HAWKE’S BAY

A new era begins for the Hawke’s Bay Magpies with popular head coach Mark Ozich leaving to join the Western Force as an assistant coach.

Ozich has a real affinity for working with talented young players, developed from his days as Hastings Boys’ First XV coach. This is also a major strength of his replacement, Josh Syms, who has been assistant coach at Hawke’s Bay since 2018. Syms has impressive credentials coaching secondary school teams at Tauranga Boys’ College, St Patrick’s Silverstream, Kelston Boys’ High School, St Kentigern College, Southland Boys’ High School and Hastings Boys’ High School. He has a long-standing relationship with Hawke’s Bay’s major new signing Chase Tiatia that dates back to Tiatia’s days at St Patrick’s Silverstream. Utility back Tiatia has represented both Wellington and Bay of Plenty at NPC level, as well as having played for the Hurricanes and Chiefs. He is a devastating attacking player and in 2019 was awarded the coveted Duane Monkley Medal for most outstanding NPC player. Joining Syms as new Magpies assistant and attack coach is Brock James. Australian-born James had a distinguished playing career, including over 280 games for Clermont in France before coaching stints with Bordeaux in France and then Ospreys in Wales. A large contingent of Hawke’s Bay players has prepared for the NPC with international rugby. Anzelo Tuitavuki, Joe 'Apikotoa and Solomone Funaki (Tonga), Neria Foma'i, Danny Toala and Lolagi Visinia (Samoa) represented their countries at the Pacific Nations Cup held in Fiji in early July. The Manu Samoa and Tongan players join Māori All Blacks Tyrone Thompson, Isaia Walker-Leawere and Brad Weber as ready for the new Hawke’s Bay season with plenty of top-class rugby under their belts. The Magpies front-row stocks have been strengthened with the arrival of Chiefs and Wellington hooker Tyrone Thompson. Coach Syms says with the departure of Ash Dixon it is great to add Thompson to the roster.

Halfback EREATARA ENARI sparks another HAWKE’S BAY attack.

“His style of play will complement both Jacob (Devery) and Kianu (Kereru-Symes) and will provide us with another robust ball carrier as he is lethal with ball-in-hand.” Brendon O’Connor and brothers Bryn and Gareth Evans are the leaders of a strong pack, while in the backs there is plenty of youthful promise from halfback Ereatara Enari and first-five Lincoln McClutchie, and the try-scoring ability of wings Jonah Lowe and Lolagi Visinia. Hawke’s Bay are the Ranfurly Shield holders, which adds both passion and focus for the players. It also means the opposition will arrive at McLean Park with more incentive to win than usual, so there will be no easy home games. The Magpies began their defence with wins over South Canterbury and Poverty Bay. The next challenge to come is from Counties Manukau on August 12.

COACH: JOSH SYMS HOME GROUND: McLEAN PARK, NAPIER WEBSITE: www.hbmagpies.co.nz TICKETS: www.sporty.co.nz ADDRESS: PO BOX 201, NAPIER 4140 PHONE: 06 835 7617 EMAIL: admin@hbrugby.co.nz