Mitchell set to don Southland colours again
The appeal of lining up alongside his brother in the Stags front-row is a key factor in Brayden Mitchell deciding to return home to play for Southland in the 2015 national provincial championship competition.
The former New Zealand under-20 hooker played 21 games for Southland from 2009 to 2012 before he opted to link up with Waikato, where he played the next two provincial seasons.
The 26-year-old has decided to return home to Southland, signing with Rugby Southland last month. He was joined by his younger brother Morgan last week on the contract list when he also signed again with the union.
Mitchell senior said he was excited about playing for Southland again and also lining up with his younger brother.
‘‘That was a big incentive, to come home and play with my brother. Obviously the old lady will enjoy us playing on the same team rather than against each other,’’ he said.
The only time the two Gore brothers have lined up in the same team previously, was when they played for a Barbarians team against the Highlanders at Rugby Park in Invercargill last year.
‘‘We were only on for one scrum together and that was about it. I’ve played against him a bit in club footy with Star against the Barbaas, but that is about it.’’
Mitchell is currently part of the Hurricanes squad and will return to Invercargill following the Super Rugby season.
Mitchell’s signing adds to Southland’s strong hooking stocks.
Veteran hookers Jason Rutledge and David Hall are again pushing for a spot in the Stags squad, while Dillan Halaholo and Sam Stewart are regarded the promising young hookers in the province at the moment.
Talemaitoga Tuapati was the frontline Stags hooker last year but is expected to head overseas to play, and to add to that is likely to be part of the Fijian World Cup squad.
Morgan Mitchell is one of three props who have signed to date with Southland for 2015, with JP Koen and Jamie Mackintosh already locked in.
Mitchell is in just his second full season playing at tight-head prop and has impressed with his abilities around the field.
If he can continue to progress his scrummaging he could be a real threat for the Stags.