A Kiwi rugby trial lies in store for more than 12 Australian rugby union players who have ‘crossed’ the Tasman in search of more game time.
Perth-based Western Force are sending 10 players to NZ in the hopes the group can play up to 10 regular and finals games.
Their former Wallaby winger, Darby Lancaster, will also play for Hawkes Bay for two seasons and will join the Auckland Blues for the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season.
NZ Rugby’s National Provincial Championship (the NPC) runs from July 30 to October 24 with women’s and rural competitions running alongside it; the season kicked off on Thursday night (NZ time) and is being shown live in Australia on Stan Sport.
The Force says the move will allow their top club players to train and possibly play for the WA side in the upcoming four-team Super Rugby AUS competition later this year alongside new recruits Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Wallace Charlie and Aden Ekanayake.
KIWI CONDITIONING FOR PLAYERS
Head coach Simon Cron says of the Kiwi posting: “This is a targeted strategy to build our overall squad depth.
“There are players in our environment who didn’t get as many minutes in Super Rugby who need to be challenged both physically and mentally.
“The NPC provides high-quality, physical match minutes in a fresh environment, ensuring these players return with greater experience and ready to push for Super Rugby selection.”
(The NPC also incorporates a challenge competition for the Ranfurly Shield and is celebrating 50 years in 2026).
Cron says the players’ absence is “equally exciting” for Perth club players.
“With those players away during the Super Rugby AUS window, we are actively integrating top premier grade talent.
“It gives our club players a genuine opportunity to test themselves at the next level, strengthening the connection between our WA club competition and the Force.”
OFF TO THE NPC: (NZ provinces in brackets): Sef Fa’agase (Southland), Lopeti Faifua (Tasman), Angus Farnan (North Harbour), Alex Harford (Auckland), Reuben O’Neill (Taranaki), Divad Palu (Wellington), Marley Pearce (Otago), Doug Philipson (Manawatu), James Ramm (Northland) and Joshua Smith (Hawkes Bay). Source: WA Force
WARATAH DUO IN INVERCARGILL
The Invercargill-based Southland Stags will also have a couple of NSW forwards in their pack.
Waratah and junior Wallaby Clem Halaholo has signed for the season and Stags head coach Scott Eade says his physical versatility makes him a valuable signing.
“Clem has shown throughout the past 12 months that he’s capable of performing consistently at Super Rugby level,” he told the Stags website.
“He’s a powerful athlete who carries the ball strongly, works hard around the field and gives us genuine flexibility with his ability to play lock and loose forward.”
He says they are “excited” to see the impact that he will bring to the side.
The Stags also signed another Waratah and junior Wallaby Jack Barrett.
The prop, who hails from Lightning Ridge, made his Super Rugby debut for NSW in 2024 and joins the Kiwi province as injury cover.
“Jack is a specialist loosehead prop who has already gained valuable experience in the Waratahs environment,” Eade told the website.
“He’s a young player who loves the physical side of the game, is eager to keep developing and we believe Southland is a great place for him to take that next step. His attitude and work ethic are qualities that will fit well within our environment.”
WALLABY TURNED MAGPIE
Hawke’s Bay (Magpies) have signed former Wallaby Lancaster for two seasons.
Lancaster, 23, joins from the Force and Magpies coach Sam McNicol says his inclusion is a significant boost for the Kiwi provincial squad.
“Given the number of experienced Super Rugby players who departed this year, securing someone of Darby’s quality for two years … adds significant experience to our squad,” he told the provincial rugby union’s website.
“Their leadership and expertise will be invaluable as we aim to secure our first NPC title.”
McNicol believes Lancaster’s attacking strengths make him an ideal fit for the Magpies’ style of play.
“Darby is a quality acquisition for our Magpies backline.
“We want to play fast and exciting rugby; Darby’s skillset fits this perfectly,” the Kiwi coach says.
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