Makos sign English centre [Nelson Mail]
The Tasman Makos will have an international aspect to their backline this season following the signing of English midfielder Andy Symons for the ITM Cup campaign.
The 21-year-old Englishman hails from the Leicester Tigers, where he was predominantly part of their development programme while also appearing for their senior side.
Symons comes to Tasman on the recommendation of former All Black Aaron Mauger, who coached the Englishman during his previous stint in New Zealand with Mauger's High School Old Boys Club in Christchurch two seasons ago. Symons was also a part of the Canterbury academy and is the brother of current Crusaders Knights captain and lock Matt Symons.
Tasman Rugby Union chief executive Andrew Flexman said the 1.83m and 104kg Symons had a solid reputation as a versatile player and reliable goalkicker with the ability to play in either the 10, 12 or 13 jersey.
In the absence this season of regular captain and midfielder Andrew Goodman, Flexman agreed that the young Englishman potentially had some big boots to fill.
"Goody leaves a massive hole in our whole setup, probably most pertinently in what he brings to our environment leadership-wise," Flexman said.
"I'm not suggesting [Symons] necessarily plugs that gap but what we want is a type of player with a profile as a big, abrasive ball carrier who can get us [over the] gain line and is going to be solid defensively and can distribute."
Flexman understood that following his previous experience in Christchurch, Symons was determined to return to the New Zealand rugby environment.
"He seems desperately keen to have another New Zealand rugby experience at an elevated level," Flexman said.
"I think probably on the strength of his time here two years ago, he accepts that if you want to upskill as a player and test yourself against the very best, this is probably the country to do it in. I think he sees it as an extra progression path as a player.
"This is obviously the opportunity to step up and play at ITM Cup level."
Symons' reputedly reliable goalkicking was a big selling point.
"We felt last year that our goalkicking percentages weren't good enough so that's an area where we've really got to have a bit of a dead-eye dick. And with [Buller fullback] Marty Banks coming into the province as well, there's a couple of potential options that may present themselves."
Symons is expected to arrive within the next fortnight and will link up with the Nelson club.
