Southland Stags add experienced Nel to loose forward stocks
“We didn’t think we’d get him to be fair, but he decided to sign with us."
Experienced former Otago No 8 Dylan Nel has signed with the SBS Bank Southland Stags for the 2023 NPC.
Nel began his professional rugby career with Canterbury and Otago, played a few games for the Chiefs at Super Rugby level, and is currently playing for the Mitsubishi Dynaboars in Japan.
Rugby Southland director of rugby Matt Saunders said Nel would bring a hard edge and experience to the team and he was thrilled to land the 30-year-old’s signature.
“We didn’t think we’d get him to be fair, but he decided to sign with us. The good thing is he will be here the week after King’s Birthday and he’ll play a couple of games of club rugby,” Saunders said.
The South African-born loose forward will join Winton-based Midlands at the back end of the Southland club season as he prepares himself for what a big NPC campaign in terms of playing minutes.
“He hasn’t had a big workload over the past year or two in Japan so he’s absolutely fizzing,” Saunders said.
Nel is set to be the Stags’ first-choice No 8 with Blair Ryall and Jacob Coghlan looking like other options in that position.
"I'm very excited to join the proud region of Southland and get the wins in the NPC," Nel said.
The Stags have some quality in the loose forwards with Hayden Michaels and Leroy Ferguson set to scrap it out for the No 7 jersey with Grayson Knapp again a contender for the blindside duties.
It’s understood the Stags are also close to announcing another experienced first five-eighth who could also slot into other backline positions.
Marty Banks has undergone surgery on his groin and will be touch and go for the round one game in August.
Saunders has previously indicated he was searching for some cover to ensure they were not rushing Banks back.
Greg Dyer, who is currently playing in Spain, will be another first five-eighth option.