Become an Auckland Rugby Member
After the Red Bull Sevens held at College Rifles on Saturday, the following players have been named in the Auckland squad to prepare for the 2010 Nationals in Queenstown.
The selection panel of Ramsey Tomokino, Andrew Strawbridge and Karl Te Nana have selected the players they believe are able to push for selection in the final 12. The Red Bull tournament was won by Bay of Plenty with Auckland having two sides competing; the Blue team winning the Bowl and the White team just being knocked out in the Plate semi final.
The tournament was a great way for teams to try combinations and mix and match which is precisely what Auckland used the tournament for. Auckland Sevens manager Craig Lister deserves plenty of credit for how this tournament ran.
Auckland Sevens head coach Ramsey Tomokino said he was pleased with the squad he and his management had selected. “We believe we have the players within this group that can mount a serious challenge to regain this Championship," Tomokino said.
"There is still much work to do and with players still to drop out, there is competition in every position so not any one position is a given.”
This includes players that have been omitted. “It is tough to let go of players and some tough choices had to be made. These players are still very much in the frame should we get an injury. We just want to thank those players for putting in the yards as if we are successful they will have been a part of the success in pushing their brothers along," he said.
"The environment is just that with our Sevens, it’s a brotherly family environment that we try and create, club allegiances are forgotten and it is all about bringing out the best in players for Auckland which is still one of the proudest Unions to represent."
Samoan flyer Mikaele Pesamino , once voted IRB Sevens player of the year, has indicated he will play club rugby in Auckland once again next season and could be available for selection on return from the IRB circuit.
Forwards: Ed Cocker – College Rifles Chad Tuoro – Ponsonby Iopu Iopu – Grammar Carlton Irwin Finau – Grammar Carlton Sam Nash – Marist Olajuwon Noa – Otahuhu Stephen Briscoe – Teachers Eastern
Backs: Niko Ratumaitavuki – Ponsonby Rocky Khan – Grammar Carlton Kyle Nu’uali’itia – Waitakere Mana Ashford – Waitemata Tutu Tairea – Grammar Carlton George Moala – Grammar Carlton Aaron Smith – Marist Jordan Puletua – Ponsonby Charles Piutau – Auckland HPU Mikaele Pesamino – Suburbs (tbc)
Unavailable for selection due to injury is experienced campaigner John Vui of Waitemata. All players not selected are potential non-travelling reserves.
