The Yarrows Taranaki Bulls have confirmed 23 players currently contracted for the 2025 Bunnings NPC season, retaining the core of the 2023 championship-winning and 2024 playoff squads. 

The squad reflects the consistency we have built in the Taranaki region. Nurturing our local talent and supplementing that with players from outside the region who embed themselves in the Amber & Black style of rugby. 

With up to 12 spots still to be filled, depending on All Blacks duties, the door is wide open for new players to emerge. Performing in the CMK Club Rugby competition will be key in deciding who earns the right to wear the jersey.

“We’ll continue to lean heavily on club footy to build our depth. It’s where we’ve found some of our best talent, and that won’t change. If you’re playing well and putting your hand up in CMK Club Rugby, you’ll get a look,” said Head Coach Neil Barnes.

Since Barnes took over as Head Coach of the Yarrows Taranaki Bulls, CMK Club Rugby has been used effectively to grow the depth and talent in the region, while allowing players to show they're hungry to perform consistently.

“Each year, we have worked with 60-odd players in the preseason to develop their skill sets and understanding of our game plan. It's then up to them to perform in CMK Club Rugby. Some guys in that group have previously been contracted, and it gives them even more reason to show they deserve another crack,” Barnes said.

The upcoming Ranfurly Shield challenge matches will also double as a final trial of sorts, giving players a taste of Bunnings NPC rugby to push for selection.

“For our opening Ranfurly Shield defence, we will most likely be without contracted Super Rugby players. Allowing our wider pool of CMK Club Rugby players to put on the Amber & Black jersey and make this province proud,” Barnes said.

Your 2025 Yarrows Taranaki Bulls (so far):

Jared Proffit, Reuben O’Neill, Mitch O’Neill, Ricky Riccitelli, Bradley Slater, JJ Pōkai, Scott Barrett, Josh Lord, Fiti Sa, Jayden Sa, Tupou Vaa’i, Michael Loft, Kaylum Boshier, Arese Poliko, Adam Lennox, Logan Crowley, Beauden Barrett, Josh Jacomb, Daniel Rona, Meihana Grindlay, Jordie Barrett, Kini Naholo, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens.

The final squad will be selected at the conclusion of the CMK Club Rugby season

Article added: Wednesday 23 April 2025