News

Union keen on club rugby return
The Counties Manukau Rugb Operations team is doing everything they can to see a meaningful club season get underway once the current lockdown rules are relaxed.
While they continue to follow all advice from the government and NZ Rugby around restrictions they are keen to work with the Council of Delegates to ensure a club season is possible once the lockdown period is lifted. Any number of possibilities are being considered and discussions will begin once the lockdown lifts.

Could Mitre 10 Cup take place?
The shape and format of the Mitre 10 Cup and whether it will even go ahead in 2020 remains up in the air. NZR, Provincial Unions and broadcasters remain in dialogue looking at various possibilities while adhering to government advice.
A competition could go ahead and the chances of leading All Blacks taking place or even Kiwi players that have had to return from overseas contracts is potentially on the cards.

CM staff accept pay cut
The rugby community owes the Counties Manukau Rugby Union staff a big thanks after they all agreed to take a 20% pay cut to help get through the Covid-19 situation.
The staff rallied together to work in the best interests of the organisation and yet remain committed to getting the sport in the region back on track as quickly as possible.
The move demonstrates how much they care about the sport and the region.

Oops
Which referee missed his appointment in the only round of action we were able to get in before the lockdown?
My sources tell me the offender forgot he was down to do that game and a reluctant substitute was called in at the last moment just before kick-off, which thankfully allowed the game to proceed.
It goes to show the importance referees play in the sport.

Doing it tough
The month-long break from rugby action has been frustrating for all players but spare a thought for Patumahoe veteran Jonny Wilkinson.
Wilkinson did an ACL last year and missed the majority of the season. He went through the lengthy recovery and was set to get the green light to return to the field just as the competition went into lockdown.
It is fair to say he’ll be chomping at the bit once a return is finally confirmed.

Club switch rumour off the mark
Speaking of Wilkinson, there has been a whisper doing the rounds that the attacking fullback might be linking with the Pukekohe club once the season gets underway.
It is just a case of someone putting two and two together and getting five however. Wilkinson has been spotted doing plenty of solo work at Colin Lawrie Fields – home of Pukekohe – during the lockdown. Why? Wilkinson lives in Pukekohe and can walk to the field without breaking lockdown rules.
He will be back at Patumahoe as soon as training can resume.

Onewhero cracks the ton
The Onewhero Rugby Club officially turned 100 last Friday with April 17 marking a century since the club began in 1920.
Unfortunately the Covid-19 situation has forced the postponement of their planned celebrations over Easter but the club is hoping to be able to celebrate at Queen’s Birthday Weekend instead should we be back at an alert level that allows for it.
The rest of the union will look forward to toasting their achievement in due course.