Mitre 10 Cup players who deserve Super Rugby contracts
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This Mitre 10 Cup season has already provided the platform for Braydon Ennor and Jonathan Ruru the opportunity to prove themselves earn Super Rugby contract with the Crusaders and Blues respectively, while Jackson Garden-Bachop secured a deal to return to New Zealand to play for the Hurricanes.
With that in mind, we picked 12 players who we felt performed well enough to earn a Super Rugby contract for next year.
Players who already have a Super Rugby contracts have not been considered eg. Asafo Aumua.
Pita-Gus Sowakula (Taranaki)
The Taranaki loose forward has been exceptional for his side this season. He has been brilliant with the ball in hand and on defence and would a brilliant signing for any of the New Zealand Super Rugby side.
He is also able to play across the back row and lock.
Sevu Reece (Waikato)
Fijian outside back Sevu Reece was a star performer for an otherwise disappointing Waikato side. The speedster wasn't able to help his side avoid relegation but was able to make more offloads than any other player in the competition (29). He also displayed his wide range of skills as he took over the kicking duties for his side. He is also able to play outside center, wing and fullback.
Mike Delany (Bay of Plenty)
Well travelled Mike Delany returned to New Zealand from his travels in Japan, England and France and the 35-year-old has been a key member in the Bay of Plenty side that could still gain promotion to the Premiership.
A team like the Chiefs could use the Delany to good effect following the departure of Aaron Cruden and Stephen Donald while the Blues have 3 young flyhalves who could learn a lot from an experienced head like Delany.
Jarrad Hoeata (North Harbour)
A former All Black returning from his 3-year stint in Wales, Jarrad Hoeata was pack to his old tricks in this Mitre 10 Cup season. His lineouts were solid as ever and has been aggressive.
Like Delany Hoeata is nearing the end of his career but could really help the development of young players in any Super Rugby side.
Marcel Renata (Auckland)
Renata has been a shining light in a poor season by Auckland's high standards. The 23-year-old tighthead put in a good shift off the bench for the NZ Provincial Barbarians and the Moari All Blacks against the British and Irish Lions and could help the Blues fill the void left by Charlie Faumuina. Renata is a solid scrummager, carries the ball relatively well and can put in a few big hits around the field. He also represented the Moari All Blacks last year and may get yet an
Alex Fidow (Wellington)
Operating in the Lion's front row with Asafo Aumua, Alex Fidow has been fantastic this season scoring 7 tries - the same amount as Vince Aso. Fidow has plenty of pace for a front rower and the New Zealand U20s representative stands 1.87m tall and weighs in 133kgs. A true monster in the front row Fidow is almost certainly going to get snapped up by a franchise for the 2018 Super Rugby season.
Orbyn Leger (Counties Manukau)
Another New Zealand U20 representative making the list. Leger was in fine form for Counties this and has continued to show that he has what it takes to play at the highest level. The 20-year-old could is a handy defender and has an excellent pass on him.
Te Rangatira Waitokia (Manawatu)
A real hot stepper, who made his name in the Heartland Championship last year, Te Rangatira Waitokia did not disappoint when given the chance for the Turbos.
The 21-year-old still has a lot to learn but he does have the ability to turn a game on its head and would be a great signing for any side.
Will Jordan (Tasman)
New Zealand keeps producing exceptional outside backs and Tasman's Will Jordan is no different, having already been named Tasman's Rookie of the year.
The 19-year-old was key to the New Zealand U20s' successful campaign earlier in the year and brought that form into the Mitre 10 Cup making just shy of 100 carries (4th highest in the competition), has collected 24 clean breaks (one behind the competition's highest total by Braydon Ennor and has made the 2nd most metres with the ball in hand (759).
Jordan is likely to represent the New Zealand U20s again next season but will still be a brilliant signing for any Super Rugby side.
Mason Emerson (Hawke's Bay)
Having just finished his 3rd season in the Mitre 10 Cup Mason Emerson has once again shone for the Magpies. The 21-year-old was in fine form for Hawke's Bay despite their inability to make the semi-finals.
The pacey winger would slot comfortably into any Super Rugby side and could be an option for the Chiefs who may need some reinforcements following the departure of James Lowe.
Ben Nee-Nee (Auckland)
Another Aucklander that played better than his team performance suggested. The big lock linked up well with Patrick Tuipulotu and like his locking partner Ben displayed an excellent rage of skills for a big man. N
The 24-year-old would bolster the Blues pack and would be another tall timber to aim for in the lineout.
Zac Guildford (Waikato)
The former All Black winger made his return to professional rugby during the Mitre 10 Cup season and did not disappoint. He started the season well and was on top of the Duane Monkley standings before he picked up an injury that subsequently ended his season. Guilford also showed his versatility playing mostly at fullback and would prove to be a great addition to any Super Rugby side.
