Your Yarrows Taranaki Bulls squad will have a familiar look again in 2023, with 27 contracted players locked in to start the season. The squad has remained relatively consistent over the past two seasons, with the only notable departure to date coming in the way of Mitch Brown (Yokohama Eagles).

New signing, Fiti Sa is an outstanding 2.03cm lock, two years out of Christ's College in Canterbury. After an eye-catching tour of South Africa for the New Zealand U19s in 2022, Sa is currently with the Chiefs on a National Development Contract for the 2023 season and will join the Bulls full-time at the conclusion of the Super Rugby Pacific competition.

After the rapid All Black success of Josh Lord and Tupou Vaa'i, Taranaki has become an appealing destination for emerging young players and Sa will look to continue the rich locking stocks our region has been able to develop.

In the midst of a World Cup year, Head Coach, Neil Barnes is well aware that squad flexibility is required to fill key positions as the season draws closer. 

CMK Club Rugby will yet again be a key competition to watch for the squad's remaining contracts, as well as talent outside the region drawn to Taranaki's brand of rugby. 

With multiple contracts on offer across the squad, non-contracted players from 2022 have been told to work hard throughout the CMK Club Rugby season and showcase the form that saw them earn a spot in last year's squad.

With the CMK Club Rugby finals day on the 15th of July and a Yarrows Taranaki Bulls preseason game on the 22nd of July, final squad contracts will be fluid before the commencement of the 2023 Bunnings NPC season. 

Article added: Wednesday 08 March 2023