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Rene Ranger set for Super Rugby return
By Online Editors
Former All Black Rene Ranger is set to make his Super Rugby return in 2019.
The Japan-based Sunwolves yesterday announced they had signed the six-Test centre for the 2019 season. His last Super Rugby stint came in 2017 with the Auckland-based Blues.
In Japan Ranger will link up with new head coach and fellow former All Black Tony Brown.
The side have also been bolstered by the signing of Canterbury centre Phil Burleigh and announced the re-signing of Georgian hooker Jaba Bregvadze and former Highlanders first-five Hayden Parker.
Scotland international Burleigh has Super Rugby credentials, playing for the Chiefs in 2010 and representing the Highlanders from 2012 to 2014.
Bregvadze has over 50 caps for the Georgian national team and has represented his country at two World Cups, while 27-year-old Parker previously represented New Zealand at the Under 20 level.
31-year-old Ranger has been in fine form playing for the Northland Taniwha in the Mitre 10 Cup and brings a wealth of experience to the Sunwolves.
With over 70 Super Rugby caps to his name, Ranger will be set on turning around the embattled franchise, who have won just five games in three seasons and finish last in the standings in 2018.
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Latest Comments
The way Ratima has been treated he needs to look OS. Same with Perofeta and Love, Hothem too. Razor is a token coach. Gives debuts but very few mins. Also DM too. Just go earn millions elsewhere DM as all you get in NZ is bagging.
BB is coaches favourite and I say let him have BB right thru to the next 2 or maybe even 3 World cups.😁😁 Have JB outside him at 12...That just works so well.
Go to commentsIt certainly needs to be cherished. Despite Nick (and you) highlighting their usefulness for teams like Australia (and obviously those in France they find form with) I (mention it general in those articles) say that I fear the game is just not setup in Aus and NZ to appreciate nor maximise their strengths. The French game should continue to be the destination of the biggest and most gifted athletes but it might improve elsewhere too.
I just have an idea it needs a whole team focus to make work. I also have an idea what the opposite applies with players in general. I feel like French backs and halves can be very small and quick, were as here everyone is made to fit in a model physique. Louis was some 10 and 20 kg smaller that his opposition and we just do not have that time of player in our game anymore. I'm dying out for a fast wing to appear on the All Blacks radar.
But I, and my thoughts on body size in particular, could be part of the same indoctrination that goes on with player physiques by the establishment in my parts (country).
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