Six new caps in Lions

Ricoh Wellington Lions head coach Chris Boyd has named his 2014 squad ahead of the team’s first home match against Waikato this weekend.

Boyd has had his fair share of pre-season injury woes to deal with, but has put together a side he is confident will perform well in this year’s provincial competition.

A recent injury to first five-eighth Riki Flutey has allowed Samoan international Fa’atonu Fili to come into the squad, while Samoan U20 captain Henry Stowers, and young wing Chase Tiatia, have also been included.

New caps to the side include backs Wes Goosen, Sam McNicol and Tiatia, along with forwards Leni Apisai, Christian Lloyd, and Stowers.

The Lions will be led by a new captain this season, with Petone loose forward Brad Shields given the reins.

The side’s first match is against Waikato at Westpac Stadium on Saturday, August 16, kicking off at 6.35pm.

The final Ricoh Wellington Lions squad for 2014 is;
Leni Apisai * (Northern United)
Dane Coles (Poneke)
Ambrose Curtis (Oriental-Rongotai)
Afa Fa’atau (Oriental-Rongotai)
Tolu Fahamokioa (Tawa)
Vaea Fifita (Wellington)
Fa’atonu Fili (Marist St Pats)
Ross Filipo (Petone)
Riki Flutey (Petone)
Jackson Garden-Bachop (Northern United)
Kaipati Gaualofa (Tawa)
Reggie Goodes (Poneke)
Wes Goosen *(Old Boys’ University)
Cory Jane (Upper Hutt Rams)
Jared Kahu (Petone)
Taniela Koroi (Tawa)
Adam Hill (Old Boys’ University)
Christian Lloyd*(Upper Hutt Rams)
Tau Mamea (Wainuiomata)
Motu Matu’u (Oriental-Rongotai)
Sam McNicol (Petone)
Ma’a Nonu (Oriental-Rongotai)
James O’Reilly (Hutt Old Boys Marist)
Ope Peleseuma (Hutt Old Boys Marist)
TJ Perenara (Northern United)
Matt Proctor (Oriental-Rongotai)
Mark Reddish (Oriental-Rongotai)
Ardie Savea (Oriental-Rongotai)
Julian Savea (Oriental-Rongotai)
John Schwalger (Northern United)