Four more key resignings add stability to Otago squad
Otago rugby
OTAGO is on track to have its most stable NPC squad in years with the announcement of four more key resignings yesterday.
Three Highlanders and one member of the Melbourne Rebels will bring Super Rugby experience, power and pace to Otago as it seeks to win a first national title in 24 years.
Highlanders tighthead prop Jermaine Ainsley and midfield back Thomas UmagaJensen have both signed twoyear deals to stay in blue and gold.
Another midfielder, Raymond Nu’u, will return to Otago on a oneyear deal after his rookie season in Melbourne.
And, in a longterm investment that shows the union very much
Confirmed signings
Forwards: Liam Coltman, Jermaine Ainsley, Saula Ma’u, Josh Hohneck, Tau Koloamatangi, Abraham Pole, Josh Dickson, Will Tucker, Fabian Holland, Sam Fischli, James Lentjes, Christian LioWillie, Sean Withy. Backs: James Arscott, Kayne Hammington, Nathan Hastie, Josh Ioane, Cameron Millar, Raymond Nu’u, Thomas UmagaJensen, Sam Gilbert, Vilimoni Koroi, Jona Nareki.
believes a young man will be a cornerstone of the scrum for some time, fledgling Highlanders prop Saula Ma’u has been given a threeyear deal.
Ma’u initially appeared for Otago as an 18yearold in 2019, his first year after leaving Auckland Grammar.
The behemoth bookend then missed the next two campaigns as he battled injury, but he has looked promising for the Highlanders in his cameo appearances this season.
‘‘It has been awesome to see Saula finally back playing after a long two years being on the sidelines,’’ Otago coach Tom Donnelly said.
‘‘We are stoked to have him on board for the next three seasons. He is definitely a frontrower to watch.’’
Ainsley, who is eligible for the All Blacks after previously playing tests for the Wallabies, is the No 1 tighthead at the Highlanders and continues to improve his allround game.
‘‘Jermaine has also been outstanding so far this year in Super Rugby for the Highlanders and he is a very dependable and experienced player to have secured in our front row,’’ Donnelly said.
Likewise, UmagaJensen is a guaranteed starter for the Highlanders, and will be lethal at NPC level if he can stay healthy.
Donnelly said UmagaJensen had been ‘‘dominating’’ at the top level and Otago was confident he would bring the same level of intensity and power to the NPC.
Nu’u has been something of a rugby nomad in recent times but he will return from Melbourne for another campaign with Otago, which did not have any midfielders on the books before he and UmagaJensen put pen to paper.
‘‘Ray has been carving up over the ditch for the Melbourne Rebels and we can’t wait to see him showcase those new learnings and skills in the Otago jersey for 2022,’’ Donnelly said.
All four resigned players have affiliations to local clubs: Ainsley to AlhambraUnion, Ma’u to Harbour, Nu’u to Green Island, and UmagaJensen to Otago University.
There are now 22 players on full Otago contracts, and young first five Cameron Millar on a development deal.
Otago still needs another hooker and cover in the midfield and outside backs.