given the assignment to mark Southland speedster Michael Manson on the other wing. Those two are specialist wingers, whereas Powell and Gregory can play in the centres as well. The versatility tag is a mixed blessing. It can often mean a spot on the bench to cover several positions. But Powell is keen to embrace his opportunity on the right wing. Josh Whaanga is sidelined for at least two more weeks, so Powell will get first dibs at the No14. "I see it [my versatility] as a strength. For me, when I'm on the wing, I know what I want from my 13. "I've got a better appreciation when I'm on the wing of what the 13 wants to do as well. It's definitely rounded my game off nicely." While Powell will do his best, the game might be decided at the breakdown. The Stags have a quality loose forward trio of Semisi Tupou-Ta'eiloa, Sean Withy and Sam Fischli, who played for Otago last year. Otago have All Blacks No 8 Christian Lio-Willie in their loose forward mix and he will be supported by Harry Taylor and Will Stodart. Harry will be playing against his younger brother Jack Taylor again, who will start at hooker. Little brother has the bragging rights.
BBC News
05-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- BBC News
Rugby player Van Breda gets Jersey cricket call-up
Former Jersey Reds and Worcester rugby player Scott van Breda has been called up to the Jersey cricket is set to make his international debut in the inter-island T20 series against Guernsey which starts on 33-year-old South African plays domestically for Farmers Cricket Club and helped them win the European Cricket League in former Western Province Under-19 player is eligible to play for Jersey having lived on the island for more than three years. He joined Jersey Reds for a second spell in 2021 and has stayed playing rugby for amateur side Jersey RFC after the Championship club went bust in joining the squad are Nick Greenwood, Zak Tribe and Harrison Carlyon, who have spent the winter playing in the southern three-game series with Guernsey takes on added significance as the two sides will face one another in the final round of European qualifying for the next T20 World Cup in August."Scott has impressed with his consistency, athleticism and strong start to the season - he thoroughly deserves his place in the side," said Jersey's director of cricket Paul Hutchison."Whenever Jersey play Guernsey, it's never just another match. It's about pride, tradition and representing your island with everything you've got. "The players know exactly what this fixture means to our supporters - and with World Cup ambitions on the horizon, it's also a crucial opportunity to build momentum and make a statement before the qualifiers begin."Jersey squad:Charles Perchard (capt), Dan Birrell, Charlie Brennan, Harrison Carlyon, Patrick Gouge (wkt), Nick Greenwood, Jonty Jenner, Stan Norman, Will Perchard, Theo Pullman, Julius Sumerauer, Zak Tribe, Scott van Breda.
BBC News
30-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Long-serving winger Wedlake to leave Cornish Pirates
Cornish Pirates winger Robin Wedlake is to leave the club at the end of the 30-year-old has scored 46 tries in 120 appearances during two spells at the Mennaye. The former Plymouth Albion player left the club in the summer of 2023 to join then-Championship champions Jersey Reds, but re-joined Pirates later that year after the island side folded "After seven incredible seasons with the Cornish Pirates, I've made the difficult decision to move on and embrace a new chapter in my life and career," Wedlake told the club website. "Representing this club has been a great privilege – both on and off the field."I'm immensely proud of what we've achieved over the years and deeply grateful to both Gavin (Cattle) and Alan (Paver), staff, team-mates, and most of all, the supporters, who have made my time in Penzance so special. "The passion and unwavering support of the Pirates family will always stay with me."Joint head coach Gavin Cattle said: "Robin has been a very good servant to the club who, as a big and athletic physical specimen, has scored some outstanding tries in a Pirates shirt."Also, a good man off the field, we sincerely thank him for his contributions." The news comes as young Cornish forwards Milo Hallam and Barnaby Elderkin have both agreed deals to stay at the club next has played twice this season while Elderkin made his debut in the Premiership Rugby Cup.
BBC News
22-04-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Cornish Pirates prop Young signs new deal
Cornish Pirates prop Billy Young has signed a new deal to stay with the Championship club for the 2025-26 25-year-old has been a key figure in the Pirates side this season, featuring in every game and making 14 is the latest player to commit to the club for next season, following on from Dan Hiscocks and Josh moved to the club in November 2023, having become a free agent after Jersey Reds folded."I'm delighted to be involved for another season with the Pirates," he told the club website., external"It's a great club with fantastic support and I truly believe we are building something special for next season."
