Promotion to top flight boosts club competition

The promotion of Counties Manukau to rugby's new premier division will make this year's club competition one of the most important and hotly contested in recent seasons.

The new opportunities springing from a place in the Air New Zealand Cup competition has led to a steady influx of players from neighbouring unions and movement of players within the region's clubs.

Last year's champions Pukekohe once again look the team to beat.

They have gained the services of national age-grade representative Daniel Crichton from Auckland, promising second five-eighths Nigel Watson from North Harbour and exciting Fijian winger Simione Saravanua. Coaches Bruce Lansdown and Joeli Vidiri have also promoted younger players from within the club who should also make an impact.

Ardmore Marist and Karaka look to be the other big movers this year.

Ardmore Marist have gained the services of two Auckland NPC squad members from last season in hooker John Fonokolafi and prop Sione Sione. They have a number of ex-players returning from overseas and three promising youngsters Callum Cook, Dean Cummings and Cody Martin.

Karaka have recruited a number of new players, but largely from within the union boundaries.

Former Pukekohe players Troy Nathan and Waka Setiata should make their presence felt as will former Papakura player Siale Piatu. Karaka have also gained top halfback Ben Meyer who was a member of last year's Auckland Blues squad.

Last year's losing finalist Patumahoe will be another threat this season with the core of that team returning and the introduction of lock Andrew van der Hayden and New Zealand under-19 player Male Sua.

Manurewa have also been recruiting, picking a number of the union's most promising school leavers. They have secured a large number of last year's Wesley College 1st XV, as well as Junior Leota and Italian international Matt Phillips.

Papakura, Weymouth and Waiuku could upset a few teams. Papakura have based their team around last year's successful under-21 squad.