SC squad selected to defend Heartland title

A squad of 31 players has been named for South Canterbury’s defence of the Heartland rugby championship.

The squad, named after Saturday’s senior grand final won by Celtic 22-18 over Waimate, features 17 forwards and 14 backs.

Celtic supply nine players, Waimate and Temuka six each, Harlequins four, Mackenzie two and Pleasant Point one.

The three others are origin player Melvin Pauni, a former Timaru Boys’ High School hooker who plays for Belfast in Christchurch, and loan players midfield backs Zach McKay (Canterbury) and Sam Briggs (Tasman Makos) who played last year.

South Canterbury’s defence begins at home on August 20 in a repeat of the 2021 grand final against Thames Valley. The game will be played at Temuka Domain and will be live on Sky Sport.

SC squad

Forwards: Tokomaata Fakatava (Waimate), Vaka Taelaga (Temuka), Garrett Casey (Celtic), Graison Dale (Celtic), Keagan Grey (Pleasant Point), Connor Anderson (Celtic), Melvin Pauni (Belfast, origin), Anthony Amato (Waimate), Henry Bryce (Waimate), Eteine Van Zyl (Temuka), Solomone Lavaka (Temuka), Cam Russell (Mackenzie), Nick Strachan (Celtic), Tangi Savelio (Temuka), Loni Toumohuni (Waimate), Siu Kakala (Harlequins), Aporosa Oata (Celtic).

Backs: Theo Davidson (Waimate), Willie Wright (Celtic), Sekope Maea (Celtic), Paula Fifita (Harlequins), Miles Medlicott (Waimate), Zac Saunders (Celtic), Sainivalati Ramuwai (Mackenzie), Kalavini Leatigaga (Temuka), Sireli Buliruarua (Harlequins), Tomasi Bikaca (Celtic), Liueli Simote (Temuka), Lisate Folau (Harlequins).

Loan players: Zach McKay (Canterbury), Sam Briggs (Tasman).

Unavailable due to injury: Junior Faavae (Temuka), Senio Samisonio (Temuka).