Wellington Lions Sign Three up-and-comers

Three talented local youngsters have inked deals with the Wellington Lions ahead of the 2023 Bunnings Warehouse NPC competition.  

Hugo Plummer, Bradley Crichton and Dominic Ropeti have signed their first professional contracts with Wellington and will look to make their mark on the provincial stage.  

Plummer, a mainstay in the Tawa Premier second row, will be looking to add to his 1 Lions cap from last season and will bring in experience off the back of time with the Hurricanes this year, including a debut for the Super franchise back in April. 

Out of Northern United and Oriental-Rongotai respectively, Crichton and Ropeti will come into the NPC Campaign off the back of time with the New Zealand Under 20’s in the lead up to the Under 20 Rugby World Cup. 

The trio of players are the latest to come through the Wellington Rugby Academy to sign a contract with the Lions, adding to the 23 players who have previously come through the academy system to sign on a professional contract.  

All players are local born and bred talent, Plummer a product of Onslow College, Crichton out of St Pats Town and Ropeti, a former Scots College student. Local talent something that Lions Head Coach Tamati Ellison is thrilled to see. 

“It’s pretty special for these young guys to be signing their first professional contract. Dom and Bradley have been around the New Zealand Under 20s this year, and Hugo has spent time with the Hurricanes this season, we’re excited to see what these players can bring to our environment.” 

Wellington Rugby Academy Manager, Rick Whatarau, said the graduation of these players from the academy is deserved recognition from a talented group of players. 

“These three players have put in the work throughout their time with the Academy and seeing them recognised with professional contracts is a credit to their dedication to the game.” 

All three players have inked 2-year deals, locking them in with the Lions until the end of the 2024 season.