Stags contracting on track, big name signing in pipeline
Stags contracting on track, big name signing in pipeline
“We are trying to keep the bulk of the squad. We hopefully will retain 24 to 26 of this year’s squad."
The Southland Stags look set to retain close to 26 players from its 2023 NPC squad and are also on the verge of locking in a new big-name signing.
Rugby Southland director of rugby Matt Saunders confirmed they were making good progress around player contracting for the 2024 season.
Many of the returning players are likely to be officially announced in the new year.
“We are trying to keep the bulk of the squad. We hopefully will retain 24 to 26 of this year’s squad.
“We got last [this year] and you might say; ‘why would you retain a team that got last’. Well, everyone saw we weren’t far away, and everyone is a year older.”
“We are just trying to keep a core together for three or four years; that’s how you get better. Every two years we’ve been starting again so we just need to keep them together and add some pieces and work harder.”
Apart from No 8 Dylan Nel, the Stags appear likely to retain the majority of players that they have wanted to keep. In terms of Nel it’s a case of simply not being able to fit everyone in with the spots and resources available.
On top of the retention work The Tribune understands the Stags are close to signing a Super Rugby quality player who will be a significant coup for Southland rugby.
A signing announcement could potentially be made before the end of the year.
Saunders has identified lock and midfield as two areas where they still had the most work to do around recruitment.
First five-eighth is another area which might need some bolstering.
Dan Hollinshead is the only first five-eighth from this year’s Stags squad who has been retained with Marty Banks and Greg Dyer not contracted for 2024.
Hollinshead will play in the United States during the off-season alongside fellow Stags Rory van Vugt, Nick Souchon, and Michael Manson.
Having those players playing professionally all-year round is viewed as a big upside for the Stags.
“I think we had four or five professional players last year and this year we are up to about 12 or 13,” Saunders said.
Viliami Fine is with Moana Pasifika, while Ethan de Groot, Jack Taylor, Hayden Michaels, and Matt Whaanga are contracted to the Highlanders.
2023 Stags Player of the Year Blair Ryall is also in Dunedin at the moment training with the Highlanders, as is halfback Connor McLeod.
McLeod joined the Stags from Hawke’s Bay midway through this season and impressed before injuring his ankle.
McLeod is expected to return to the Southland setup in 2024 and again push for the Stags No 9 jersey.
Saunders confirmed fellow halfback Jay Renton is contracted for 2024 but for the moment has switched his focus to a potential unique code swap.
Renton is pushing for a spot in the Southland Sharks National Basketball League squad.
If Renton did make the cut with the Sharks that would likely change his rugby situation. A call on his basketball prospects is likely to be made in January.
Renton was a talented basketballer at school before throwing his lot in with rugby after leaving Southland Boys’ High School. He made his Stags debut in 2017.
Meanwhile just who will coach the Stags in 2024 is yet to be confirmed. Saunders indicated there would unlikely be announcement until the new year.
Exciting times with this new signing and hopefully plenty of continuity for the next 3-4 seasons so that everyone is used to playing with each other. I am glad the Stags beat Manawatu at the end of the season to give them some confidence heading into 2024. They weren't far off winning a few more games and pushing for a top 8 spot.