Plenty of Fresh Blood in Lions Squad

With Wellington Lions Head Coach Leo Crowley naming his 35-man squad for the Bunnings NPC last week, several outstanding new players have been picked to join the young but experienced squad. 

With the Hurricanes securing the services of former All Blacks lock Dominic Bird for the next two seasons, he has joined the Lions in preparation for the upcoming campaign, after applying his trade with French club ‘Racing 92’. 

Joining Bird is former Wallaby prop and 135-game Super Rugby veteran Pekahou Cowan, who has made the shift home, as well as halfback Richard Judd, who returns from a stint in Japan.  

Crowley is excited to have such experienced players added to the squad. 

“They have all come from different parts of the world where they have had their successes. It’s huge to have them here.” 

“Dom signing for the Hurricanes has allowed us to have him as a part of our Lions campaign. Pekahou is Wellington born and bred and has always wanted to represent his province. Richard was a really good Super Rugby player and adds great value to the group.” 

In addition to new signings, some local talent has come through into the squad from the High-Performance Unit. Iona Apineru, Josh Southall and Keelan Whitman join Brandyn Laursen, who was a standout this season in club rugby.  

Squad selection for these four players comes as a result of hard work over the season. 

The players coming in have again proven the connection through the academy into the squad. 

“The new players have settled in well. Brandyn has been around for a while and has been a part of the Wellington B setup for a few years. He’s come in and been a good fit. All the new players are being rewarded from the effort we’ve seen from them throughout.” 

The squad have assembled and are building their way towards the first game of the 2021 competition, on August 7th at Sky Stadium.  

For more information please contact: 

Rebecca Ambler 
Communications Manager & Media Relations 
+64 22 413 4237 
[email protected]