News

McNamara Cup winning coach Jeremy Clark will return to Manurewa to help defend his crown in 2023 and will be joined by one of the club’s favourite sons.

Former All Blacks, Chiefs and Counties Manukau winger Lelia Masaga will serve as assistant coach to Clark at the club where he played some of his best rugby.

Masaga helped coach rivals Bombay last season but has made the move back to his old club.

Manurewa announced the move on their Facebook page.

“Leila came to Manurewa Rugby in 2005 straight out of the local high school James Cook,” the post said.

“Masaga has an extensive international and professional rugby career where he played in the New Zealand under 21s in 2006-2007, he played for Counties Manukau Steelers from 2005-2009 before making the move to Bay of Plenty in 2010. He was part of the Super Rugby Chiefs Franchise from 2006 – 2013 making 91 appearances for the side and in his last year with the Chiefs winning the Super Rugby title in 2013. He then headed off overseas to play professionally in Japan and Scotland.

“He is the most recent All Black MRFC has had, making his debut the black jersey as All Black player 1092 in 2009.

“It is great to have Masaga back in the mix at Rewa Rugby with our championship coaching team Jeremy Clark and Kelvin Pilkington. He will bring a wealth of knowledge from his professional career but also bringing it back to his roots where it all started.

“The club along with Jeza, Jelly and Flash are extremely excited for the upcoming 2023 season.”