Tasman Trophy preview: Nelson RFC

Founded: 1868.

Home ground: Neale Park.

Naming sponsor: Gailbraith.

Coach: Gary Stevens.

Co-captains: Kershawl Sykes-Martin and Connor Higgins.

2021 Tasman Trophy: Ninth.

Gains- Rudi Sifa (Manawatu) Mata Maui (Cook Islands) Tahquinn Hansen (Auckland) Adyn Anguna (North Otago) Ronan Lawrence (Counties).

Losses- Isaac Salmon (Toronto) Anton Segner (Blues) Riahe Jacobs (Central) Asher Wells (Australia) Isaiah Malaulau (Christchurch).

Ones to watch- Rudi Sifa brings international experience having played for the Tongan sevens side as he and his fellow Pasifika players will add some much-needed depth. Veteran Chris Kerslake will be integral whether playing on the side of the scrum or midfield where his combination with the dynamic Pita Siale will form the attacking foundation. Halfback Matt Soper also returns from a long injury layoff.

“We are bigger and faster across paddock, I think based on 2021 struggles we are in a far better place to challenge and be far more competitive.” - Gary Stevens, head coach.

Verdict- Nelson will be looking to bounce back from a miserable 2021 season, winning just one of its nine Tasman Trophy games and failing to make the play-offs. Nelson will again be without a number of its stars as David Havili, Ethan Blackadder and Quin Strange have cemented themselves in Super Rugby squads. Prop Isaac Salmon is a significant loss however, the injection of Cook Islands flair should see an entertaining brand of rugby played by the country’s oldest club.