Auckland Rugby is proud to announce the squad to compete in the 2023 Bunnings Warehouse NPC.

The lineup includes nine potential debutants set to make their first outing in the blue and white hoops, alongside experienced international campaigners including Angus Ta’avao, Patrick Tuipulotu, Akira Ioane, Rieko Ioane, Caleb Clarke and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck. Harry Plummer and Salesi Rayasi are also on track to play their 50^th matches this season.

The Gulls kick-off the 2023 season on Sunday 6 August versus the Bay of Plenty Steamers at Tauranga Domain under new head coach Craig McGrath who has been promoted from his post as assistant coach last season.

Former Auckland NPC half-back Jono Hickey has been appointed attacking coach, former Manu Samoa front-rower Census Johnston will lead the scrum and former All Black and Auckland number-eight Steven Bates will continue in his role as forwards coach.

“We’re coming into this season hungry after a good review of our last campaign and a lot of work in the background to ensure we have the right group of men to achieve what we set out to,” says McGrath.

“The squad has a good balance of experience and young talent which we’re excited about and we’re driven to do something special. Our aim is to play some really quality rugby and to make things count when it matters so that hopefully we’re there come finals time.”

The 2023 Bunnings Warehouse NPC season will conclude with the finals on Friday 20 October.

Auckland is dedicating its first home game versus the Hawke’s Bay Magpies on Saturday 26 August to flood relief efforts with a fundraising campaign coined Tackle the Floods. Fans can purchase a virtual seat in the closed South Stand at Eden Park, with 100% of proceeds going towards supporting those affected by the impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle. A further $10 from every adult ticket sold will also go towards the cause.

The Battle of the Bombays versus Waikato in round 7 will see Auckland take a match out to the fans, with the Backyard Blitz on Saturday 16 September hosted by Pakuranga United Rugby Club.

It will be the first of what will become a new look rugby and entertainment experience as Auckland Rugby aims to revolutionise its Bunnings Warehouse NPC home games with a festival atmosphere complete with live music, a beer garden, boot party, VIP experiences, food trucks and a kids’ zone.

The initiative is aimed at taking the game to the fans, reaching new audiences in neighbourhoods around Auckland and creating a unique and memorable sports and entertainment experience never before seen in the Bunnings Warehouse NPC. 

Continuing the focus on taking rugby to the fans, Auckland will be training at a different school within the region each week and joining forces with its sponsors and charity partners to give back to good causes throughout the season.

Click here to view the 2023 Bunnings Warehouse NPC fixtures and go to aucklandrugby.flicket.co.nz to purchase tickets.

2023 Auckland NPC Squad:
(Debutants in bold)
 

Article added: Wednesday 26 July 2023