News

The Counties Manukau Steelers are pleased to announce the signings of Chiefs hooker Hika Elliot and All Blacks Sevens stalwart Sherwin Stowers for the 2016 Mitre 10 Cup season.

Both players have donned the red, black and white jersey before, with Elliot and Stowers both playing an integral part in Counties Manukau’s Ranfurly Shield success in 2013.

30-year old Elliot who’s played four times for the All Blacks says he’s incredibly excited to be joining Counties again this year.

“It will be great to be back at Counties and hopefully continue the success from the Chiefs onto the Mitre 10 Cup. I’m really loving my rugby at the moment, after suffering a near career-ending injury at the end of 2013.”

Stowers, 30, is a proud Counties man having played 68 games for the Steelers.

“I’m excited to be back playing for Counties and putting the jersey back on. I’m really looking forward to playing 15’s after focusing on NZ7s in 2015. The Steelers squad has been hit with a few injuries to senior players so I’m keen to play my role, supporting some of the newer players in the Mitre 10 Cup competition”.

Counties Manukau Steelers head coach Darryl Suasua is delighted to have both Elliot and Stowers on board for the 2016 campaign.

“Hika’s experience is invaluable. He’s been playing really well for the Chiefs and with the loss of Nepo Laulala and Pauliasi Manu through injury, he can add some of that leadership in our pack.

“With Sherwin, before he got into Sevens he was on the rise in the 15’s game. He was coming up with the Blues and played well for us at fullback and on the wing. It’s great to have him back. He’s a passionate Counties man, he loves the province and he’s keen to get back into the 15-aside game.”

The first chance to catch the Steelers in action at home this season is against Samoa A at ECOLight Stadium on Friday 5 August, kick off at 6:30pm.

Steelers Home Games – ECOLight Stadium 2016

Friday 5 August vs Samoa A – 6:30pm (Pre-season)

Friday 12 August vs Northland vs All Blacks – 5:30pm (Pre-season)

Sunday 28 August vs Bay of Plenty – 4:35pm

Friday 9 September vs Wellington – 7:45pm

Wednesday 14 September vs Taranaki – 7:35pm

Friday 23 September vs Waikato – 7:35pm

Saturday 15 October vs Canterbury – 2:35pm 

Please note: We will be announcing our full Steelers squad for the 2016 Mitre 10 Cup early next week after our Club Rugby finals.