Yarrows Taranaki Bulls coach Willie Rickards has named his squad for the upcoming Mitre10 Cup campaign, including the signing of former All Blacks and Chiefs halfback Brendan Leonard.

Along with Leonard, exciting New Zealand U20 halfback Xavier Roe will join the Yarrows Taranaki Bulls in 2018.

The decision to sign additional halfback cover has been due to the selection of Te Toiroa Tahuiorangi into the All Blacks squad for the upcoming Investec Rugby Championship.

The two notable signings will complement the existing squad members, most returning to defend the coveted Ranfurly Shield this year.

Head coach Willie Rickards said Leonard will add significant experience to the squad.

“To sign someone of Brendan’s calibre is exciting, he brings a great wealth of rugby knowledge to the team and will complement our two young half backs”

“Additionally, it’s great to have most of last year’s squad returning. Having familiar combinations and personalities are critical to ensure that we start the competition strong” he said.

Born and bred Taranaki prop Chris Gawler will also return to the province after playing in Canterbury while studying at Lincoln University.

Highlanders midfielder Tehorangi Walden has also come home to fill the gap after Charlie Ngatai’s exit overseas.

“We will always leave places for local players to return home” Rickards said.

“We like to replace like for like and that’s where Tehorangi comes into the fold. He has been a consistent performer for the Highlanders and Otago for a few years now and we are lucky to have him”.

Returning for Taranaki is lock Jarrad Hoeata, Chiefs and former Bay of Plenty loose forward Jesse Parete and wing Latu Vaeno who was on loan to Otago last year.

Prop Angus Ta’avao also returns for the amber and blacks and will lead the side as Captain.

Injured Super Rugby players Mitchell Graham (ankle), Mitchell Brown (knee), Finn Hoeata (shoulder), Marty McKenzie (hip) and Sean Wainui (shoulder) have been listed in the squad but are all unavailable for the season.

The Bulls play their final pre-season match against Waikato in Otorohanga on Friday afternoon before having a camp in Taupo.

Their first game is against Bay of Plenty in Rotorua on Saturday August 18, before the first home Ranfurly Shield defence against Manawatu on Friday August 24.

2018 Yarrows Taranaki Bulls Mitre10 Cup Squad:

Beauden Barrett, Jordie Barrett, Scott Barrett, Lachlan Boshier, Mitchell Brown, Mitchell Croswell, Logan Crowley, Tom Florence, Chris Gawler, Mitchell Graham, Toa Halafihi, Fin Hoeata, Jarrad Hoeata, Jack Jordan, Brendan Leonard, Avon Lewis, Donald Maka, Manasa Mataele, Ciarhan Matoe, Marty McKenzie, Scott Mellow, Kiniviliame Naholo, Waisake Naholo, Brayton Northcott-Hill, Reuben O’Neill, Jesse Parete, Stephen Perofeta, Jayson Potroz, Leighton Price, Jared Proffit, Ricky Riccitelli, Xavier Roe, Bradley Slater, Asaeli Sorovaki, Pita Sowakula, Kyle Stewart, Angus Ta’avao, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Seta Tamanivalu, Kane Thompson, Latu Vaeno, Tupou Vaai, Beaudein Waaka, Sean Wainui, Daniel Waite, Tehorangi Walden, Adrian Wyrill. Head Coach: Willie RickardsAssistant Coaches: Leo Crowley, Paul TitoSkills Coach: Tim StuckManager: Dean Spicer

2018 Yarrows Taranaki Bulls Mitre 1O Cup Fixtures:

Saturday 18 August v Bay of Plenty – Rotorua International Stadium, 7:35pmFriday 24 August v Manawatu – Yarrow Stadium 7:45pmWednesday 29 August v Counties Manukau – Ecolight Stadium, 7:35pmSunday 2 September v Northland – Toll Stadium, 4:35pmSunday 9 September v Waikato – Yarrow Stadium, 4:35pmFriday 14 September v Tasman – Trafalgar Park, 7:45pmSaturday 22 September v Auckland – Yarrow Stadium, 7:35pmSaturday 29 September v North Harbour – Yarrow Stadium, 5:05pmSaturday 6 October v Canterbury – AMI Stadium, 7:35pmFriday 12 October v Wellington – Yarrow Stadium, 7:35pm

-ENDS-

For more information, please contact;Will JohnstonTRFU Media Manager0273483831will@trfu.co.nz

Article added: 08 August 2018