Pondering life after rugby to a contract with the Hurricanes
Matt Whaanga, who is currently with the Hurricanes, has re-signed with the Southland Stags for another two seasons.
Late last year the word was at just 25-years-old Matt Whaanga’s shot at professional rugby was probably coming to an end.
He was pondering life after rugby.
Whaanga had emerged as a promising schoolboy at South Otago High School which included in 2014 scoring a remarkable 60 points in a 70-5 victory over James Hargest College.
The midfielder filtered into the Otago setup and played 17 games for Otago from 2018 through to 2020 without really being able to nail down a regular starting spot.
In 2021 he joined the SBS Bank Southland Stags in search of more opportunities and he has since impressed in maroon.
But following the 2022 NPC campaign a Super Rugby spot still alluded him. Whaanga it seemed had started to look at life away from rugby.
Although a matter of weeks into a new job earlier this year, the Hurricanes came calling signing him as cover.
Now much to the delight of Stags fans Whaanga has also re-committed to Southland for a further two NPC seasons.
With the likes of Scott Gregory, Isaac Te Tamaki and Viliami Fine in the mix as well it provides some handy midfield options for the Stags.
Director of Rugby Matt Saunders was delighted to have Whaanga back for 2023 and 2024: “He was exceptional for us during the 2022 NPC season, and we're looking forward to him bringing his improved skills and experience back to the team after his time with the Hurricanes."
Whaanga said: “I am excited to have re-signed with the Stags and look forward to the coming season. There is a good mix of experience and youth in the Stags system at the moment, so hopefully, we can deliver some good results for the province and get the terrace pumping.”
Stags 2023 NPC draw released
In other Stags news the 2023 draw has been released which includes two home games to open its campaign. Both are Sunday games.
2023 Bunnings NPC SBS Bank Southland Stags Draw Below:
Round 1: Vs Waikato Sunday 6 Aug - 4.35pm, Rugby Park Stadium, Invercargill
Round 2: Vs Northland Sunday 13 Aug - 2.05pm, Rugby Park Stadium, Invercargill
Round 3: Vs Wellington Saturday 19 Aug - 2.05pm, Jerry Collins Stadium, Porirua (First NPC Ranfurly Shield Challenge)
Round 4: Vs Otago Saturday 26 Aug - 7.05pm, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
Round 5: Vs Auckland Sunday 3 Sep - 2.05pm, Rugby Park Stadium, Invercargill
Round 6: Vs Counties Manukau Saturday 9 Sep - 4.35pm, Navigation Homes Stadium, Pukekohe
Round 7: Vs Canterbury Sunday Sep 17 - 2.05pm, Orangetheory Stadium Christchurch
Round 8: Vs Hawkes Bay Saturday 23 Sep - 2.05pm, Rugby Park Stadium . Invercargill
Round 8: Vs Bay Of Plenty Wednesday 27 Sep, - 7.05pm, Rugby Park Stadium . Invercargill
Round 9: Vs Manawatu Sunday 1 Oct, 4.35pm - Central Enegry Trust Arena . Palmerston North
Playoffs: Quarter Finals Oct 6-8, Semi Finals October 13-14, Finals October 20-22