WFR News
Pioneers Team Announcement: Round 8 Update
2026-07-24 15:03:51
AKAROA – The Pioneers have unveiled their matchday squad for the Round 8 battle against the California Grizzlies, boosted by the return of key international talent and their club captain.French midfielder Yoram Moefana returns to anchor the backline, while the fit-again William Gaulter reclaims his starting spot on the right wing.Up front, captain Quinten Strange returns to the second row to lead the side. A reshuffled back row sees Freddie Douglas slot in at blindside flanker, pushing Ollie Barnham to Number 8.The final change is forced by injury, with Ben Kahu starting at hooker in place of the sidelined Manumaua Letiu.
"Welcoming back Yoram [Moefana] and William [Gaulter] gives our backline a massive injection of strike power, and having Quinten [Strange] back to lead the boys is an immediate lift for the whole group," said Pioneers Head Coach Buddha Johnston ."We've had to shuffle the loose forwards and hooker due to Manumaua's [Letiu] injury, but Freddie [Douglas] and Ben [Kahu] have earned this opportunity. The California Grizzlies play a physical, high-tempo game, so we need to be clinical from the opening whistle to control the momentum on our home deck."
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"Welcoming back Yoram [Moefana] and William [Gaulter] gives our backline a massive injection of strike power, and having Quinten [Strange] back to lead the boys is an immediate lift for the whole group," said Pioneers Head Coach Buddha Johnston ."We've had to shuffle the loose forwards and hooker due to Manumaua's [Letiu] injury, but Freddie [Douglas] and Ben [Kahu] have earned this opportunity. The California Grizzlies play a physical, high-tempo game, so we need to be clinical from the opening whistle to control the momentum on our home deck."