Coach: Andrew Goodman and Clarke Dermody
Home ground: Trafalgar Park (Nelson) and Landsdowne Park (Blenheim)
2019: Premiership champions
Talking points
It is testament to the strong team culture that Tasman has built since its establishment in 2006 that four veteran players are returning to the fold in 2020. Top of the list is 39-year-old lock Alex Ainley who returns after a season with Bay of Plenty and in search of 100 games for the Mako (he currently sits on 92). Blenheim-born hooker Quinten MacDonald is also back in Mako colours for the first time since 2015 while the backs division is boosted by the return of classy pair Kieran Fonotia and James Marshall. David Havili will lead the team again in 2020 and will be hoping to remain injury-free after having his two campaigns with the Crusaders this year ended through injury.
Players to watch
Opposition defence coaches will be working overtime to come up with a plan to contain Tasman’s star wing recruits Sevu Reece and Mark Telea. In Reece and Telea, the Mako boast one of the most exciting wing combinations in world rugby. Reece has already made his mark on the world stage while Telea enjoyed a breakthrough season with the Blues this year. Both players have genuine x-factor and can create something out of nothing. The star recruits add more depth to a stacked Mako outside back division which includes new All Black Will Jordan, Fainga’anuku brothers Leicester and Tima, and skipper David Havili.
Incoming players
Alex Ainley (BOP), Quentin MacDonald (France), Kieran Fonotia (Wales), James Marshall (Taranaki), Sevu Reece (Waikato), Anton Segner, Hugh Renton (Canterbury), Mark Telea (North Harbour), Isieli Tuungafasi (Northland), Dwayne Polataivao
Outgoing players
Wyatt Crockett, Tim Perry (retired), Liam Squire, Jordan Taufua (overseas)
Tasman squad
Quentin MacDonald, Andrew Makalio, Sam Moli, Ryan Coxon, Tyrel Lomax, Sam Matenga, Isaac Salmon, Isieli Tuungafasi, Alex Ainley, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Mahroni Ngakuru, Quinten Strange, Taina Fox-Matamua, Shannon Frizell, Sione Havili, Jacob Norris, Hugh Renton, Anton Segner, Finlay Christie, Dwayne Polataivao, Mitchell Hunt, Timothy O’Malley, Kieron Fonotia, Alex Nankivell, Fetuli Paea, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Tima Fainga’anuku, David Havili (C), Will Jordan, Sevu Reece, Jamie Spowart, Mark Telea,
Tasman draw
Counties Manukau v Tasman
Saturday 12 September
7.05pm, Navigation Homes Stadium, Pukekohe
Tasman v Northland
Friday 18 September
7.05pm, Landsdowne Park, Blenheim
Tasman v Waikato
Saturday 26 September
2.05pm, Trafalgar Park, Nelson
North Harbour v Tasman
Sunday 4 October
2.05pm, North Harbour Stadium
Tasman v Bay of Plenty
Sunday 11 October
2.05pm, Trafalgar Park, Nelson
Auckland v Tasman
Saturday 17 October
4.35pm, Eden Park
Tasman v Southland
Sunday 25 October
2.05pm, Trafalgar Park, Nelson
Wellington v Tasman
Saturday 31 October
2.05pm, Porirua Park
Tasman v Canterbury
Saturday 7 November
7.05pm, Landsdowne Park, Blenheim
Otago v Tasman
Saturday 14 November
4.35pm, Forsyth Barr Stadium