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Forbes signs with the Steelers

Wednesday 27th February 2008

DJ Forbes: Sevens star spinning a different tune

New Zealand Sevens captain DJ Forbes has signed with the Counties Manukau Steelers for the Air New Zealand Cup season.

Forbes has been on the IRB World Sevens circuit for the past three years and up until now has played club rugby for Waitemata.

Forbes believes that Sevens training provides a great head-start for fitness for the unabridged version of the game and hopes that Counties Manukau will benefit from his experience.

"It is an innovative time for Counties Manukau and to be part of a union during its rebuilding phase is exciting," said Forbes.

"I'm really looking forward to being a part of team and doing anything I can to help."

Meanwhile, rising star and former Counties Manukau Rugby Academy member David Raikuna has also signed on after completing a scholarship at the International Rugby Academy of New Zealand in Palmerston North.

Despite offers from other unions Raikuna wanted to stay in Counties Manukau.

"I wanted to give something back to Counties Manukau for helping me so much and in turn I want to help other younger players coming through," said Raikuna.

"I really enjoyed the Academy system and learnt a lot from it."

The 19-year-old was the 2007 player of the year for his Counties Manukau Under-20 side who won their Northern Region Competition.

"It is great that these two exciting, talented player's immediate future lies with Counties Manukau," said Steelers coach Greg Aldous.

"It shows they have the confidence in what we are trying to achieve.

"DJ brings to the union great work ethic, leadership and versatility. He can play numbers six, seven or eight so that will help provide depth and David has great ability and agility which we have seen through his development through the Counties Manukau System."