Harding now a 'Mooloo man'
Mon, 26 May 2008 09:37
Openside flank Tom Harding will play for Waikato in the Air New Zealand Cup competition this year. Harding, 26, has signed a contract to be on loan from Wellington to play for Waikato.
This season he was drafted into the Chiefs, where he played three games, enjoying his Super 14 debut against the Waratahs in Hamilton back in February.
Prior to his stint with the Chiefs, Harding played for Wellington in 2007 and before then played for Worcester Warriors in the United Kingdom for a year-and-a-half. He is a former New Zealand age-group rugby representative.
Meanwhile, other new signings for Waikato this season include a one-year contract with loose forward Fafili Levave and a two-year contract with lock Kevin O'Neill.
Levave, 22, enjoyed his debut Super 14 season with the Chiefs this year playing a total of 12 games for the franchise. He is a former Wellington Air New Zealand Cup player and was also a member of the New Zealand Under-21 squad in 2007. He plays blindside flank and No.8.
O'Neill, 26, a former Crusaders and Canterbury player who played 13 games for the Chiefs this season is originally from the Waikato having been born and bred in Te Aroha. O'Neill was also a member of the Junior All Blacks in 2005.
Waikato coach Tony Hanks said: "it is great to have three quality players at different points in their careers joining Waikato.
"Faifili is a young player with huge potential and is ready for opportunities. Kevin has shown good progress at Super 14 level and will be keen for regular game time. He will bring experience to our tight five.
"Tom has an opportunity to prove himself. He is an experienced specialist openside flank who will provide valuable competition and support within our Waikato squad."
