Magpies dip into Canterbury youth market
Thu, 29 Nov 2007 09:03
The Hawke's Bay Rugby Union (HBRU) has secured the services of five of Canterbury's most promising young players to boost their team's depth. HBRU Chief Executive Mike Bishop on Thursday announced that loosehead prop Josh Keys (22), hooker Ash Dixon (19), tighthead prop Tom Simpson (22), midfielder Mark Jackman (19) and loose forward Hugh Reed (19) signed with the union for 2008 and 2009. The quintet have all played national age group rugby, with Simpson the starting tighthead for Canterbury B last year. "They all have an excellent pedigree in the game and see Hawke's Bay as an appropriate vehicle for them to make a mark on the national stage," Bishop said. Magpies forwards coach Tom Coventry has worked with each of the players through his involvement at national age group level and has a high regard for them. "Not only are they highly promising young players with a real grit and determination that suits our style, they are also well balanced young guys who will add something to our environment," Coventry said. Dixon was in the New Zealand team that won the International Rugby Board (ITB) Under-19 World Championship this year - along with current Magpies, Israel Dagg and Zac Guildford.
