NPC
The Bunnings NPC is the 2nd tier Rugby Competition in New Zealand and features 14 teams from across New Zealand.
Rakuro scores 5 in Taranaki debut
Taniela Rakuro made his debut for Taranaki in the Ranfurly Shield match against Thames Valley, delivering a performance to remember.
The explosive winger from Nadroga-Navosa crossed the line five times, equalling the record for most tries in a single match for Taranaki—a feat previously achieved by Mark Robinson (1997), George Loveridge (1913), and David Vesty (1971).
Rakuro, who has 23 Super Rugby caps with the Fijian Drua, dedicated the performance to his village back in Fiji. The match ended in a dominant 97–0 win for Taranaki at Manaia Domain.
Fellow Fijian winger Vereniki Tikoisolomone also made his mark, scoring two tries and setting up several others in a commanding all-round display from the home side.
Rakuro signs with Taranaki Bulls
2023 NPC Champions Taranaki have signed Fijian Drua speedster Taniela Rakuro for the upcoming Bunnings NPC season.
The Bulls were actively in the market for an impactful winger given Kini Naholo has been ruled out for the season.
“We’ve built this team around our own, and I don’t often look out of region,” said Head Coach Neil Barnes. “But when you lose a player like Kini, you have to find someone who brings similar impact. Taniela’s a class finisher with all the traits we value in a Taranaki player. He’s physical, hard-working, and team-first. We’re thrilled to bring him in.”
Tiko signs with Staggs
Former Fijian Drua Prop Jone Tiko will line up for the Southland Staggs in this year's Bunnings NPC.
Tiko played 2 matches in his debut season last year with the Mako after leaving the Drua.
The announcement was made via social media.
Southland finished last season in 12th position with a 3-7 record.
Player Updates
Vereniki Tikoisolomone started on the wing for Taranaki in their final pre season hit out – their Ranfurly Shield defence against Thames Valley.
While fellow Fijian Taniela Rakuro got much of the limelight for his 5 tries, Tikoisolomone also had a strong performance scoring 2 tries and setting up another 2 while also making a few linebreaks in the game.
Taniela Rakuro made his debut for Taranaki in the Ranfurly Shield match against Thames Valley, delivering a performance to remember.
The explosive Nadroga-Navosa native crossed the line five times, equalling the record for most tries in a single match for Taranaki—a feat previously achieved by Mark Robinson (1997), George Loveridge (1913), and David Vesty (1971).
Rakuro, who has 23 Super Rugby caps with the Fijian Drua, dedicated the performance to his village back in Fiji. The match ended in a dominant 97–0 win for Taranaki at Manaia Domain.
Fellow Fijian winger Vereniki Tikoisolomone also made his mark, scoring two tries and setting up several others in a commanding all-round display from the home side.
Former Fijian Drua Prop Jone Tiko will line up for the Southland Staggs in this year’s Bunnings NPC.
Tiko played 2 matches in his debut season last year with the Mako after leaving the Drua.
The announcement was made via social media.
Southland finished last season in 12th position with a 3-7 record.
