Canterbury squad named for Ranfurly Shield defences

Canterbury Head Coach Glenn Delaney has named his 31-man squad for the upcoming Ranfurly Shield defences against Wanganui and Mid Canterbury.

“We have named an exciting squad to kick off our 2017 season, with a mixture of returning talent and 19 players in the side who are yet to make their first-class Canterbury debut. These players have impressed the coaching group for their respective clubs this season and we look forward to giving them the opportunity to wear the red and black jersey.

“The history of the Ranfurly Shield provides a lot of motivation for our group and we know that both Wanganui and Mid Canterbury will be tough opponents leading in to our Mitre 10 Cup campaign”, Delaney said.

Canterbury’s first challenge will be from Meads Cup winners Wanganui, on 21 June, with kick off scheduled for 7:35pm at AMI Stadium in Christchurch.

Should Canterbury retain the Ranfurly Shield against Wanganui, Mid Canterbury will then challenge on 4 August, with that match set for a 2:30pm kick off from Ashburton Domain.

Canterbury squad for Ranfurly Shield defences:

Name	Club
Alifeleti Kaitu’u	New Brighton
Amanaki Nicole	Sydenham
Anty Burnett	Lincoln University
Billy Harmon	New Brighton
Brad Hemopo	University
Brett Cameron	Lincoln University
Caleb Makene	Lincoln University
Chris Gawler	Lincoln University
Dylan Nel	Sumner
Finn Hart-Strawbridge	Lincoln University
Hamish Dalzell	Lincoln University
Kaveinga Finau	Christchurch
Jack Powell	Lincoln University
Jack Straker	Sydenham
Jack Stratton	Lincoln University
JJ Manning	Marist Albion
Joel Hintz	Lincoln University
Jonno Osbourne	Lincoln University
Marcel Cummings-Toone	New Brighton
Mark Maitland	Waihora
Marshall Suckling	Sumner
Ngane Punivai	Lincoln University
Nigel Gibb	University
Poasa Waqanibau	Sumner
Ray Nu’u	Sydenham
Sam Godwin	University
Samu Tawake	Sumner
Sean Paranihi	Linwood
Sireli Kacilala	Belfast
Steve Alfeld	Christchurch
Tom Crozier	Sumner