9 All Blacks and an England international named in Canterbury NPC squad

Nine current or former All Blacks and an ex England international have been named in the Canterbury NPC squad for the 2022 campaign.

Will Heinz, who won 13 caps for England and appeared at the 2019 Rugby World Cup, is included in Marty Bourke's squad. The 35-year-old left Worcester Warriors in March with immediate affect.

Exciting Fiji international Manasa Mataele is also named. There are three newcomers as well in the shape of former New Zealand Under 20 representatives George Bell, Seb Calder and Joel Lam.

“The talent that is in the Canterbury region is a testament to the work that’s going on at Club level and the pathways that are regularly producing players who are ready to take the next step in their careers,” said new Head Coach Marty Bourke. “I’m really excited about the next 14 weeks.”

“Whether it’s stepping up to NPC or tapping on the door of International or Super Rugby, there’s no better place to showcase your talent than NPC and I think that’s what excites me about this campaign. Bridgey and Braydon, along with the rest of the squad, have the chance to ensure people are taking notice of how capable they are.”

Breakdown coach Matt Todd spoke on immense talent within the group. “Reed, Tom, Cully and Billy are all born and bred Cantabrians. They are itching to pull that red and black jersey on and represent our people.”

CANTERBURY NPC SQUAD:

Liam Allen - Lincoln University

George Bell - Lincoln University

Finlay Brewis - HSOB

George Bridge - HSOB

Fergus Burke - University of Canterbury

Seb Calder - Lincoln University

Tom Christie - Christchurch

Sam Darry - HSOB

Mitchell Drummond - HSOB

Mitchell Dunshea - Springston

Braydon Ennor - University of Canterbury

Chay Fihaki - Burnside

Zach Gallagher - Burnside

Dominic Gardiner - Marist Albion

Cullen Grace - Lincoln University

Alex Harford - HSOB

Billy Harmon - New Brighton

Willi Heinz - Linwood

Oliver Jager - New Brighton

Corey Kellow - Lincoln University

Shilo Klein - HSOB

Joel Lam - Burnside

Daniel Lienert-Brown - HSOB

Manasa Mataele - Marist Albion

Brodie McAlister - Sydenham

Dallas McLeod - Christchurch

Richie Mo'unga - Linwood

Joe Moody - Lincoln

Fletcher Newell - Lincoln University

Rameka Poihipi - Lincoln University

Reed Prinsep - HSOB

Isaiah Punivai - Burnside

Ngatungane Punivai - Prebbleton

Luke Romano - Hurunui

Codie Taylor - Sydenham

Samuel Whitelock - Lincoln University

Tamaiti Williams - Burnside