Mako players aplenty as Super Rugby start nears

The Tasman Mako will be particularly well represented when Super Rugby Pacific kicks off on Friday.

ious national squads, there is sure to be a wide array of Super Rugby talent for the Tasman selectors to call on in 2023.

same vision and helped support us get this tournament of the ground. It was an awesome outcome.

“Massive thanks to Stats NZ for their assistance and support … promoting Pasifika participation in the census 2023, plus Tasman Nelson Pasifika Community Trust for their support and the Te Piki Oranga team from Nelson for promoting Vaccination against Measles at the event.

“It was great to see a lot of people utilize their services. Also, thanks to Marlborough Boys’ College for providing us with their ground and facilities, our incredible Tasman referees plus all the teams, supporters and communities that helped make this tournament a success,” he added.

Twenty-eight players from the top of the south union will line up across seven different sides. The majority will be part of South Island franchises, the Crusaders and Highlanders, plus the Moana Pasifika side.

Nine Mako players will turn out for the champion Crusaders, plus prop Kershawl Sykes Martin who is likely to stay with the champs as part of their training group, while eight players from Tasman will front up for the Highlanders. Five players are included in the Moana Pasifika roster.

Newcomers to the competition include winger Macca Springer and halfback Noah Hotham, who are with the Crusaders, plus prop Luca Inch who gets his chance with the Highlanders. With the Rugby World Cup to be staged in France later in the year, the focus will be firmly on international competition.

Although several potential Mako are expected to be included in var-

Tasman players in Super Rugby Pacific sides:

Crusaders: Quinten Strange, Ethan Blackadder, Sione Havili Talitui, Noah Hotham, David Havili, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Macca Springer, Sevu Reece, Will Jordan.

Highlanders: Andrew Makalio, Max Hicks, Hugh Renton, Mitch Hunt, Pari Pari Parkinson, Fetuli Paea, Luca Inch, Shannon Frizell

Chiefs: Atu Moli, Alex Nankivell.

Hurricanes: Tyrel Lomax.

Blues: Anton Segner, Finlay Christie.

Fijian Drua: Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta.

Moana Pasifika: Sam Moli, Tomasi Alosio, William Havili, Levi Aumua, Timoci Tavatavanawai.

Western Force: Campbell Parata

In week one, the Crusaders meet the Chiefs in Christchurch (Friday night), Moana Pasifika play the Fijian Drua in Auckland, the Highlanders take on the Blues in Dunedin while the Hurricanes travel to Townsville to play the Reds.

Monday

RUMMY-0 CLUB Mon 12.30-4pm Bowls club rooms, Weld St. Ph Joy 577 6191/Mary 5788747

BLENHEIM BEGINNER LINE DANCE CLASSES Mon

2-3pm and Mon 6-7pm. First lesson free, then $6 per lesson after that. Senior Citizen’s Hall, 172 High St. Ph Judith 5787554 or 0212341095

BLENHEIM SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING Mon

7.30pm Whitney St School Hall. No partners needed. Beginners welcome. Ph Heather 02102587325.

MARLBOROUGH GUILD OF WOODWORKERS Mon 9am-12pm, 7-9pm. Wed 9am-12pm. Sat 9am-12pm. Wooden toys & projects. 1st Sun monthly 1-4pm. Brayshaw Park. Ph Philip 5705188.

CARE & SHARE A place for creatives to meet, encourage & share their skills. Mon 9.30am fortnightly. Barnies, Nativity (76 Alfred St). Ph 5783909 for more info.

ROTARY CLUBS in Blenheim, meet Mon & Tues 5.30pm. World-wide service club for men & women, doing great things in your community. For info on meeting venues. Ph Blenheim Club Secretary Andy Rowe 021842928. Blenheim South Club Secretary Dean Heiford 0212462642.

Tuesday

SAYGO Exercise & Balance for Seniors. 11.30am12.30pm. Ph Diana Brooks Eldercare Coordinator 0212694198 or email diana@stchristophers.co.nz for more info.

MARLBOROUGH HERB SOCIETY Meets 4th Tues of month. 7pm, various locations. Promote use, educate & identification of herbs. Text only Meredith 0272122773.

SUNBELT TOASTMASTERS Learn public speaking & improve your confidence. Tues 6.20pm Fortnightly. St Mary’s Community Centre. Ph 0276001788 or email sunbeltblenheim@gmail.com

RED HAT SOCIETY The Kiwi Damsels in De-Stress are part of a worldwide organization for women to enjoy fun, laughter & friendship. A specific dress code is part of the fun. This daytime group meets twice a month on the 1st & 3rd Tues mornings. Ph Tina 0211045945.

MARLBOROUGH TENNIS CLUB Parker St. Tues 8.3012pm. Social tennis. Morning tea 10am. Non-members

$5. All welcome. Ph Joanna 0275786436

SIT AND BE FIT Tues & Thurs 1.15pm Cost $2. Contact Riversdale Community House 5780469 or 0223007342.

BLENHEIM CHORAL (Marlborough Singers) Tues, 7pm, Wesley Centre, Henry St. New members welcome, no auditions necessary. www.marlboroughsingers.org.

BLENHEIM AIR TRAINING CORP Tues 6.30-9pm RNZAF Base Woodbourne. Recruiting new cadets aged between 13 & 15 for 2023. For more info email: 27sqn@ cadetforces.org.nz

KNITTERS & SPINNERS Meet up Tues 10am, Picton library. Bring your knitting to the library for this social catch-up.

PICTON TABLE TENNIS for adults Tues 10am-12noon. Little Theatre, Picton. $4 per session. Meet people & get some exercise. Morning tea provided. New members welcome. Ph Ernest 0275888453.