English sevens star Tasman bound

English sevens star Ben Gollings was today named as the latest player signing for the Tasman NPC rugby squad.

Gollings, 25, who was in Dubai representing England in the International Rugby Board sevens tournament, was also an accomplished 15-a-side player.

The first five-eighth or fullback played for England against the New Zealand Barbarians and for England A against Italy in 2002-03.

Tasman chief executive Lee Germon said Jonathan Poff, a New Zealand Colt and Canterbury B openside flanker, and halfback James King from Taranaki had been signed earlier in the week. King played for Nelson Bays in 2004.

Germon said the signing of Gollings "continues to add to the quality of the Tasman squad that is being assembled".

Germon said that 23 players from Nelson Bays and Marlborough had now been signed and would be confirmed next week.

- nzpa