Samoan World Cup halfback Jeremy Sua has signed to play for the Tasman Makos in this year's ITM Cup provincial rugby competition.

The Tasman Rugby Union began its high performance development programme yesterday with an emphasis also on coach development. Under the guidance of Tasman Academy mentor Gary Stevens, the union is encouraging potential coaches with position-specific knowledge and skills to become involved as part of future player development.

Tasman Rugby Union and BLK New Zealand announced that the Tasman Makos will be wearing premium BLK branded playing and casual apparel during the 2012 ITM Cup competition.

The New Zealand Rugby Union will be heading to the Tasman Rugby Union in the search of Women’s Sevens Olympic hopefuls on Monday 26th – Tuesday 27th March as part of their Go4Gold Women’s Sevens Programme. Tasman Rugby Union is hosting one of 14 open trial camps around the country with many female athletes from the region signing up to test out their skills on Monday 26th and possibly, Tuesday 27th at Trafalgar Park

Applications are sought for the very important role of Marlborough Rugby Operations Manager. If you are passionate about rugby and in particular the direction of the Tasman Rugby Union then you should send your application (including CV and covering letter) to : Andrew Flexman, Chief Executive, Tasman Rugby Union, P.O. Box 7157, Nelson or email: Andrew.flexman@tasmanrugby.co.nz To request a copy of the Job Description please email Andrew Flexman as per the above email address. Applications close: 29 February 2012 at 5pm

Nelson players Reuben Northover, Liam Squire, Tevita Koloamatangi, Shaun Begg, James Lowe, Mike Wells, Kieron Fonotia, Francis Smith and Trael Joass have been selected, as well as Marlborough prop Tim Perry.