KIERAN KEANE: There’s a good feel around the place, the boys have got a spring in their steps, the gym trainers have done a wonderful job
Peter Betham is hoping to return to play the ITM Cup with Tasman, the team responsible for reinvigorating his Super Rugby career among a Wallabies-laden back division at the Waratahs. "I'm still in negotiations. Hopefully I get a chance to go back," said Betham, of a return to Tasman before the squad crossed the ditch.
Tasman flanker's injury nightmare almost over . Squire credits a phone call from Tasman coach Kieran Keane for reigniting the spark. "I got a call from KK and he just said to me, ‘you've had a bit of bad luck but we're here to support you'. He's been really good. "He probably doesn't realise it, but his phone call was probably the thing that got me back up again and going to the gym and still training."
Robbie Malneek is expected back in Nelson within the next week after he officially agreed to terms with the Tasman union on Friday. According to Tasman chief executive Andrew Flexman, the union was delighted to have the 73-game veteran back on board.
All of a sudden, Tasman hooker Quentin MacDonald is a key figure for the Blues in Super Rugby. With James Parson's neck complaint keeping him out for the next two weeks and All Blacks veteran Keven Mealamu causing concern after limping off early in the gritty 18-17 win over the Stormers last Friday, MacDonald may be last man standing in the Blues' hooking stocks.
Tasman Rugby Union chief executive Andrew Flexman confirmed the signing of Samoan international No 8 George Stowers yesterday for the upcoming season. Capped 23 times for Samoa and once for the Pacific Islanders, 34-year-old Stowers is with leading Welsh club Ospreys and previously turned out for London Irish.