News

A pair of Counties Manukau PIC Steelers are set to make their Super Rugby Pacific debuts this weekend.

Hooker Ioane Moananu has been named to make his Crusaders debut off the bench when they face the Fiji Drua in Lautoka on Saturday afternoon.

Moananu enjoyed a break-out season in 2022, helping club side Manurewa win the McNamara Cup and going on to make his PIC Steelers debut.

PIC Steeers teammate Nikolai Foliaki has been named on the bench for the Western Force as they are set to play Moana Pasifika in Perth on Saturday.

Lock Alex McRobbie, prop Suetena Asomua and prop Ezekiel Lindenmuth (bench) have all been named in the Moana Pasifika side. Former PIC Steelers players Mike McKee and Potu Leavasa are also included.

Elsewhere, Etene Nanai-Seturo starts on the wing for the Chiefs as they face the Highlanders at FMG Stadium in Hamilton on Friday night.

Cam Roigard starts at halfback for the Hurricanes as they host the Blues, including PIC Steelers teammates Dalton Papali’i, Hoskins Sotutu and Nepo Laulala, at Sky Stadium in Wellington on Saturday night.

Counties Energy Heat stars Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu and Hazel Tubic start at halfback and first-five respectively for the Chiefs Manawa while the in-form Mererangi Paul is named on the wing against the Matatu.

That game kicks off at 2.05pm on Saturday at FMG Stadium in Hamilton.

Grace Gago (hooker) and Jaymie Kolose (winger) have been named to start for the Blues Women against the Hurricanes Poua at Sky Stadium, Wellington on Saturday.