Florence misses out on Super contract after outstanding year
Saturday, Nov 27 2021
Will Johnston
Photo: John Velvin
Taranaki flanker Tom Florence will be feeling it.
After a solid year for Taranaki in their championship winning season, the 23-year-old was a surprise omission from all Super Rugby squads, announced this week.
He must have been on the cusp considering he was called into the Chiefs as injury cover this year and played two matches. Florence represented the Highlanders in a solitary appearance in 2020, after being called in.
The former New Zealand U20 representative capped off an outstanding year with a man-of-the-match performance in the final against Otago.
He played in nine of Taranaki’s 10 matches and scored one try but his tough, athletic and hard-working characteristics would benefit any team. His ability to steal opposition ball at the breakdown was a standout, which adds to his tool belt.
Taranaki coach Neil Barnes sat down with Florence at the end of the season.
While he wont reveal what was said, he acknowledged Florence isn’t too far away from selection.
“He’s had an outstanding season, but it’s the first season his body has allowed him to get consistent game time, after a couple of seasons of niggly injuries,” he said.
“He’s worked incredibly hard on his rehab and skill set and was rewarded with being named forward of the year, in front of some pretty good cattle.”
Barnes said he has “absolutely no doubt” he will make it either as an injury call up or next year with another solid season under his belt.
The silver-lining is that he could be available for his club New Plymouth Old Boys in next year’s CMK club rugby competition, who failed to make a play-off berth this year.
There are 15 Super Rugby players from the Taranaki side across all five New Zealand franchises, including the trio of Barrett brothers, Ricky Riccitelli, Kaylum Boshier and Kini Naholo.
There has been a consistent group of Taranaki representatives selected over the years, but two are missing from last year – Lachlan Boshier (overseas) and the late Sean Wainui, who would have represented Bay of Plenty if re-selected for the Chiefs.