Canadian to play in New Zealand's NPC
by Huw Turner
March 12, 2001

Canadian sevens and test winger Freddie Assellin looks set to play for Northland in the NPC First Division this year after coach Bryce Woodward confirmed the signing of a contract today.

Northland , despite excellent performances in the last two tournaments, knocking over big names like Wellington , Waikato and Canterbury along the way , face their annual problem of player retention and recruitment.

During the off season they have already lost flanker Justin Collins to Auckland, Norm Berryman to Castres in France and Tony Monaghan and Robbie Johnson to Japanese clubs.In addition, Samiu Vahafolau looks certain to return to Auckland at the expiry of his loan period and South African scrum half Joggie Viljoen is unlikely to return to New Zealad for a third season.

This means that Woodward has had to search high and low for suitable replacements , and Assellin was spotted at the recent Wellington leg of the World Series sevens. He will join the Northland squad at the end of July when their NPC preparations will be in full swing, and Woodward is believed to be poised to sign a number of other players in advance of what is certain to be a tough campaign for the Northlanders.

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