Former Magpies loose forward Hugh Renton is former no longer as Hawke’s Bay Rugby today confirmed his return for the 2024 and 2025 NPC seasons.

Ex-Lindisfarne schoolboy star Renton played 13 games for the Magpies in 2016 and 2017 before representing Canterbury and Tasman in the NPC and the Highlanders in Super Rugby.

Hawke’s Bay Rugby CEO Jay Campbell said ‘Our intention is always to try and entice homegrown players back home first and foremost and Hugh has black and white in his DNA and everyone involved with the Magpies is excited to see him back home and playing for the Bay’

Renton, who was injured during the Highlanders campaign said today "I am truly grateful and honoured for the chance to play for Hawke's Bay again. I'm thankful to Sam McNicol for reaching out and expressing the desire to bring local lads back to the province and after speaking with Brock, I could immediately sense the excitement surrounding Hawke's Bay rugby and the Magpies’’

Magpies Head coach Brock James said ‘’It’s fantastic to have Hugh back in the Bay. We are always excited when Hawke’s Bay men find their way home and back to the Magpies. Hugh brings a load of knowledge and experience from both NPC and super rugby levels. The coaching team are excited about the prospect of seeing him back on McLean Park in the hoops’’

Renton who is expected to be available for selection by Round 2 confirmed "Even though I needed ankle surgery, which ended my Super Rugby campaign, I'm deeply appreciative of Hawke's Bay's unwavering support and their eagerness to make something work. So, I signed, and here we are and I’m excited to get stuck in and contribute in any way I can to help Hawke's Bay retain the Ranfurly Shield and win the NPC for the first time."

The Magpies defend the Ranfurly Shield against Whanganui at McLean Park on Saturday, July 27th in a lead-up to their first NPC game against North Harbour on Sunday, August 11th before returning home to play Southland on Saturday 17th August which will also see the Tui play in a doubleheader against Counties in their opening game of their FPC campaign.

Article added: Thursday 11 July 2024