Chiefs secure Stud Fly Half

[Ripper]

Lavea to join Steelers - May 24, 2007

Chiefs and Auckland first-five Tasesa Lavea has signed with Counties Manukau for the 2008 Air NZ Cup season.

Lavea, who played for the Chiefs this year, will complete his final Air New Zealand Cup season for Auckland before joining Counties Manukau for two years.

The 26-year-old former Kiwi international follows former Chiefs lock Dave Duley and England and Japan-based Seone Kepu.

His signing is a major coup for the burgeoning Steelers rugby programme.

"It's wonderful to have someone with the experience and leadership of Tasesa to be part of our campaign going forward," said Nick Sheppard, Counties Manukau CEO.

"It's a tick in the box for our programme which is encouraging. Tasesa said he has watched our development and is impressed with our coaching team, our rugby development and our programme off the field like the new stadium plans at Pukekohe."

Counties Manukau coach Kevin Putt believes Lavea's involvement is a tremendous boost to the team development.

"It's really exciting for us to have a player of his calibre," Putt said. "Tasesa is a quality player, a good person, a good professional and good leader. He's a naturally gifted footballer with attacking flair, a good kicking game and strong defence.

"He is equally home at first or second-five and will be a fantastic asset on and off the field for Counties Manukau."

Lavea will join Counties Manukau after his contract with Auckland ends on 31 October and will be eligible for selection for the Chiefs for 2008[/b]

http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/488120/1147071

:bana: :bana: :bana:

Must've been a hell of a bidding war with the Overseas Clubs, heard the Japanese Clubs were offering him 10's of Dollars.

 

[Dumbo]

I heard that the Japs offered 7.25 NZ$ but Counties uped the anty with a Simpson 1982 model Microwave (colour 'off white') that has had only 7 owners.

 

[shiznit]

he was probably a $1 reserve on trademe.

 

[Juggernaut]

:bana: :bana: :bana: :bana: :bana:


Who cares what he's getting. I'm just happy he's out of the Blues squad for good.

 

[mimic]

The Blues probably offered the Chiefs thousands of dollars to take him.

 

[Dumbo]

:cheers: Great responce their Bud, shame it just has to be the Chiefs that are getting him.

How's this from Allblacks.com...

"Coach Kevin Putt said: "Tasesa is a quality player, a good person, a good professional and a good leader. He's a naturally gifted footballer with attacking flair, a good kicking game and strong defence. "

One question Kevin, what colour's the sky in the world you live in?

 

[Juggernaut]

Well, looks like our first wishes has been answered. Now for my second wish:


I wish that he stays injured so he wont feature for Auckland in this years NPC.

 

[Ripper]

:cheers: Great responce their Bud, shame it just has to be the Chiefs that are getting him.

How's this from Allblacks.com...

"Coach Kevin Putt said: "Tasesa is a quality player, a good person, a good professional and a good leader. He's a naturally gifted footballer with attacking flair, a good kicking game and strong defence. "

One question Kevin, what colour's the sky in the world you live in?
[/b]

Depends on which supplier he bought from that week. Some Weeks its Blue, other weeks it's a greeny haze.

 

[ChiefsFan]

Lavea played well for the Chiefs
It just shows what the Blues does to ya

 

[Ripper]

Blues - 3 ***les, Made the Semi Final this Year
Chiefs - Nada, Nothing, Zilch