Mako mascot gets a makeover
The Tasman Mako will have a new mascot prowling the sideline this season.
The mascot is currently on display at the Nelson Provincial Museum as part of an exhibition celebrating 150 years of rugby in the region.
Also joining the modern Mako on display are the former Griffin mascots of Nelson Bays.
The man under the mascot, Reuben Dudley, says he is pumped to don the new suit for their opening home game in Blenheim.
“I hear it’s more stable that the last one so I will be able to do a bit more dancing.”
Meanwhile, the worst-kept secret in provincial rugby has been confirmed, Tasman announcing last week that in-form wingers Sevu Reece and Mark Telea have signed for the Mitre 10 Cup champions this season.
Reece, who has been explosive for the Super Rugby champion Crusaders and the All Blacks, and Blues powerhouse Telea will potentially form part of a hugely potent outside back contingent at the Mako.
With players such as skipper David Havili, Will Jordan, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Fetuli Paea and Jamie Spowart already on their books, Tasman have an embarrassment of riches out wide.
With the possibility of Reece, Havili and Jordan earning All Blacks call-ups this season, this move is something of an insurance policy for the 2019 champs, leaving them with plenty of class to fall back on.
Reece formerly played NPC rugby for Waikato, Telea for Kieran Keane’s North Harbour side.
They are not the only signings designed to bolster Tasman’s title defence.
Former favourites Quentin MacDonald and Kieron Fonotia, both 31, return from overseas gigs to add to the Mako mix.
Midfielder Fonotia, with 65 Mako caps, has played for both the Ospreys and Scarlets in Wales since 2017.
MacDonald, a hooker, has been playing for French club Oyonnax. He turned out on 78 occasions for Tasman between 2007 and 2015.
The season kicks off on September 11 and all provinces are required to submit their 2020 squads to New Zealand Rugby by September 1.
Tasman’s first match is away against Counties Manukau on Saturday, September 12 with its first home game is against Northland in Blenheim on Friday, September 18.