Waikato Rugby Divisional squad named for four-match campaign
The 2022 Waikato Rugby Divisional team has been selected for a fourmatch campaign starting August 27.
The side is supported, funded and led by the Waikato Rugby division one clubs and is a chance for loyal division one players to get a taste of representative rugby against other provincial teams.
Waikato’s division one club sides are Frankton, Hinuera, Leamington, O¯ haupo¯ , Pirongia, Puta¯ ruru, Southern United, Suburbs, Taupiri and Te Rapa.
The inaugural Waikato Divisional team was selected in 2021 with the help of former Waikato, Chiefs, Hurricanes and Ireland halfback Isaac Boss (Southern United player/ president) and ex-Whanganui rep Jordan Farrington (O¯ haupo¯ coach).
“For the players it’s an opportunity for them to represent their clubs as well as putting on a Waikato jersey and getting a feel and sense of representative rugby — that’s a pretty special feeling,” says Farrington.
The 2021 games had the Waikato Divisional side play against Thames Valley Development and North Harbour Development, with their other games cancelled due to Covid.
“Last year was a success around seeing the players come together from different clubs and enjoy each other’s company. It was a success also in the fact that they got to play against some contracted professional players in the North Harbour Development team,” says Farrington.
The 2022 team will take on Counties Manukau Ma¯ori at Karaka (August 27), King Country Development at Tokoroa (September 3), Thames Valley Emerging Talent at Hinuera (September 10) and North Harbour Development at Willoughby Park in Hamilton (September 17).
2022 Waikato Divisional Squad: James McLuskie, James Palmer (Frankton), Angus Kelly, Lachie McLaren, Pete Smit (Hinuera), James Fraser, Jonah Haycock, Liam
Rickwood (Leamington), Alfie Broughton, Chris Ferguson, Taylor Hayes, Queyst Michael-Tapu, Dylan Samson, Scott Thomas, Bronson Wilson-Beech (O¯ haupo¯ ), Stan Rhind (Pirongia), Damon Putt (Puta¯ ruru), Matt Crum, Maauga lamanu, Hamiora Mihaka, Mason Nestor, James Sutherland, Jemaine Waea-Allan (Southern United — SURF), Kees Anderson, Brad Burkhart, Andrew Carney, Ollie Main, Keelan McMullen (Suburbs), Oliver Houghton, Joshua Kautai (Taupiri), James Wilson (Te Rapa). Co-coaches: Jacob Kelly (Frankton), Chris Tane (Suburbs). Campaign Managers: Isaac Boss (SURF), Jordan Farrington (O¯ haupo¯ ).