The 2021 SIT Zero Fees Southland Stags campaign is well underway with head coach Dale MacLeod in full recruitment mode with Stags forwards Charles Alaimalo and Joe Walsh are back for another season.

Joe Walsh, who first signed with Southland in 2016, is one of the longest standing players in this years squad, having played 5 seasons to date. The 27-year-old Prop is excited to continue to build on what was the strongest defensive record in the 2020 Mitre 10 Cup season. Joe is hoping to return to the field towards the tail end of the club season following an off-season shoulder operation. 

Joining Walsh is Woodlands teammate and two season Stag Charles Alaimalo. Charles, a flanker with the ability of slipping in at lock, is one of Southlands most promising prospects. Alaimalo will miss the Southland Club season, having signed to play the club season in the European Pro 14 competition with Zebre (Italy). The 21 year olds commitment to Southland is pleasing to coach Dale MacLeod.

“Charles and Joe are both great assets to the squad. Joe was one of our hardest working front rowers so it's a shame he will miss club but he's training hard off field and will be ready for the Stags season." 

"Charles' contract in Europe is massive for him, and he'll be facing the world’s best club sides such as Muster and Osprey. He'll learn a lot as a player" says MacLeod.  

For now, it’s all eyes on fielding the strongest Stags team Southland has seen in a very long time.

Article added: Thursday 11 February 2021