Latest news with #NationalProvincialChampionship
West Australian
14-05-2025
- Sport
- West Australian
Super Rugby Pacific: Western Force hand unknown fly-half Alex Harford a start against Fijian Drua
Western Force have wrung the changes — including a shock move at fly-half — ahead of their clash away to Fijian Drua, as travel factors and frequent time zone changes bite. Coach Simon Cron has turned to little-known, injury-cover five-eighth Alex Harford, who has never played a Super Rugby game and only has six National Provincial Championship starts in New Zealand to his name. Harford got the nod over Max Burey, with Ben Donaldson named as a reserve. After flying from New Zealand back to Perth and then to Fiji via Melbourne, Saturday's game at Churchill Park in Lautoka will be their second game in a row to come after a four-hour time-zone change. And with a flight back to Perth next week to host the Waratahs, meaning another four-hour time zone change and last Saturday's defensively gruelling loss to the Brumbies, Cron is not risking any injuries. 'We always knew there were some real challenges in the draw this season. Out of the last five games, four of them have four-hour time zone shifts, and each one of those involves anywhere between 11-17 hours travel door-to-door, so we must maximise our chances of success,' Cron said. 'To do that, we have tried to rotate some squad members who we feel are most at risk due to high minutes or lots of travel. 'This also gives other players in our squad a chance to step up which is critical for the long-term success of the club.' Winger Harry Potter, scrum-half Nic White and centre Hamish Stewart have not made the trip at all alongside injured flanker Carlo Tizzano. Further blows have come in the form of the unavailability of Nick Champion de Crespigny (head injury protocols) and Lopeti Faifua (calf). There are some reinforcements though, with Wallabies hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa named on the bench after missing the past four games with an ankle injury. Homegrown centre Reesjan Pasitoa returns to the starting side for the first time since round five, while Reed Prinsep and Sio Tomkinson also come into the 15 after coming off the bench in the 33-14 loss to the Brumbies. There are also spots on the bench for scrum-half Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, lock Sam Carter and back-rower Titi Nofoagatotoa. Bayley Kuenzle moves to the wing in the absence of Potter, while Kurtley Beale and Mac Grealy round out the back three with George Poolman as a reserve. Western Force vs Fijian Drua (11.35am Saturday, Churchill Park) Ryan Coxon, Nic Dolly, Tom Robertson Jeremy Williams (c), Darcy Swain Will Harris, Kane Koteka, Reed Prinsep Henry Robertson, Alex Harford Reesjan Pasitoa, Sio Tomkinson Mac Grealy, Bayley Kuenzle, Kurtley Beale Reserves: Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Atu Moli, Tiaan Tauakipulu, Sam Carter, Titi Nofoagatotoa, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Ben Donaldson, George Poolman.
West Australian
13-05-2025
- Sport
- West Australian
Asiata rises out of shadows in Reds' time of need
Richie Asiata jokes that you'd see him trailing in the background if you look up highlights of his star-studded high school rugby side. It was more of the same at the Queensland Reds last year when the injured hooker watched fellow No.2s Matt Faessler and Josh Nasser earn their Test caps. Things have changed dramatically in 2025 though, the 29-year-old at one point the only fit, capped player in his position. He's thriving as the Reds' leading try-scorer, with seven, and talking down his prospects of a shock Wallabies call-up for the British and Irish Lions visit. "Pretty lucky to play in that team," he said of his undefeated 2014 GPS powerhouse Churchie team that featured Kalyn Ponga, Brodie Croft, Liam Wright, Izaia Perese and other future professional standouts. "Just happy to be there to be honest ... you look at the highlights, you always see me in the background." Asiata credits his 2025 form to an off-season stint with Northland in New Zealand's National Provincial Championship that got minutes in the legs of a player struck down three times by knee injuries and then by a neck complaint. "I just wanted to get back playing again," he said ahead of Saturday's crucial Super Rugby clash with the ACT Brumbies in Canberra. "The boys were playing the house down and knew I had to catch up. "You always play your type of game and when you get your chance, make sure you make it last. "So I'm just trying to last out here until the boys come back." Faessler (hamstring) is unlikely to play again for the Reds this season while Nasser returned via the bench in last week's tight defeat of the NSW Waratahs. The pair both scored against the Waratahs, Asiata enjoying the Reds' rolling maul dominance this year after a schoolboy career at Churchie spent keeping up with his flying backs. The Reds, assured of a finals berth but chasing a top-three finish and a home quarter-final, are five points behind the third-placed Crusaders. The Brumbies are two points further ahead in second, but have played one more game than both the Reds and Crusaders. Saturday's result will have major finals implications with just two regular-season rounds to play. "It's massive for us ... we lost here (in Brisbane) against Brumbies, we want to get one over them," Asiata said of Saturday's high-stakes clash. "We'll take it game by game and wherever we land in the finals we'll be ready to go."
