New Zealand’s squads for the 2008 Rebel Sport Super 14 have been announced.
The announcement of the 28-strong squads follows a selection meeting attended
by the coaching staff of the five New Zealand Franchises at the New Zealand
Rugby Union offices in Wellington yesterday.
The key points from the squad announcements are:
28 players have been selected in a Rebel Sport Super 14 squad for the first time.
17 players have been drafted to other Franchises.
Eight players are returning to Rebel Sport Super 14 rugby after missing initial selection last year.
Three 2007 Rebel Sport Super 14 players were not considered for selection for 2008 due to injury and long-term rehabilitation – Wellington’s Serge Lilo, Tasman’s Peter Nixon and Waikato’s Nathan White. Otago’s James Ryan was also unavailable for selection after it was agreed that he should have an extended break from rugby following rehabilitation of his current injury.
The Crusaders kick off next year’s Rebel Sport Super 14 competition when they host the Brumbies in the opening match at AMI Stadium, Christchurch, on Friday 15 February. The final is on Saturday 31 May.
