The PIC Insurance Brokers Pakuranga United Rugby Club’s Premier Squad for the 2017 season has been announced by Rugby Director and Premier Head Coach Pita Alatini at a function for the team last night. Following the announcement the squad assembled in the Dufty Bell Lounge were Board Chairman Robert Neil and Club President Michael Biddick addressed the squad prior to receiving their 2017 training gear from Club Centurions Myles Williams and Peter Corlett.

The team will now go into full preparation mode prior to their first game in the ARU first round against Ponsonby on Saturday 8^th April at our beloved Bell Park. “A massive emphasis has been placed on the team being the clubs “shop window” and the link they create with our junior club and sponsors in 2017 is seen as critical to ensure we live our One Club / One Culture mantra” said Board Chairman Robert Neil. Pita Alatini added “It’s been a hard pre-season and we have lost a few boys who are trying their luck with other unions but the 26 boys selected fully deserve their chance to represent the club in 2017, we are going to be a young team but we will be ready for the challenge that lies ahead of us. I am very confident that the coaches, management and the club are doing everything we can to give us a shot of making the top 8 after being placed in the first round pool of death”.

Our squad is:

Unavailable for selection at the moment due to injury and will come back in through the development team.

Ian Vermuelen, Niu Osika, Des Spooner & Alesio Petelo-Vili.

A special presentation was made to Dalton Papalii who is currently with the Blues & NZ 20’s. Dalton will fit back into the squad along with Sam Prattley and TJ Faiane if and when they are not required for the Blues.

We are also very proud to announce that the side will be captained by local boy Max East (pictured).

Thank you to our 2017 Premier Sponsors Bruce Patten (Loan Market) and Michael Biddick (Access Solutions) for your continued support of the team in 2017.