We are rolling out our player introductions week by week so watch this space throughout the 2023 season and follow our blog or our Facebook page for more.
#2 Hooker - Sam Calder Sponsored by Ward Sinclair Panel & Paint
Sam Calder has cemented his spot as starting hooker for the last 4 years for Pioneer. Since then stats for not straights thrown in the lineout have dramatically decreased from the previous hooker. Sam enjoys the odd beverage on the weekdays/weekends and is also the founder and current president of the Gore Roast Chicken Club. Sam Recently extended his contract to Pioneer until 2027 and Ambassador for Roast Chickens
#10 First Five - Jordy Smith Sponsored by Transport Repairs
Jordy Smith is one of the three Smiths playing for Pioneer in the family. Son to Head Coach of the Div 1 team Jason and to Womans Manager Debbie. Talking to Jordy over the weekend it was a hard call for him to pick between Dan Carter as his favourite player or Abby Smith his sister. His sister who plays for the Pioneer Senior woman's team has been a inspiration to how Jordy has been playing.
#6 Flanker - Mitch Hamilton Sponsored by Jonathan Ogg
Mitch Hamilton. So much could be said about this lad.
Men Lock up your ladies because this man was officially registered by the Department Of Conservation as one of the top 10 pests in NZ.
Can not run into a stiff breeze on the field in the fear that he may lose all his hair by 2025.
Every club has one for a flanker, The faulty heat seeker missile.
They find the worst opportunity or technique of tackling a player illegally. Whether it is full pace head on head impact or tackling in the air it has never been his fault.
Has perfected the art of rolling out of the ruck. Evidence has said that this may have been done off the field elsewhere.
In Reds time at Pioneer, he has always been a great influence on field and off. Since turning up from day one, his impact on field and position diversity has helped Pioneer secure some famous victories.
Congrats to Red on his 21st over the weekend also.
#16 Man of all trades - Troy Wyatt Sponsored by Waikato Milking Systems
Troy Wyatt AKA Darryll the Barrell.
A Stalwart to Pioneer Rugby Club & a lover to the nectar of Lion Brown
Using Pythagoras, Troy was able to obtain that he has played over two hundred games for the red and white.
Stats leader for thrown lineouts not straight per game.
Stats leader for Territory Metres conceded in the space of 5 minutes (80m @ Blues 2019)
Classics quotes from Troy may be heard in the scrum such as "This is where the beautiful people are" "F**CK Yeah Scrum Time" "Fight Me you ****"
Troy has been an asset on the field and is able to cover most positions in the forwards and the backs. His impact off the bench is a great injection to the team and his pace off the mark absolutely shocks the opposition who do not know him.
Also, a congrats to Troy and Megan as they welcomed to the world their new boy Patrick last week. I have no doubt at all that we will see Patrick playing at Pioneer in years to come.
Troy has already notched Patrick down for his 12th game this week.
A big thanks again to our Jersey Sponsors
Waikato Milking Systems and Jonathan Ogg
#3 Hooker - Lachlan Scott Sponsored by Cowley Electrical Dairy And Pumps
Lachlan Scott. A man of few words but his voice can be found booming around the park as he yells out the "HOLD & UP" Measuring 6"6, legend has it that this man is a descendant to Hodor from Game of Thrones and brother of Jamie Mcintosh. From his first game till now Lachlan Scotts fitness has improved tenfold. His training over the off season has been noticed and we look forward to what Lachie can bring for the rest of the year.
#11 Wing - Josh Davers Sponsored by Checkmate Audits
Josh Davers or JD is one of the new debutants for this year. Starting out in Div 2 in the preseason clash at Clinton it was noted straight away that Josh was well and truly capable of playing Div 1. He has held onto the #11 jersey from the start of the season and every game for him is a improvement. We look forward to seeing what he can do once he has a few more games under the belt. A well-known source was able to tell me "In the weekends you’ll find josh is quite the busy boy either fixing the parts he broke on his truck the previous weekend or driving to Alexandra to spend “quality” time with his mate's older sister" A big thanks again to our Jersey Sponsors CEDP & Checkmate audits
Thank you to all our Jersey Sponsors
Transport Repairs, Ward Sinclair Panel & Paint