There have been more off-season movements in NPC player ranks than ever before.

The 2 major reasons:

  1. Players jockeying for starting positions to impress for 2011 Super 14 spots
    If you aren’t playing Super 14, your chances of World Cup selection are nil
  2. Players taking off-shore contracts before the anticipated glut of supply following the 2011 World Cup

1. Some of the significant movers

  • All Black Lelia Masaga switches to the Bay of Plenty
    Interesting move. He wasn’t under any selection threat and the Bay didn’t finish that much higher on the table than Counties but they probably have higher prospects in 2010
  • Taniela Moa switches to the Bay of Plenty
    Once touted as an All Black contender, Moa wasn’t even playing Super 14 this year and has chosen to move to try and improve prospects. Perhaps there’s a ‘change of scenery’ aspect as Toby Morland is not a guy you would have thought Moa would be afraid of (perhaps the prospect of Abli Matthewson in 2011 was more concerning)
  • Robbie Fruean moves to Canterbury from Wellington
    Fruean will be relishing the prospect of playing alongside Sonny-Bill Williams in what could be the most exciting and potent centre pairings. It remains to be seen whether the Canterbury coaching staff will play 2 such raw talents next to each other but I hope they do
  • Tyson Keats moves to Taranaki
    The ‘Naki have been busy in the off season. Keats would have been vying for game-time with Andy Ellis and so has made a positive move. He played well at Super 14 level and is definitely a prospect in what will be a fierce half-back battle in 2011. He should work well with Willie Repia
  • Kahn Fotuali’i leaves Tasman for Hawkes Bay
    The form half back in the Super 14 this year, Fotuali’i suffered from a small off-field indiscretion. A move to a team in good form will help his prospects but there was nothing wrong with the way Tasman played their rugby
  • Sona Taumalolo joins Waikato
    This will be a big loss for the Magpies. In recent months, it’s become clear that Clint Newland was not the force in the front row for the Bay Boys. Taumalolo’s strength and try-scoring exploits will be missed. A great acquisition for Waikato who could have the best front row if Ben May is fit
  • Steven Setephano joins Waikato
    Off-setting the loss of Sione Lauaki overseas, Setephano will add some go-forward from the base of what should be an awesome scrum. With Liam Messam with the All Blacks, Setephano will get a chance to shine this season in a pack that should be going forward
  • Kurt Baker, Andre Taylor leave Manawatu for Taranaki
    This is an interesting move for Baker because Taylor was his competition at full-back for Manawatu most of the last 2 seasons. Andre Taylor is listed as a wing on the Amber and Blacks website with David Smith the only other stated wing  so perhaps that’s how things will play out. George Pisi is down as midfield but will no doubt provide cover if needed.

2. Significant Departures

The loss of so many second-tier and genuine prospects is alarming.

It is clear that new Zealand provincial rugby offers too little security and too little financial reward for fringe internationals and Super 14 journeymen to wait for an opportunity.

1. Anthony Tuitavake (Japan)

Anthony Tuitavake - a major loss to NZ rugby

More unlucky with selection than Hosea Gear … ‘nuf said

2. Tim Bateman (Japan)
Not waiting to compete for positions in the Canterbury midfield with Robbie Fruean and Sonny-Bill Williams, Bateman is off

3. Ti’i Paulo (Clermont, France)
Wasn’t really under serious competition threats as Corey Flynn is with the All Blacks but there’s way more money playing in France …

4. Tasesa Lavea (Clermont, France)
Another to already have been playing in Europe. Did a good job for Counties Manukau last season

5. George Naoupo (Japan)
Was already seen in the Magner’s League this year

6. Thomas Waldrom (Leicester, England)
A shame for Hawkes Bay. With Naoupu leaving also. There will be chances for other loose forwards

7. Viliame Ma’afu (Japan)
Had a great Super 14 with the Blues. Really coming into his own but as a Tongan international, he is unlikely to receive any favours from the NZRFU

8. Michael Paterson (Cardiff, Wales)
Another serious All Black prospect to leave after a great Super 14 with the Hurricanes. Similar to Tamati Ellison, taking the money on offer now rather than wait.

9. Rudi Wulf (Toulon, France)
probably lucky to have been an All Black but still a capable player and along with the above, huge losses for an underperformed North Harbour

10. Tamati Ellison (Japan)
We already knew about this one but he’s not the only top-ranked player to bail in 2010

11. Jason Kauwau (Japan)
Honest servant for Southland and Highlanders

12. Callum Bruce (Japan)
Another handy, second-tier player

13. Sione Lauaki (Clermont, France)
Unlikely to have featured in New Zealand rugby anyway after a series of falls from grace but once a force with ball in hand

14. Karne Hesketh (Japan)
The hard-running Otago wing failed to win a Super Rugby contract for 2010 and so headed off before the NPC