HIGGINS CONCRETE MANAWATŪ TURBOS SQUAD NAMED FOR 2025


Local Pride and Rising Stars: 2025 Manawatū Turbos Squad Named

The Higgins Concrete Manawatū Turbos have named their 2025 squad, bringing together a proud core of homegrown talent, returning internationals, and exciting new prospects ahead of the upcoming Bunnings NPC season.

The backbone of the squad is made up of players who have grown up in the region and come through local pathways. Brayden Iose, TK Howden, Drew Wild, and James Tofa will be lining up for milestone matches this season.

A host of players bring fresh Super Rugby experience into the campaign:

  • Feleti Sae Ta'ufo'ou and Ofa Tauatevalu featured for Moana Pasifika

  • TK Howden and Taniela Filimone pulled on the jersey for the Highlanders

  • Vernon Bason, Ray Tuputupu, Brayden Iose, Jordi Viljoen, and Flyn Yates all gained valuable top-tier exposure

There’s also the exciting return of Ngani Laumape, back from Japan’s Kobe Steelers, alongside new international signings Junta Hamano and Tsujino Hayata, who bring flair and energy to the backline.

Veteran lock Rob Harley adds a wealth of experience, having previously played for Old Glory DC, Glasgow Warriors, and under Dave Rennie at the Steelers.

A wave of fresh faces signals the future. Mosese Bason, Jai Tamati, and Logan Wallace,  who feature in the NZ U20s run to the world championship final, are joined by Taofuka Paongo, Joe Fabish, Rowan Slater, Reuben Allen, and Taine Roire in a strong cohort of new debutants.

Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, who suited up for the Fijian Drua in Super Rugby Pacific, also returns to the squad, adding international class to the 10 jersey.

Head Coach Wes Clarke says the group reflects the union’s deep connection to its community:

"I’m really looking forward to the competition this season. The squad selected has a great mix of experience and young talent coming through. The group is largely based on previous Turbos and local players, which should be exciting for our rugby community. The players have been working really hard and want to make this community proud."

MRU CEO Doug Tietjens has also thrown his support behind the squad and Wes in his first season at the helm:

“We’re incredibly proud of this squad and what it represents, a strong local foundation, fresh young talent, and experienced players who bring leadership and professionalism. It’s also a significant moment for Wes as he steps into his first campaign as Head Coach. He’s already had a real impact on the group, and we’re backing him fully as he leads this team into an exciting season. There’s a great energy building, and we know our community will be right there with us.”


Preseason Fixtures Confirmed

The Turbos will kick off their 2025 campaign preparations with two strong preseason matchups:

  • Friday 18 JulyTurbos vs Hawke’s Bay (away)

  • Friday 25 JulyTurbos vs Canterbury2:00 PM, Johnston Park – Feilding


2025 Turbos Squad

Props:Joe Gavigan (Varsityz) Feleti Sae Ta'ufo'ou (Kia Toa) Flyn Yates (Varsity) Malakai Ngatai (Kia Toa) Clement Castets (Stade Français Paris)

Hookers:Vernon Bason (College Old Boys) Raymond Tuputupu (Freyberg Old Boys) Sase Va'a (Kia Toa)

Locks:Ofa Tauatevalu (Kia Toa) Rob Harley (Old Glory Washington DC)Taine Roiri (Freyberg Old Boys) Reuben Allen (Feilding Yellows)

Loose Forwards:TK Howden (Feilding Yellows) Brayden Iose (Kia Toa)Mosese Bason (College Old Boys) Rowan Slater (New Plymouth Old Boys) Joseph Fabish (Kia Toa)

Halfbacks:Jordi Viljoen (College Old Boys)Jai Tamati (Old Boys Marist)

First Five-Eighths:Brett Cameron (Te Kawau) Liam O'Connor (Old Boys Marist) Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula (College Old Boys)

Midfielders:Kyle Brown (Feilding Yellows) Taofuka Paongo (Kia Toa) James Tofa (College Old Boys) Ngani Laumape (Kia Toa)

Outside Backs:Pena Va'a (Kia Toa) Sam Coles (Varsity) Taniela Filimone (Kia Toa) Drew Wild (Feilding Yellows) Tsujino Hayata (Kobe Steelers) Junta Hamano (Kobe Steelers)

Provincial Union Development Contracts:Logan Wallace (Old Boys Marist) Misinale Nafualu Epenisa (College Old Boys) Bryn Wilson (Varsity)Julian Goerke (Varsity) Reuben Nelley (Varsity)


Management Team

Wesley Clarke – Head Coach
Hayden Triggs – Assistant Coach
Blair van Stipriaan – Assistant Coach
Greg Fleming – Technical Advisor
Muz Sujau – Manager
Matt Carpinter – Analyst
Keegan Harnett – Physio
Geoff Pound – Strength & Conditioning
Ra Durie – Team Doctor


Stay tuned for the Bunnings NPC kickoff and join us in backing the Green & White all the way in 2025.

 

Article added: Wednesday 16 July 2025

 

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