Perth Now
13-05-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
Asiata rises out of shadows in Reds' time of need
Richie Asiata jokes that you'd see him trailing in the background if you look up highlights of his star-studded high school rugby side. It was more of the same at the Queensland Reds last year when the injured hooker watched fellow No.2s Matt Faessler and Josh Nasser earn their Test caps. Things have changed dramatically in 2025 though, the 29-year-old at one point the only fit, capped player in his position. He's thriving as the Reds' leading try-scorer, with seven, and talking down his prospects of a shock Wallabies call-up for the British and Irish Lions visit. "Pretty lucky to play in that team," he said of his undefeated 2014 GPS powerhouse Churchie team that featured Kalyn Ponga, Brodie Croft, Liam Wright, Izaia Perese and other future professional standouts. "Just happy to be there to be honest ... you look at the highlights, you always see me in the background." Asiata credits his 2025 form to an off-season stint with Northland in New Zealand's National Provincial Championship that got minutes in the legs of a player struck down three times by knee injuries and then by a neck complaint. "I just wanted to get back playing again," he said ahead of Saturday's crucial Super Rugby clash with the ACT Brumbies in Canberra. "The boys were playing the house down and knew I had to catch up. "You always play your type of game and when you get your chance, make sure you make it last. "So I'm just trying to last out here until the boys come back." Faessler (hamstring) is unlikely to play again for the Reds this season while Nasser returned via the bench in last week's tight defeat of the NSW Waratahs. The pair both scored against the Waratahs, Asiata enjoying the Reds' rolling maul dominance this year after a schoolboy career at Churchie spent keeping up with his flying backs. The Reds, assured of a finals berth but chasing a top-three finish and a home quarter-final, are five points behind the third-placed Crusaders. The Brumbies are two points further ahead in second, but have played one more game than both the Reds and Crusaders. Saturday's result will have major finals implications with just two regular-season rounds to play. "It's massive for us ... we lost here (in Brisbane) against Brumbies, we want to get one over them," Asiata said of Saturday's high-stakes clash. "We'll take it game by game and wherever we land in the finals we'll be ready to go."
The 42
09-05-2025
- Sport
- The 42
Connacht announce signing of Sam Gilbert from Highlanders
CONNACHT HAVE ANNOUNCED the signing of New Zealander Sam Gilbert from Super Rugby side the Highlanders, ahead of next season. The 26-year-old has made 56 Super Rugby appearances for the Dunedin-based outfit, scoring over 320 points including 13 tries. Advertisement Gilbert has primarily played as a full-back, but has also featured at inside centre, on the wing or out-half. He began his provincial career with Canterbury, before his Super Rugby debut with the Highlanders arrived in 2020. Meet the newest member of the crew 🫡 🇳🇿 Welcome to Connacht, Sam Gilbert! 💥 — Connacht Rugby (@connachtrugby) May 9, 2025 Last year he palyed twice for the All Blacks XV representative side, coming off the bench against Japan in both games, while he has also featured in recent years for Otago in the National Provincial Championship. 'I'm delighted to be joining Connacht Rugby and take on a new challenge,' said Gilbert. 'I've loved my time with the Highlanders and will always be grateful for what the club has done for me! After speaking with Connacht I believe this is the perfect club for me moving forward in my career. 'They play a brand of rugby that is entertaining and exactly how I want to play the game, and I know there's the new HPC and stadium which looks incredibly exciting too. I can't wait to make the move, get settled in the province and meet my new teammates and wider staff and supporters in the months ahead.'
RTÉ News
09-05-2025
- Sport
- RTÉ News
Connacht sign Sam Gilbert from Highlanders
Connacht have signed of New Zealander Sam Gilbert from the Highlanders ahead of the 2025/26 season. The 26-year old arrives with a wealth of experience at the highest level of southern hemisphere rugby. He has made 56 Super Rugby appearances for the Dunedin-based outfit, scoring over 320 points including 13 tries. Gilbert has primarily played as a full-back with kicking responsibilities this season, but can play at inside centre, the wing or out-half. He began his provincial career with Canterbury where he played mainly as an out-half. He made his Super Rugby debut with the Highlanders in 2020, starting on the wing in the first round of Super Rugby Aotearora. Since then he has been an ever-present feature in the Highlanders matchday squad, making 45 starts. In 2024 he made two appearances for the All Blacks XV representative side, coming off the bench against Japan in both games. From 2020-2024 he also featured regularly for Otago in the National Provincial Championship, with 6 tries across 27 starts. Sam's @SuperRugby stats this season 🏉🇳🇿 #OneConnacht — Connacht Rugby (@connachtrugby) May 9, 2025 Gilbert said: "I'm delighted to be joining Connacht Rugby and take on a new challenge. "I've loved my time with the Highlanders and will always be grateful for what the club has done for me. "After speaking with Connacht I believe this is the perfect club for me moving forward in my career. "They play a brand of rugby that is entertaining and exactly how I want to play the game, and I know there's the new HPC and stadium which looks incredibly exciting too. "I can't wait to make the move, get settled in the province and meet my new team-mates and wider staff and supporters in the months ahead." Connacht sit 14th in the URC table with two games remaining. They host Edinburgh at the Dexcom Stadium tomorrow at 7.35pm.
