The SIT Zero Fees Southland Stags have signed former Otago and Highlanders halfback Josh Renton for the 2021 Bunnings Warehouse NPC season.

The 27-year-old is no stranger to Southern Rugby playing NZ Schools Rugby and U20’s before debuting for Otago against Southland back in 2013 playing 42 games at NPC level.

He played in the Highlanders between 2015 and 2017. Since 2018, Renton has based his Rugby career in Italy for Zebre in the Pro 14 competition, this season alongside fellow Stag Charles Alaimalo.

Coach Dale MacLeod is excited to have Josh making the move South.

“Josh will bring plenty of experience and a real professional attitude to the group. Josh is very accurate in his cores roles as a 9, his kick, pass and tackle accuracy are all very good. I know Josh is very excited to be back in NZ and really looking forward to playing some rugby in the NPC.

With fellow halfback Liam Howley also signed, MacLeod admits it's going to be tough to pick a starting halfback which is a good problem to have. 

"We are looking to create real competition right across our squad. I know that the halfback position in our group will be very competitive”.

Article added: Wednesday 30 June 2021