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Pacific Military Cup Squad Named
Selection for the Pacific Military Cup was a special incentive for soldiers, sailors and airmen who have been competing in the annual inter-Services Rugby tournament in Auckland over the past week.
The New Zealand Defence Force is to host the Pacific Military Cup in Wellington in 2008 and the national team selected from the Auckland tournament will form the squad to train for the cup tournament.
The resurgence of Defence Force rugby has provided a number of top players, including Hurricane and Manawatu player Hayden Triggs and Manawatu and NZ Divisional team representative, Charlie Beetham.
NZ Defence Force coach, Warrant Officer Tony Katting, a former New Zealand Combined Services and Canterbury B player who has just been re- appointed through to 2008, says there is a real depth of talent within Defence Force Rugby.
“Rugby is a reflection of the ethos and values of military service. The dedication and commitment of our players is testimony to the qualities in our Service people.”
The Defence Force has also named an assistant coach, Flight Sergeant Daz Horsley, who is currently coaching the Manawatu Under-23 side.
The Pacific tournament is held every two years and was last hosted by Australia.
The squad is
Forwards:
Elton Pohatu (Navy) Tim Hendrikson (Navy) Manu Taufa (Army) Mark Chadwick(Air Force) Parata Ainsley (Air Force) Watene Reti (Navy) Henaas Geary (Army) Sonny Woodmass (Army) Frani Woodmass (Army) Adam Ross (Army), Andre Renata (Army) Casey Lowe (Army) Stefan Ryder (Army) Dane Berghman (Army) Jason Price (Air Force) Bruce Bromwich (Air Force) Mattie Oldridge (Army) Brad Mead (Air Force).
Backs:
Charlie Beetham (Air Force) Tim Kareko (Army) Adrian Grey (Air Force) Robbie Horlow (Air Force) Willy Maasen (Army) Logan Vaughan (Army) Aaron James(Army) Stevie-Ray O’Brien (Navy) Nick Wickham (Army) Morgan Findlay (Navy) John Adams (Army) Andy Foster (Air Force) Lloyd Carter (Army) Andrew Tihore (Air Force).
Manager: Peter Richardson
Coach: Tony Katting
Assistant coach: Daz Horsley.
The Brits are here
The New Zealand Army Academy rugby team played a British Army XV at Trentham Camp on May 22.
The game was part of a two-game tour by the British Army team to New Zealand to celebrate the 100th anniversary of rugby being played in the British Army.
The second game of the tour, between the New Zealand Army senior team and the British Army senior team, will be played in Palmerston North at the FMG stadium on May 25. Full coverage will be provided in the next issue of Army News.
This page was last reviewed on 25 May 2007 and is current.
