Captain American Returns to Stags 2020.

It is with great excitement Rugby Southland announce that Tony Lamborn will be returning to the SIT Zero Fees Southland Stags for the 2020 season.

Tony was a valued member of the Stags 2018 squad but was unable to commit for the 2019 season because of his commitments at the Rugby World Cup with the USA.

Tony has signed with the Blues Super Rugby franchise for 2020 and has chosen to come back to the Stags, to play his Mitre 10 Cup rugby for Southland.

Tony will bring strong leadership and plenty of energy. He is very experienced and very competitive at top level rugby. He will challenge the players to perform at their best week in week out.

Tony has captained at International level with the USA and Mitre 10 Cup level. He proved in 2018 when he captained the Stags through our storm week that he had great ability to lead.

Head Coach Dale MacLeod knows Tony has an important role to play in the 2020 forward pack.  

“I see Tony as a straight replacement for Brayden Mitchell who has been ruled out for the 2020 season. They both have very similar characteristics, tough, durable, competitive, experienced, perform at high levels consistently and will challenge everyone in the environment to make sure we get exciting performances on the pitch.”

MacLeod added that himself along with current coaching staff are excited for Tony’s southern return.

“I am really excited about what Tony will bring to our group. Having had him part of the group in 2018 gave me a very good understanding of how Tony operates and what motivates him.

I am looking forward to having him involved in 2020 and disappointed that Brayden won’t be.”

Brayden Mitchell, who played over 50 games for the Southland Stags over 10 years will be stepping down in 2020 giving his body a rest after being one of Southlands best players over the past decade.

Rugby Southland are pleased that more Southland Stags are being recognized with Super Rugby contracts.

Ethan De Groot, Manaaki Selby-Rickitt and Ray Nu’u are with the Highlanders, with Flynn Thomas joining the franchise in the new year on a development contract. Flynn is currently recovering from shoulder surgery.

2019 Stags rookies Josh Moorby and Charles Alaimalo are part of a new development program and pathway program the SIT Zero Fees Southland Stags now have with the Highlanders.

Halfback Logan Crowley with the Hurricanes and Tony Lamborn is with the Blues.