Rugby : 2009 Rebel Sport Super 14 wider training groups announced

The wider training groups for the five New Zealand teams in the 2009 Rebel Sport Super 14 have been announced.

The players named today will act as back-up and provide injury cover for the full squads announced in October.

The 2009 Rebel Sport Super 14 wider training groups are:

Blues: Auckland prop Nick White, North Harbour prop James Afoa, Auckland hooker Francis Smith, Auckland lock/loose forward Dean Budd, Auckland loose forward Peter Saili, Auckland halfback Grayson Hart, Auckland midfielder Winston Stanley, North Harbour wing Vili Waqaseduadua, North Harbour fullback George Pisi.

Auckland fullback Dave Thomas will join the Blues group while George Pisi is rehabilitating from injury.

Chiefs: Waikato prop Hikairo Forbes, Waikato hooker Ole Avei, Bay of Plenty lock Culum Retallick, Waikato lock Romana Graham, Bay of Plenty flanker Luke Braid, Waikato loose forward Tom Harding, Waikato halfback David Bason, Waikato first five/fullback Trent Renata, Waikato wing Tim Mikkelson.

Outside his New Zealand Sevens squad commitments Bay of Plenty loose forward Solomon King will train with the Chiefs wider training group.

Hurricanes: Taranaki prop Shane Cleaver, Wellington hooker Ged Robinson, Taranaki lock/loose forward Jarred Hoeata, Wellington lock Bernie Upton, Manawatu loose forward Nick Crosswell, Hawke’s Bay halfback Chris Eaton, Taranaki midfielder Nathan Hohaia, Manawatu wing Andre Taylor

Manawatu hooker Sean O’Connor will join the Hurricanes group while Andrew Hore is rehabilitating from injury.

Crusaders: Canterbury prop Peter Borlase, Tasman hooker Dan Perrin, Canterbury lock James Broadhurst, Tasman loose forward Jack Lam, Canterbury halfback Tyson Keats, Canterbury five eighth Hamish Gard, Tasman winger Blair Cook.

Steve Fualau will join the Crusaders group while Corey Flynn is rehabilitating from injury.

Highlanders: Otago prop Keith Cameron, Otago hooker Peter Mirrielees, Otago loose forward Paul Grant, Southland halfback Scott Cowan, Otago first five Chris Noakes, Otago midfielder Aaron Bancroft, Southland utility back Pehi Te Whare, Otago wing Karne Hesketh.

All selections are subject to final medical clearance.

NZRU General Manager Professional Rugby Neil Sorensen congratulated all the players selected and said they are a vital part of each franchise.

“It’s a long tough season so these guys could get called up at any time. Whether they get to play or not there’s no doubt it will be a fantastic experience for them and I’m sure they will become better players as a result of their involvement.”