RUGBY - Auckland move will aid Dixon

27th November 2009

Hawke's Bay's two-time world champion rugby hooker Ash Dixon has transferred to Auckland with the aim of securing more Air New Zealand Cup time.

Dixon, who won world titles with the New Zealand under-19 side in 2007 and under-20s last year, has been former All Black Hika Elliot's Magpies deputy for the past two seasons. The Canterbury age group product didn't get a starting XV appearance in the Cup last year and only had one this year.

Magpies coach Peter Russell told SportToday he can understand Dixon's decision. Dixon's chances of being a regular Cup starter in Auckland are higher than they would be in the Bay.

An under-20 world champion this year, Shae Tamati, and his Hawke's Bay B teammate this year, Tyler Ashworth, and 2007 Magpie Jamie Muir are likely to feature in the tussle to be Elliot's deputy next year.

Midfield back Sam Giddens will also be missing from the Magpies' line-up next year. Giddens, a Magpies regular in 2007 and last year but ousted by newcomer Andrew Horrell this season, has taken up a contract with the Bristol club in England.

Russell said the experienced Magpies duo of lock Ross Kennedy and lock-loosie George Naoupu, who missed out on Super 14 contracts for next year, are still hunting for off-season contracts and plan to return to the Magpies next season.

Which Magpies have secured Super 14 extended squad berths was expected to be announced today. Dixon, Horrell and halfback Chris Eaton are expected to be on the list.

Many Hawke's Bay premier club rugby coaching jobs have already been confirmed for next year. One of the more surprising moves sees Havelock North stalwart Mike Warren take on the head coach role at Napier Old Boys Marist.

Warren will have the NOBM head coach for the past two seasons, Jason McDowell, as his assistant and NOBM's director of rugby Terry Gittings as his manager.

"I wasn't wanted at Havelock and I'm keen to further my coaching so I've made the move," said Warren.

Gittings welcomed Warren's arrival at the club and said all of last year's players are available again.

Former player Joe Snee will be Havelock North's head coach and he will be assisted by former co-coaches Murdoch Paewai and Simon Halford. Snee has had coaching experience in Otago.

Phil Rumpler and Albie Hawea have been reappointed at the Napier Pirate and Clive clubs respectively.

Former All Black John Ashworth has replaced Pat Kelly as head coach at Central and Ashworth will have former Hawke's Bay B captain Greg Fleming as his assistant.