30/07/2026
Make a purchase up to one hour before each Magpies NPC game this season & if our man ( 11 ) gets a double we will give you a free drink.
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The Hawke’s Bay Magpies have named their side for their opening fixture of the season against the Wellington Lions at Hnry Stadium this Sunday.
Following a semi-final appearance in the 2025 season, the Magpies will be aiming to build on last year’s campaign with a refreshed squad featuring three debutants and several familiar faces returning to the black and white jersey.
Among the new additions is French loosehead prop Clément Castets, who joins the Magpies after nine seasons competing in France’s Top 14. During his time in France, Castets claimed a Champions Cup title and brings valuable international experience to the squad.
Castets will pack down in the front row alongside returning ho**er Tyrone Thompson, who makes his first Magpies appearance since 2024, and tighthead prop Joe Apikotoa, who returns to the starting side.
Following his Hurricanes debut two months ago, Tom Allen will partner Hunter Morrison in the second row. Captain Frank Lochore and vice-captain Cooper Flanders will start on the flanks, with Tiaki Fabish rounding out the forward pack at No.8.
Folau Fakatava gets the nod at halfback, with Harry Godfrey set to make his long-awaited return from injury. Godfrey suffered a ruptured ACL during Magpies training last season, ruling him out of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season.
In the midfield, Lukas Ripley will start at second-five alongside Magpies debutant and local product Bailyn Sullivan. The former Waikato midfielder joins the squad this season and will line up alongside his brother Zarn in the iconic black and white hoops.
Neria Formai and Jonah Lowe return to the starting lineup on the left and right wings respectively, while Will Cole has been named at fullback.
The Magpies bench features ho**er Kianu Kereru-Symes, props Hadlee Hay-Horton and Lolani Faleiva, lock Geoff Cridge, loose forward Sam Smith, halfback Kade Manuel, midfielder Anaru Paenga-Morgan and debutant back Nic Benn.
Benn earned his opportunity after an impressive club rugby season with Taradale, where he was one of the standout performers throughout the year.
The Magpies will be looking to start their campaign strongly when they take on the Lions at Hnry Stadium this Sunday.
HAWKE'S BAY MAGPIES V WELLINTON LIONS
RD 1 | Sun 2 Aug, 5.05pm | HNRY Stadium
1. Clément Castets*
2. Tyrone Thompson
3. Joe Apikotoa
4. Tom Allen
5. Hunter Morrison
6. Frank Lochore (C)
7. Cooper Flanders (VC)
8. Tiaki Fabish
9. Folau Fakatava
10. Harry Godfrey
11. Neria Fomai
12. Lukas Ripley
13. Bailyn Sullivan*
14. Jonah Lowe
15. Will Cole
RESERVES
16. Kianu Kereru-Symes
17. Hadlee Hay-Horton
18. Lolani Faleiva
19. Geoff Cridge
20. Sam Smith
21. Kade Manuel
22. Anaru Paenga-Morgan
23. Nic Benn*
*Denote debutant
