BAY OF PLENTY

Mike Delany was an innovative, attacking first-five who played 75 games for the Steamers and was an All Black in 2009. Now the 40-year-old is stepping up from assistant coach to be the new head coach of the Steamers.

“Look, I’m really excited. Obviously, they are big shoes to fill with Clayton (McMillan) being pretty successful here over the years,” says Delany. “Hopefully we can play some rugby that our supporters can be proud of this year. It all starts with getting the environment right, building a unique team culture, and getting the right people involved with the right character.” Delany also has a new coaching team with former Steamers players Damian Karauna and Pingi Tala’apitaga joining up with former Hurricanes assistant Richard Watt. They will want more consistency in performances. Last season, the Steamers used 58 players and finished outside the play-offs with just three wins from eight games. Kurt Eklund was a revelation in Super Rugby Pacific. The first hooker to score a hat trick for the Blues has cemented his place among the nation’s top-rated rakes. He will captain the Steamers for the first time this season. Justin Sangster had a debut season to remember last year and was picked up by the Hurricanes. The highly skilled lock will form a strong second-row with Māori All Black Manaaki Selby-Rickit. “(Sangster) is very diligent about his work and his preparation. He just showed what can happen when you get stuck in and give it a go,” says Delany. “It was great last year to get him involved as a local boy and to see him succeed for the Hurricanes was awesome.”

First-five Otere Black has departed for Japan but the Steamers are fortunate to have one of the best young talents in the country ready to take over the jersey. Lucas Cashmore debuted last season for the Steamers and earlier this year guided New Zealand Under-20s to a demolition of Australia. Chiefs utility Kaleb Trask is equally adept playing at 10 or 15 but with Chase Tiatia jumping ship to join Hawke’s Bay, it may be Trask or brilliant attacker Emoni Narawa who takes the fullback role.

STEAMERS halfback LEROY CARTER fires out a pass.

Another departure is halfback Luke Campbell to Manawatū. The Steamers moved quickly for Luke Donaldson (Canterbury 2020–2021) and former Scotland halfback Jamie Dobie to join sevens star Leroy Carter. Openside flanker Jacob Norris arrives from Tasman. The 23-year-old Māori All Black grew up in Tauranga. Nigel Ah Wong and Anaru Rangi are experienced campaigners who will be excellent additions to the squad. Ah Wong is a powerful, ball-carrying midfielder who has had a long career in Japan, while Rangi is a dynamic hooker who returns from Japan after making his name in Super Rugby with the Rebels and Force.

EMONI NARAWA pushes off a Waikato defender.

COACH: MIKE DELANY HOME GROUND: TAURANGA DOMAIN ADDRESS:

PO BOX 4058, MOUNT MAUNGANUI

PHONE: 07 574 2037 WEBSITE: www.boprugby.co.nz TICKETS: boprugby.flicket.co.nz EMAIL: reception@boprugby.co.nz