Southland Stags sign experienced first five-eighth
"I'm excited to join Southland and meet my new teammates. I look forward to connecting with the region and being a part of the team's success."
Former Bay of Plenty first five-eighth Dan Hollinshead has signed to play for the Southland Stags during the next two NPC seasons.
Hollinshead played over 40 games for Bay of Plenty between 2014-2020 and also represented the Highlanders in Super Rugby. He has since played for Agen in the Pro D2 competition in France and Coca-Cola Red Sparks in the Japan Top Challenge League.
He is currently playing with Vannes in France.
“I'm excited to join Southland and meet my new teammates. I look forward to connecting with the region and being a part of the team's success,” Hollinshead said.
He will join the Stags in July.
Hollinshead will add to the Stags’ first five-eighth stocks with some question marks as to if Marty Banks will have recovered from groin surgery in time for round one in August.
Southland has also signed Greg Dyer for the 2023 NPC season.
Pirates-Old Boys’ Kaea Nikora-Balloch is a promising first five-eighth who is likely to spend some time training with the Stags this year but there is a reluctance to rush him at this stage of his career.
If Banks or Dyer does wear the No 10 jersey Hollinshead is a versatile player who could slot into the midfield, or even at fullback.