Defence Blacks squad announced

We’re proud to announce the squad for the Defence Blacks rugby team to compete in the International Defence Rugby Competition in Japan. Congratulations to all those selected for this amazing opportunity.

Defence Blacks Squad

Jaxon Tagavaitau— Captain — NZ Army
Sam Cadman — Royal NZ Air Force
Josh Houston-Tupou — NZ Army
Opeti Tuipulotu — Royal NZ Navy
Hakarangi Tichborne — NZ Army
Stewart Lane — Royal NZ Navy
James Coburn — NZ Army
Christian Lloyd — NZ Army
Tainui Woodmas — NZ Army
Aidan Woodward — NZ Army
Robert Brocklehurst — NZ Army
Brent Pope — NZ Army
Jimmy Berghan — NZ Army
Reece White — NZ Army
Logan Broughton — NZ Army
Trent Luka — Royal NZ Navy
Hamish Pyne — Royal NZ Navy
Teejay Oliver — NZ Army
Troy Sherriff — NZ Army
Ben Wyness — Royal NZ Air Force
Jared Deal — NZ Army
Devon Scott — Royal NZ Air Force
Patrick Tafili-Reid — Royal NZ Air Force
Zane Douglas — Royal NZ Navy
Tama Ropati — NZ Army
Cole Waaka — Royal NZ Air Force
Hamiora Thomas — NZ Army
Taine Aupouri — NZ Army

Support team
James Kaio (COL) — Contingent Commander — NZ Army
Wayne ‘Buck’ Shelford — Patron — Ex All Black Captain — Ex-Royal NZ Navy
Simon Vissers, Manager — Royal NZ Navy
Carl Fairbairn, Assistant Manager — NZ Army
Tim Kareko, Head Coach — NZ Army
Wayne Ratu, Backs Coach — Royal NZ Navy
Malaga Leota, Scrum Coach — NZDF Civilian
Gilbert Kelly, Forwards/Defensive Coach — NZ Army
Dave Edgar, Strength and Conditioning Coach — NZ Army
Kyle Foster, Assistant Strength and Conditioning/Rehab Trainer — NZ Army
Tamsin Mafi, Physiotherapist — NZ Army