Rene Ranger isn't sure whether he'll return to play for Northland next year after signing a one-year contract with the Sunwolves in Japan. Photo / John Stone
Rene Ranger isn't sure whether he'll return to play for Northland next year after signing a one-year contract with the Sunwolves in Japan. Photo / John Stone
Taniwha fans may see their cult hero Rene Ranger back next year despite him signing a one-year contract with Japan-based Sunwolves for next season.
The 32-year-old from Wellsford is one of four new players unveiled as part of the Sunwolves squad for the 2019 Super Rugby season by head coach and former All Black Tony Brown.
Ranger joins the side in January at the completion of the Japanese domestic competition. The Sunwolves start their Super Rugby season against the Sharks on February 16.
"Playing over in Japan is something different. When I was over in France, my agent had a yarn with [former Sunwolves coach] Jamie Joseph for any opportunity for me to play Super Rugby," Ranger said.
"There weren't any at the time but a month later, we got a call and I think the confirmation came through at the start of this year's Mitre 10 Cup. It's good to live in Japan and play their brand of footy.
"They like to play a fast brand of rugby, they try anything and for me being part of that culture in Japan will be cool and interesting. They've also got some Kiwi boys which will be awesome to play with."
Evergreen Rene Ranger is heading to Japan to play for the Sunwolves in next year's Super Rugby competition.
Photo/Supplied
Former Highlanders first five Hayden Parker, ex Chiefs loose forward Michael Leitch and Michael Little of North Harbour are the other Kiwis in the Sunwolves team.
Also joining Ranger will be New Zealand-born Scottish international and former Highlander Phil Burleigh.
Ranger said his return to the Northland squad for next season's Mitre 10 Cup campaign would depend on a number of factors such as injuries and family considerations.
He hasn't been approached by any other Super Rugby franchise for next season.
Northland Rugby Union is negotiating on the possibility of him returning next year and head coach Derren Witcombe said his team would love to have a player of Ranger's calibre back.
"It's a great opportunity for him. I think the franchises in New Zealand are probably missing out on a special player to be honest. We're excited for him."
Ranger has been named NRU's Players' Player and Player of the Year and the former All Black said he was only as good as the players around him.
"So many players are playing well and I feed off them. It's all I guess the preparation during the week which makes my job on the field easier."
He played for Montpellier and La Rochelle in the French domestic competition in the past.
Ranger has been one of the star performers for Northland this year with his powerful running and an ability to offload in tackles.
In defence, he competes for the ball well at breakdown and manages turnovers at ruck that swings the momentum in favour of the Taniwha.
He's been a shoe-in for the Taniwha in recent years and has played almost entirely for Northland in the Mitre 10 Cup competition, apart from 2015 when he signed for North Harbour.
Ranger and Blake Hohaia have established a good partnership at centre but the former has also played on the wing for Northland this season.
He's likely to be fit for Northland's semifinal clash against Waikato in Hamilton on Saturday.
In the other Northland Mitre 10 Cup awards, first five Jack Debreczeni has been named the Most Improved Back, lock/flanker Tom Robinson the Most Improved Forward, wing Jordan Hyland for Off-field Performance, and captain Matt Moulds the Team Man of the Year.
