Manawatū Rugby and the Kobelco Kobe Steelers have entered into a new partnership which will initially see three players from the Dave Rennie-coached Japanese club loaned to Manawatū for the representative season.

Ataata Moeakiola (wing), Sho Maeda (tighthead prop), and Taihei Kusaka (first five-eighth) recently arrived in Palmerston North from Kobe after their team finished fifth in Japan Rugby Leage One.

The players will train with the Turbos and have the opportunity to push for selection in the NPC team or the Manawatū B squad.

Tongan-born Moeakiola played for the Chiefs in 2019 and has four test caps for Japan. Kusaka has played for Kobelco Kobe Steelers since 2021, while Maeda joined the club in 2022.

Former Turbos coach Dave Rennie took the reigns as Kobelco Kobe Steelers Coach last year following his time with the Wallabies. He spent six seasons coaching the Turbos, guiding the team to the 2011 Championship final.

Manawatū Rugby Chief Executive Officer Doug Tietjens says the partnership is aligned with the union’s strategic priority of sustained successful performances on and off the field.

“In the current provincial union and economic climate in New Zealand it is important for us to share resources, intellectual property and development opportunities for players, staff and coaches. Given Dave Rennie's relationship with Manawatū Rugby this is a really great fit for the union and demonstrates our commitment to think differently, be resourceful, and build for the future."

Rennie sees great value in his club partnering with a New Zealand provincial union.

“We are really excited to partner with Manawatū Rugby and see this as a long-term relationship focused on the development of players, coaches, and staff. Ataata, Taihei, and Sho are all  experienced players in Japan and they are really excited about the prospect of training full-time with an NPC team and earning the right to push for Turbos selection.

“I have a strong personal connection to Manawatū Rugby and look forward to seeing our athletes contribute to the rich history of our proud union.”

Article added: Wednesday 03 July 2024